Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for large-breed puppies, using chicken as the primary animal protein along with rice, corn, and wheat for carbohydrate energy. It includes added DHA from fish oil for developing brains and eyes, plus controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper bone growth in bigger breeds. The recipe has been tested in AAFCO feeding trials for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, which gives extra reassurance about its overall nutritional adequacy.
This is a well-designed large-breed puppy diet with solid nutritional science behind it and the added reassurance of AAFCO feeding trials. It offers appropriate protein and fat levels for growth, controlled minerals for large-breed bone development, and extras like DHA, omega-6s, and glucosamine. It’s a strong option for most large-breed puppies, though it will not be suitable for dogs that need to avoid common proteins or grains like chicken, beef, wheat, or corn.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken as the first ingredient, supported by poultry by-product meal and fish meal, provides high-quality, highly digestible animal protein for growing puppies.
- Formulated and proven through AAFCO feeding trials for all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies, which strongly supports nutrient adequacy and digestibility.
- Calcium and phosphorus levels appear appropriate for large-breed growth, and added glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage in big, fast-growing pups.
- Includes DHA from fish oil and omega-6 fatty acids to support brain development, skin and coat health, and overall growth needs.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, poultry by-products, beef fat, egg, wheat, soy, and corn, so it is not a good fit for puppies with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Garlic oil is present in small amounts and is generally considered safe at these levels, but very sensitive dogs or owners who prefer to avoid any allium ingredients may want to be aware of its inclusion.
- Carbohydrate sources are primarily grains (corn, rice, wheat), which are nutritionally useful but may not suit owners specifically seeking a grain-free or legume-free diet for personal preference reasons.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
03
Corn Protein Meal
Corn protein meal is a concentrated plant-based protein ingredient commonly used to raise crude protein and energy in dry kibbles, treats and some wet diets as a cost-effective alternative to animal protein sources. It provides digestible amino acids for dogs but has an incomplete amino acid profile (notably low in lysine and lacking taurine), so it should be balanced with higher-quality animal proteins for growing animals and obligate‑carnivore cats; some pets may also be sensitive to corn and quality/sourcing can affect safety and nutrient content.
04
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
05
Poultry By-Product
Poultry by-product is used primarily as a concentrated protein, fat and micronutrient source in pet foods and consists of rendered poultry parts such as internal organs, bones and connective tissues that supply amino acids, minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and B‑vitamins. It can be a cost‑effective source of bioavailable nutrients, but composition and quality vary by source and processing—owners of pets with poultry allergies or who prefer named-meat ingredients may choose alternatives, and safety depends on reputable rendering and adherence to regulatory standards.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Purina Pro Plan is Nestlé Purina’s flagship veterinary- and research-backed premium line, designed for pets with specific dietary needs and active lifestyles. It is supported by extensive nutritional science and AAFCO feeding trials.
Visit Purina Pro PlanWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Purina Pro Plan Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Purina Pro Plan ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Purina Pro Plan. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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