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Pet food brands: Purina Pro Plan vs. Hill's Science Diet

Quick Verdict

Both Purina Pro Plan and Hill's Science Diet are reputable brands offering a variety of formulas to meet different needs. Purina Pro Plan may be a better choice for those prioritizing high-quality protein sources and palatable textures, while Hill's Science Diet remains a solid option, especially when veterinarian-recommended for specific health conditions. Consider ingredient quality and specific dietary needs when choosing between the two.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributePurina Pro PlanHill's Science Diet
NamePurina Pro PlanHill's Science Diet
Life Stage SuitabilityOffers formulas for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.Offers formulas for puppy, adult, and senior dogs.
Specific Breed SupportFormulas tailored to different breed sizes, including small and large breeds; some formulas address specific needs of certain breeds.Some formulas designed for specific breed sizes, such as large breed puppies and adults.
Primary Protein SourceChicken, lamb, beef, and salmon are common primary protein sources.Real meat, poultry, or fish. Common sources include chicken, chicken meal, and salmon.
Grain InclusionBoth grain-inclusive and grain-free options are available; some formulas contain grains like corn, wheat, and soy.Both grain-inclusive and grain-free options available. Grain-inclusive formulas contain barley, brown rice, corn, sorghum, and wheat.
Specific Dietary NeedsOffers specialized formulas for sensitive skin and stomach, weight management, and urinary health.Specialized formulas for sensitive stomach, weight management, joint support, urinary health, and skin sensitivities.
AAFCO StatementPurina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.Includes an AAFCO statement, indicating they are complete and balanced for a specific life stage. Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Hill's Science Diet provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.
Calorie ContentVaries depending on the specific formula (e.g., Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has 407 kcal per cup; Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula adult dry dog food has 369 kcal/cup).Varies depending on the specific formula. Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entr e canned food contains 379 kcal per 12.8 oz can. Perfect Weight Small & Mini dry food has 3192 kcal/kg or 289 kcal per 8 oz cup.
Ingredient Quality and SourcingEmphasizes high-quality protein sources, often with real meat as the first ingredient; some formulas include meat by-products.Hill's states they use high-quality ingredients and have a team of vets and nutritionists. Some reviews note the inclusion of ingredients with lower nutritional value, such as corn, brewer's rice, soybean meal, and dried beet pulp.
Added SupplementsMany formulas are fortified with probiotics, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine.Some formulas contain added supplements like vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
FormAvailable in dry kibble and wet food; also available in Veterinary Diet formulas.Available in dry kibble and wet food. Also available as a veterinary diet for specific health conditions.
Package Size OptionsAvailable in various sizes, ranging from small bags to large bags.Available in various package sizes.
Price per Pound/OuncePrices vary depending on the formula and retailer (e.g., a 15 lb bag of Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food, Beef and Rice is $3.31/lb).Prices vary depending on the formula and retailer.
User Feedback - PositiveImproved digestion and stool quality, Healthier coat and skin, Palatable for picky eaters, Helps manage health conditions, Increased energy levels and vitality.Improved digestion and stool quality reported, especially with sensitive stomach formulas., Improvements in coat and skin condition reported, such as softer, shinier coat and reduced itching., Helps manage allergies and digestive issues., Increased energy levels and overall vitality in pets reported.
User Feedback - NegativeNoneSome reviews mention that Hill's Science Diet contains some lower-quality ingredients compared to other brands.
User Feedback - ValueConsidered a moderately priced option with quality and benefits justifying the cost.Some customers feel the price is justified by the quality and benefits of the food.
Pros
  • Improved digestion and stool quality reported by some users, especially with sensitive stomach formulas.
  • Inclusion of prebiotic fiber aids in maintaining digestive health.
  • Improvements in coat and skin condition, with a shinier and healthier coat.
  • Formulas often contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
  • Many dogs, even picky eaters, find Purina Pro Plan palatable.
  • The dual-textured kibble (crunchy and tender pieces) can increase palatability.
  • Specific formulas are designed to help manage conditions like allergies, sensitive skin, digestive issues, and weight.
  • Emphasizes single, high-quality protein sources and targeted nutrition, often with beneficial supplements like probiotics.
  • Generally considered a moderately priced option, with many users feeling the quality and benefits justify the cost.
  • Often recommended by veterinarians.
  • Widely available online and in pet specialty stores.
  • Some users have reported increased energy levels and overall vitality in their dogs.
  • Wide range of formulas for different life stages and specific dietary needs.
  • Often recommended by veterinarians.
  • Many pets find it palatable.
  • Widely available online and in pet stores.
  • Some formulas contain added supplements like vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Cons
  • Some formulas include meat by-products.
  • Some formulas contain grains like corn, wheat, and soy.
  • Some reviews note the inclusion of ingredients with lower nutritional value.
  • Some reviewers reported soft stools.

Overall Comparison

Purina Pro Plan: $3.31/lb (example), Hill's Science Diet: Price varies. Both offer puppy, adult, and senior formulas.

Pros and Cons

Purina Pro Plan

Pros:
  • Improved digestion and stool quality reported by some users, especially with sensitive stomach formulas.
  • Inclusion of prebiotic fiber aids in maintaining digestive health.
  • Improvements in coat and skin condition, with a shinier and healthier coat.
  • Formulas often contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
  • Many dogs, even picky eaters, find Purina Pro Plan palatable.
  • The dual-textured kibble (crunchy and tender pieces) can increase palatability.
  • Specific formulas are designed to help manage conditions like allergies, sensitive skin, digestive issues, and weight.
  • Emphasizes single, high-quality protein sources and targeted nutrition, often with beneficial supplements like probiotics.
  • Generally considered a moderately priced option, with many users feeling the quality and benefits justify the cost.
  • Often recommended by veterinarians.
  • Widely available online and in pet specialty stores.
  • Some users have reported increased energy levels and overall vitality in their dogs.
Cons:
  • Some formulas include meat by-products.
  • Some formulas contain grains like corn, wheat, and soy.

Hill's Science Diet

Pros:
  • Wide range of formulas for different life stages and specific dietary needs.
  • Often recommended by veterinarians.
  • Many pets find it palatable.
  • Widely available online and in pet stores.
  • Some formulas contain added supplements like vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Cons:
  • Some reviews note the inclusion of ingredients with lower nutritional value.
  • Some reviewers reported soft stools.

User Experiences and Feedback