Pro Plan Sport Development 30/18 Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kibble designed for large breed puppies and other life stages, with real chicken as the first ingredient and added corn, rice, and wheat for energy. It includes DHA and EPA from fish oil to support brain and eye development, plus glucosamine and appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels to support growing bones and joints. The formula is AAFCO feeding-trial tested for all life stages, including large breed growth, which is particularly important for big, fast-growing puppies.
Nutritionally, this is a strong option for large breed puppies and active young dogs, with an emphasis on controlled growth, joint support, and brain development. The 30% protein and 18% fat are appropriate for athletic pups, and the calcium and phosphorus levels are tailored to support safe skeletal growth in large breeds. Because it has gone through AAFCO feeding trials specifically including large breed growth, it offers a higher level of confidence than many diets that are only formulated on paper.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Real chicken as the first ingredient, with multiple high-quality animal protein sources to support lean muscle development in growing and active dogs.
- Formulated and AAFCO feeding-trial tested for all life stages, including growth of large breed dogs, which is critical to help support proper bone and joint development in big puppies.
- Includes DHA and EPA from fish oil for developing brain and eyes, plus glucosamine and balanced calcium and phosphorus for joint and skeletal support.
- Contains taurine and a range of added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support heart, immune, and overall health during growth.
Considerations
- Contains common allergens such as chicken, beef fat, egg, wheat, corn, and soy, so it is not ideal for puppies with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is fairly high (about 430 kcal per cup), so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid overfeeding, especially in large breed puppies where excess weight can stress growing joints.
- Includes garlic oil, which is present in very small amounts but may be a concern for owners who prefer to avoid any allium ingredients.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Beef Fat
Beef fat (tallow) is used in pet foods as a concentrated energy source and flavor/palatability enhancer that also helps with absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins and can support skin and coat condition. It is rich in saturated and monounsaturated fats and provides animal‑derived omega‑6 fatty acids but is low in omega‑3s, so overall fatty acid balance matters; because it is calorie‑dense and can cause digestive upset or contribute to obesity and pancreatitis in susceptible animals, amounts should be controlled and rendered fats stabilized to prevent rancidity.
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 Sport Development 30/18 Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy 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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