A Trusted Voice in Pet Nutrition
With over a decade of hands-on experience in pet care and nutrition, I’ve tested, researched, and reviewed countless products to find what truly works for our four-legged friends. My approach goes beyond just reading labels — I personally evaluate ingredients, observe my own dog’s reactions, and dig deep into how products perform in real-life use. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and direct experience with a popular product many dog owners are talking about. My goal is to give you all the important facts you need so you can confidently decide whether this is the best dog food for dogs in your home too.
What’s Good and What’s Not
✔ Pros:
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- Crunchy and soft texture mix — dogs love it
- Includes live probiotics for better digestion
- Helps build strong muscles and energy
- Supports skin and coat health
- Complete and balanced for adult dogs
✘ Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs with chicken allergies
- A bit pricey compared to regular dog food
- Only available in limited size (5 lb. bag)
Who Should Buy This Dog Food?
If you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food that supports digestion, energy, and skin health — this is a solid choice. It’s especially great for adult dogs that need both protein and gut support. If your dog enjoys both crunch and soft bites, they’ll love the shredded mix. However, if your dog has a chicken allergy, it may not be the right fit.
Product Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Purina Pro Plan |
| Product Name | Complete Essentials Shredded Blend |
| Main Ingredient | Real Chicken |
| Type | Dry Dog Food |
| Weight | 5 lb. |
| Protein Source | Chicken |
| Additional Ingredients | Rice, Probiotics, Natural Prebiotic Fiber, Vitamin A, Omega-6 |
| Purpose | Muscle growth, Digestive support, Skin & coat health |
| Suitable For | Adult Dogs |
| Texture | Crunchy kibble + Tender shredded pieces |
| Nutrition | 100% Complete & Balanced |
My Experience Using This Dog Food
✅ First Impressions and Transition Time
When I first poured this food into the bowl, the smell was fresh — not too strong or artificial. My dog sniffed it and started eating without hesitation. That alone told me the flavor and texture were on point. I transitioned slowly over 7 days from his old kibble to avoid stomach upset. No issues. His stool stayed firm, and energy levels were consistent.
💪 Building Muscle and Staying Active
My dog is fairly active — we walk every day and play fetch in the backyard. I noticed within two weeks, his muscles looked more toned, especially around the legs and chest. This food is rich in protein, and it clearly helps support muscle strength. He also seemed to run longer without getting tired. That extra energy is a big win.
🦴 Digestion & Gut Health
The probiotics and prebiotic fiber are not just buzzwords. I saw a real improvement. Before this, my dog had occasional gas and loose stool. That’s all gone now. His digestion seems smoother, and he’s more comfortable. If your dog struggles with a sensitive stomach, this may help.
🐶 Coat and Skin Improvement
Another benefit I saw after about 3–4 weeks was his coat. It became shinier and softer. No more dry flakes or itching. The omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A really do their job here. It felt good seeing him scratch less and look more groomed, even between baths.
🍗 Texture that Keeps Dogs Interested
The shredded chicken bits mixed with crunchy kibble are a smart idea. My dog used to get bored with plain dry food. Now, he finishes every meal. This mix keeps him excited, and it helps with chewing too — not too hard, not too soft.
How It Stands Against Others
| Feature | Purina Pro Plan | Basic Store Brand | Premium Hypoallergenic Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Meat First | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often not | ✅ Yes |
| Probiotics Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Texture Variety | ✅ Crunch + Shreds | ❌ One texture | ❌ Mostly soft |
| Coat & Skin Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited | ✅ Strong |
| Price | 💲💲 | 💲 | 💲💲💲 |
| Allergy-Friendly | ❌ No (has chicken) | ✅ Some | ✅ Yes |
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice is one of the best dog food for dogs who need complete nutrition and have no allergies to chicken. It’s tasty, easy to digest, and promotes visible health benefits like muscle tone, shiny coat, and strong digestion. It may not be the cheapest option, but what you get in return is well worth the price. If you care about giving your dog a better diet, this one is a smart step forward.
Let me know if you’d like the same review format for another product.
