Purina ONE Dog Food Review

Dog Food Nutrition January 6, 2024
Purina ONE Dog Food Review

Purina ONE Dog Food Review

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Purina ONE Dog Food Review

Purina ONE dog food is made by Nestle Purina PetCare, a subsidiary of Nestle. Purina ONE is a top-selling brand for the company. It comes in a number of formulas for puppies, including grain-free, canned/wet recipes, kibble, and others.

Purina ONE is widely available at supermarkets and from pet food retailers.

Are you wondering if this brand would be a good choice for your dog? We have answers for you with our unbiased review.

Purina ONE Dog Food: Top 5 Recipes Reviewed

Brand Score

Purina ONE Dog Food
Brand
Overall Score
Pros
  • Real meat, poultry, or fish is the first ingredient in Purina ONE foods
  • Purina ONE offers a wide variety of recipes and formulas for all dogs with all kinds of nutritional needs
  • Purina invests in canine nutritional research which improves their foods
Cons
  • Some Purina ONE formulas include soybean ingredients which can be problematic for dogs
  • Purina uses Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), synthetic Vitamin K, which is somewhat controversial.
Pros
  • Real meat, poultry, or fish is the first ingredient in Purina ONE foods
  • Purina ONE offers a wide variety of recipes and formulas for all dogs with all kinds of nutritional needs
  • Purina invests in canine nutritional research which improves their foods
Cons
  • Some Purina ONE formulas include soybean ingredients which can be problematic for dogs
  • Purina uses Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), synthetic Vitamin K, which is somewhat controversial.
Ingredients
Overall Quality
Customer Experience
Recall History
Formulation
Nutritional Standards
Research
Price

Our reviews are based on extensive research and years of professional knowledge of dog food brands. In order to remain objective, we do not accept gifts of free products or write sponsored posts on this site.

In this article, we have examined Purina ONE dog foods closely and graded the brand according to the PupJunkies.com standard. Our criteria include ingredients, quality, customer experience, recall history, working with veterinary nutritionists to formulate the food, nutritional standards, research, and price.

About Purina ONE

Purina ONE, introduced in 1986, is a premium dog and cat food brand by Purina. It is a bestseller in supermarkets and pet stores, appealing to both average pet owners and dog fanciers. The brand offers dry, wet, canned, and treat dog food.

Purina ONE also offers a 28-day challenge with a $5 coupon, allowing customers to see a positive difference in their pet’s health after 28 days of feeding.

Sourcing And Manufacturing

Purina ONE is manufactured by Nestle Purina at its own facilities. Purina has at least 21 manufacturing plants in the United States. Purina ONE is sold worldwide.

The company doesn’t provide very detailed information about where ingredients are sourced. You can see some information about their ingredients here.

Nestle Purina PetCare, owned by Nestle S.A. in Switzerland, has headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

Recall History

We found two recalls for Purina ONE products.

August 2013:

  • Cause: Possible salmonella risk.
  • Announcement: FDA report dated Aug. 30, 2013.
  • What was recalled: Purina ONE Beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food, 3.5 lb. bags with BOTH a “Best by” date of October 2014 and Production Code #31071083.

July 2011:

  • Cause: Possible salmonella risk.
  • Announcement: Press release dated July 29, 2011 (archived on the FDA site).
  • What was recalled: Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ dry cat food, 3.5 lb. and 7 lb. bags, with a “best by” date of May 2012 and Production Code #03341084 or #03351084.

In addition, Purina has had occasional recalls for some of its dog foods, but considering the amount of dog food made and sold by the company (it is the largest pet food company in the U.S. and the second largest in the world), it has had very few problems over the years. Purina has a good safety record and runs countless checks and tests on the pet food they produce before it is shipped out.

What Kinds Of Dog Food Does Purina ONE Offer?

Purina ONE makes dry dog food, wet/canned food, food for small breeds and large breeds, puppy food, for sensitive digestion, weight management, high meat protein, grain free food, and more. They have formulas available in several different meat, poultry, and fish proteins.

Purina ONE: Top Five Recipes Reviewed

Here’s a look at five of the top-selling Purina ONE dog foods as found on Chewy.com so you can get a good idea of what some of the different formulas are like.

1.

PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND CHICKEN & RICE ADULT FORMULA DRY DOG FOOD

Product Info

  • Protein: 26% Min
  • Fat: 16% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Moisture: 12% Max

Ingredients:

Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula Dry Dog Food is the bestselling Purina ONE dog food on Chewy.com. Chicken formulas are often bestsellers and this is a good food as olong as your dog doesn’t have allergies to any of the ingredients.

Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:

Chicken (Source of Glucosamine), Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Liver Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Mono and Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Caramel Color, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Sulfur.

Soybean meal is the primary ingredient that might cause concern. It’s usually added to provide more protein to a dog food. Some dogs have allergies to soy and there are some concerns because soy contains plant-based estrogens called isoflavones. These isoflavones can have an affect on humans but there hasn’t been much research yet to determine if they also have an affect on dogs (though anecdotal evidence suggests that they do). Small amounts of soy in a dog food may not be a problem but it’s also possible that regular ingestion could affect a dog, especially a dog used for breeding. We don’t know.

According to the dry matter basis (DMB), this food has 29.5 percent protein, 18.2 percent fat, and 3.4 percent fiber. This formula has an estimated 41 percent carbohydrates. It has 383 kcal/cup.

Our rating for this food is 4 out of 5 stars.
2.

PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND TRUE INSTINCT WITH REAL TURKEY & VENISON ADULT DRY DOG FOOD

Product Info

  • Protein: 30% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Moisture: 12% Max

Ingredients:

Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct with Real Turkey & Venison Adult Dry Dog Food is one of Purina ONE’s True Instinct line of foods. These foods are higher in protein than the other Purina ONE kibbles.

Here are the ingredients:

Turkey (Source of Glucosamine), Corn Gluten Meal, Soy Flour, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Chicken Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Soy Flakes, Rice Flour, Corn Germ Meal, Glycerin, Venison, Oat Meal, Liver Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Mono and Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Caramel Color, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Potassium Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Sulfur, Choline Chloride.



Again, we point out the soy ingredients.

This food has 34 percent protein and 19.3 percent fat, according to the dry matter basis (DMB). It has 3.4 percent fiber. Our estimate of the carbohydrates in the food came out to 35.2 percent, DMB. It contains 360 kcal per cup.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
3.

PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND LARGE BREED PUPPY FORMULA DRY DOG FOOD

Product Info

  • Protein: 28% Min
  • Fat: 13% Min
  • Fiber: 6% Max
  • Moisture: 12% Max

Ingredients:

Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies need diets with slightly fewer calories and less fat than other puppies. They need to stay slim so they don’t put extra stress on their bones and joints. They also need a precise amount of calcium/phosphorus.

You can take a look at the ingredients:

Chicken, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Pea Fiber, Glycerin, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil (Source of DHA), Liver Flavor, Mono and Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Sulfur.

The calcium and phosphorus percentages in this food are 1.1 percent and 0.9 percent minimums, respectively.

According to the dry matter analysis for this food, it has 31.8 percent protein, 14.8 percent fat, 6.8 percent fiber, 39 percent carbohydrates, and 361 kcal per cup.

Our rating for this food is 4 out of 5 stars.
4.

PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND VIBRANT MATURITY 7+ ADULT FORMULA DRY DOG FOOD

Product Info

  • Protein: 28% Min
  • Fat: 13% Min
  • Fiber: 4.5% Max
  • Moisture: 12% Max

Ingredients:

Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult Formula Dry Dog Food is made for older dogs to help them stay mentally and physically fit. Purina has pioneered research into cognitive health for older dogs and this food contains the medium chain triglycerides older dogs need to help them feel and act younger.

You can take a look at the ingredients:

Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Vegetable Oil (Source of Medium-Chain Triglycerides), Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry and Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono and Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil.

We also like this food for older dogs because, unlike many foods for senior dogs, it doesn’t drastically cut calories or other nutrients. Protein, fat, fiber, and calories are similar to Purina ONE’s other adult dog foods.

According to the dry matter analysis for this food, it has 31.8 percent protein, 14.8 percent fat, 5.1 percent fiber, 40.3 percent carbohydrates, and 363 kcal/cup.

Our rating for this food is 4.5 out of 5 stars – extra stars here for the research to help older dogs feel and act younger.
5.

PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND TENDER CUTS IN GRAVY LAMB & BROWN RICE ENTREE ADULT CANNED DOG FOOD

Product Info

  • Protein: 10% Min
  • Fat: 3% Min
  • Fiber: 1.5% Max
  • Moisture: 80% Max

Ingredients:

Purina ONE SmartBlend Tender Cuts in Gravy Lamb & Brown Rice Entree Adult Canned Dog Food is a good choice if you like to give your dog a wet/canned food. Small dogs and older dogs are good candidates for canned food. Or, you can use canned food as a topper or mix with kibble for a larger dog.

Here are the ingredients:

Lamb And Chicken Broth, Liver, Lamb, Wheat Gluten, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Brown Rice, Carrots, Soy Flour, Corn Starch-Modified, Spinach, Egg Product, MINERALS [Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite], Tricalcium Phosphate, Added Color, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride.

Meat by-products are not as good as a named/specified ingredient.

According to the dry matter analysis for this food, it has 50 percent protein, 15 percent fat, 7.5 percent fiber, 12.5 percent carbohydrates, and 349 kcal per 13-ounce can.

Our rating for this food is 3.5 out of 5 stars.

How Much Does Purina ONE Dog Food Cost?

Purine ONE is more expensive than most other dog foods in the supermarket, but it is less expensive than most premium dog foods sold in pet food stores. It is a good dog food brand for its price.

What Do Customers Think of Purina ONE Dog Food?

Most customers think Purina ONE foods are affordable; the all-natural dog food is priced under $13 for an 8-pound bag.

While some dogs enjoy the taste, others prefer healthier brands with quality meats, vegetables, and vitamins and minerals.

Overall, is Purina ONE Dog Food A Good Choice?

Yes, Purina ONE is a good brand. It offers many different choices, so you can select a formula that is suitable for your dog.

However,some of the canned wet food, despite using quality meats like beef, lamb, and chicken, contains controversial ingredients such as cheap brewer’s rice, poultry by-product meal, corn and gluten, and menadione, which is believed to cause allergies and liver problems.

The dry food lacks high-quality nutrients and is not appealing to dogs. The wet food, while cheaper, still contains animal by-products and lacks sufficient minerals, making it a less than stellar choice for dogs.

Where Is Purina ONE Dog Food Sold?

You can buy Purina ONE dog foods from Chewy.com and other online retailers. Purina ONE dog food is also sold in grocery stores and pet food stores.

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Carlotta Cooper is a long-time contributing editor for the weekly dog show magazine DN Dog News. She's the author of The Dog Adoption Bible, a Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) award winner. In addition, she is an American Kennel Club Gazette breed columnist and the author of several books about dogs. She has been reviewing pet foods and writing about dog food for more than 10 years.
2 Comments
  1. Kandie

    I tried Purina One smart food Chicken and Rice on my picky eater, a 4 year old std. poodle. He’s loving it! Will he love it next week? I don’t know but am happy that he’s eating it now and I’m not throwing it away as I did many times with other brands.

  2. joni weaver

    started purina large breed for our lab boxer pup he loves it he bulked at other foods also our overweight boxer loves the weight control purina one and the cost is great too we had tried every highend food and they love this we also use the canned food they love it too

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