Proplan food for cats: food characteristics and reviews from veterinarians

ProPlan products are manufactured by the American company Purina (Nestlé Purina Petker), whose production plants operate throughout the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
ProPlan is a balanced food, the presence of which in your pet’s diet eliminates the need to supplement food with various additives. The food lines are divided into separate types, each of which has its own range of tastes. Such variety will satisfy even the most fastidious “gourmets”.

Types of feed

Purina ProPlan products are divided into three categories depending on the health status, age of the pet and the presence of any feeding restrictions. In particular, ProPlan food is represented by the following groups:

1. For everyday feeding:

• adult pets from 1 year to 7 years.

Adult pet

1. For restricted feeding:

• castrated and sterilized cats;
• kittens up to one year;
• cats over 7 years old;
• cats with sensitive digestion;
• cats with sensitive skin;
• overweight pets;
• sterilized with sensitive digestion.

1. Medicinal, for example, ProPlan ha Hypoallergenic, EN Gastrointestinal and others.

Why Proplan is better than other foods

It is better to compare Proplan with lines of premium diets, since its components turn out to be poorer compared to other foods in the super premium segment. Advantages of Purina Proplan over other premium diets:

• The widest range - about thirty dry options. The owner will be able to choose a nutrition option for his pet depending on changes in his age, health status or other physiological needs. By comparison, Purina One is only offered for small breed dogs, and the Chicopee brand only offers about ten options;
• in the Purina brand product line there is an increased, optimal from the point of view of the manufacturer’s specialists, content of vitamin E - tocopherol (on average 550 IU / kg). Its main purpose: participation in the formation of red cells in the blood, assistance in the absorption of fats, maintaining the health of the animal’s skin and coat, inhibiting the formation and development of inflammatory processes. For dogs, the main significance of this vitamin is as an antioxidant that inhibits aging. For comparison: in Dog Chow the proportion of vitamin E is much lower - about 150 IU/kg, and in Probalance or RosPes even less - about 50 IU/kg;

Release forms

Pro Plan cat food is available in two directions:

1. Wet food. It is a supplementary food consisting of natural ingredients and containing a large amount of meat products. This category includes pates, as well as packages of meat pieces in sauce or jelly. As an example, the following types of feed can be cited:

• N utrisavour j unior for kittens;
• N utrisavour adult for adult cats from 1 to 7 years;
• N utrisavour adult 7+ for cats over 7 years old.

Nutrisavour junior

1. Dry food ProPlan. Standard balanced diet taking into account the needs of the animal depending on its age:

• O original K itten for kittens;
• S terilised for sterilized cats from 1 to 7 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of food

Pro Plan cat food contains vitamins and minerals that promote the harmonious development of pets' health. A plus is a series of medicinal foods and a wide range for healthy pets, taking into account the needs of the animal.

Food is sold in specialized pet care stores and regular supermarkets, so finding them will not be difficult.

The disadvantages include the content of grain crops, potential allergens and food additives.

Classes and tastes

ProPlan food for cats is part of the premium class food group. There is an opinion that due to the presence of a veterinary line, these products can also be classified as super premium. The Purina Pro Plan brand is often confused with Purina Cat Chow and Purina ONE.

All three types of products are united by a common manufacturer, but the last two are of lower quality food (especially if we talk about Cat Chow, which is included in the economy class category).

The variety of flavors of Purina Pro Plan for cats can satisfy the needs of even the most capricious pet.

For kittens:

1. With chicken : for example, N utrisavour J unior for kittens. A menu of meat pieces in juicy jelly is perfect for first feeding. The product is also recommended for use by nursing cats.
2. With turkey : for example, J unior D elicate for kittens with sensitive digestion. Also suitable for pregnant and lactating cats. Contains rice, turkey, corn gluten and other protein sources. The food is quickly and easily digested. The prebiotics contained in the product (dried chicory root) improve the functioning of the digestive system.
3. With beef : for example, N utrisavour J unior for kittens up to one year. The product has a beneficial effect on brain and vision development.

Junior Delicate with Turkey
For adult cats from 1 to 7 years:

1. With chicken : O riginal A dult to support immunity. Due to the content of vitamins (A, C, E) and fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), it effectively promotes the health of the pet.
2. With turkey : L ight for overweight cats. The fat content is reduced and the amount of dietary fiber is increased. The digestibility of the protein included in the pate is 85%.
3. With salmon : Housecat . Fiber in the food improves digestion.
4. With lamb : N utrisavour A dult for adult cats (meat pieces in jelly). Improves the functioning of the urinary system.
5. With a rabbit : S terilised . Contains arginine, antioxidants. Maintains the genitourinary system in optimal condition.
6. With ocean fish : nutrisavour sterilized. Supports the health of the urinary system.
7. With duck : Sterilized .
8. With beef : Nutrisavour S terilised . Maintains normal weight of the animal. The product contains antioxidants.
9. With cod : N utrisavour D erma Plus sensitive skin (meat pieces in sauce). The food contains vitamin E, zinc, Omega-6, fiber.
10. With tuna : Sterilised . The pate contains 4% tuna, 4% salmon.

For cats over 7 years old:

1. With chicken : Original 7+ . Includes vitamins A, C, E, Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as a natural prebiotic. Practice has shown that the Longevis formula used to create the product improves the quality of life and increases its duration.
2. With salmon : Original 7+ . The composition is almost completely the same as the previous one.
3. With turkey : S sterilized 7+ . The food has the optimal calorie content for sterilized pets. The composition of the product is selected in such a way that the food helps maintain the pH balance of urine. Thanks to this, urolithiasis is prevented.
4. With tuna : A dult 7+ for adult cats. The tuna content in the pate is 4%.

Adult 7+ with tuna

Popular destinations

Pro plan for premium cats takes into account the age and physical characteristics of pets. The manufacturer produces various types of food for cats.

Pro plan for kittens and pregnant cats includes Purina Pro Plan Junior, Junior Delicate, available in the form of dry food or pouch (wet food in single-serve packages).

The composition of ingredients to maintain the health of kittens contains all the necessary substances. The mass fraction of protein in this type of Proplan is high - 40% of the total composition. The choice of diet is aimed at the healthy growth of kittens and the support of a healthy cat’s body. These are premium hypoallergenic foods.

Sterilization is not painless for all pets. In some cases, it causes disruption of the genitourinary system. Proplan for sterilized cats over 7 years old and neutered cats supports the functions of the genitourinary system.

Proplan food for sterilized cats contains vitamins A, E, and linoleic acid. It is based on salmon (18%) and fish oils that keep your pet's coat in order.

Proplan Derma Plus contains salmon as a source of protein and natural fish oil. Proplan Derma Plus affects the healthy condition of the skin and maintains the natural beauty of the coat. The very high fiber content promotes comfortable digestion.

Pro plan EN presents the Proplan veterinary series for animals with special needs. It is consumed by kittens and adults with gastrointestinal dysfunction (loose stools, loss of muscle mass, vomiting, inflammatory processes, food intolerance).

For everyday feeding

This type includes ProPlan products intended for pets from 1 to 7 years old (not sterilized, not neutered, without digestive problems, etc.):

• N utrisavour A dul t ;
• O riginal A dult ;
• O original A dult to support immunity;
• A dult (pate);
• H ousecat for adult cats living at home;
• N utrisavour H ousecat ;
• Dental Plus for maintaining oral health .

The standard composition of ProPlan cat food, intended for daily consumption, includes a fairly large amount of protein - 40% of the total composition of the product. Such a high protein content can be harmful for sick, as well as spayed and neutered pets, but for healthy and active cats it is the norm.

It is important to understand what the protein component of food consists of. A big plus of this product is that the food contains real chicken meat. Varieties with different flavors (for example, with salmon, lamb, duck, etc.) contain only 2-4% of the specified ingredients, but the base always remains chicken.

A significant proportion of the protein mass in the feed consists of components of plant origin:

• soy flour;
• corn gluten;
• soy protein concentrate.

The list contains processed meat products , in other words, ground waste (feathers, heads, bones, etc.). Questionable food ingredients also include animal fat (there is no information on the packaging about what is meant by this concept).

Soy flour

The main cereal crop included in the feed is rice (of all cereals, this is the most suitable) and corn (not the best option). The ingredients list wheat flour , which is not good, since this product can cause allergies in a pet, and besides, it is not absorbed by the cat’s body (therefore, wheat, which is a source of carbohydrates, in fact, is not one).

Corn and wheat gluten are cheap sources of plant protein. But since cats are carnivores, there is no benefit from these ingredients. Another component of feed is egg powder, obtained from egg processing.

One of the most useful components is fish oil , which serves as a source of fatty acids and vitamins. Yeast has a positive effect on the condition of your pet’s coat, but in large quantities it most often acts as an allergen.

All varieties of ProPlan food contain vitamins, enzymes and prebiotics , which contribute to the better functioning of the animal’s digestive system. Minerals (phosphorus, calcium), selected in the right proportions, have a beneficial effect on the kidneys.

On a note. After feeding your cat this product for two weeks, it is recommended to undergo examination by a veterinarian - take tests and check how the diet affects the animal’s health. Positive results will indicate that the food is digested normally and ProPlan products are quite suitable for the pet.

By age category

Purina ProPlan produces products for cats of all age categories, namely:

• ProPlan for kittens under one year of age;
• for adult cats from 1 year to 7 years;
• for adult cats over 7 years old.

Original Kitten

1. For kittens up to one year (including recommended for feeding cats during pregnancy and lactation):

• N utrisavour J unior ;
• O riginal K itten (characterized by a high protein content - 20% chicken, dry poultry protein is also present);
• J unior D elicate for kittens with sensitive digestion (contains 17% turkey, rice, dry turkey protein);
• J unior - pate includes meat, offal, vegetable protein extracts, etc.

1. For adult pets (from 1 to 7 years). This includes products for:

• adult healthy unsterilized pets;
• sterilized animals;
• cats with sensitive digestion;
• sterilized pets (to maintain sensory organs);
• sterilized animals with sensitive digestion;
• beauty of coat and health of skin;
• cats with diabetes;
• cats with liver disease;
• pets with oral diseases;
• animals in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract;
• cats in the treatment of food allergies;
• pets with urolithiasis;
• obese cats;
• cats with kidney pathology;
• pets with sensitive skin;
• oral care (includes chicken (21%), corn, powdered eggs, wheat, fish oil, antioxidants, etc.);
• maintaining immunity (contains chicken (21%), dried poultry protein, rice, corn, dried chicory root, vitamins, etc.);
• cats living at home (reduces the likelihood of hairballs forming, promotes the removal of hair from the body, makes the smell of feces less intense).

Original

1. For older cats over 7 years old (food composition includes vitamins A, E, D3 and zinc):

• Adult 7+ for adult pets (tuna pate) – contains meat and offal, fish, including tuna (4%), vegetables, fats, sugars, minerals);
• O riginal 7+ (includes salmon (19%), rice, corn gluten, soybean oil, dried chicory root, powdered egg, etc.);
• N utrisavour A dult 7+ (contains meat and offal, including 4% turkey, fish, amino acids, fiber, animal fats, vegetable oils, etc.).

Proplan feed line

The Purina company has provided many food options depending on the condition and age of the dog:

• You can select food according to age criteria: for puppies (up to one year of age), adult animals (up to seven years of age), aging dogs (over seven years of age);
• medicinal line of food. Dietary and therapeutic diets are provided in case of: heart disease, prevention and already present obesity of the dog, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney pathology, allergic reactions of various origins, problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• product size ranges: for small or large animals. The plan does not provide food by breed name, for example, for a Chihuahua or St. Bernard, but indicates the size and possible problems of the animal.

This is convenient - it allows owners, without a sudden change in food, to transfer the dog to a more suitable type of Proplan food, depending on age or health condition.

Puppy food

When developing a nutritious diet for babies, the company's specialists included a special ingredient - colostrum. It is saturated with natural antibodies and helps the baby develop harmoniously, activate and support the body’s defenses.

Dry food Purina Pro Plan “Optiderma” for small puppies

Salmon is responsible for protein, rice is the source of carbohydrates. The food is designed specifically for babies with problem skin; the substances are combined in such a way as to prevent the development of food allergies;

Food for large breed puppies "Optistart"

Designed for puppies that in the future will have a large and powerful body build. The content of meat and offal is 17%, this diet is recommended for bitches during pregnancy and lactation;

Proplan “Puppy Original” for medium puppies

The most important components are colostrum, chicken pieces, vitamin and mineral complex, which ensure the harmonious development of the skeleton, teeth and joints, gastrointestinal tract and immunity in general.

Food for adult dogs

Proplan has a gradation of food according to the size or physical condition of the animal - the composition and size of the dry ration pieces differs from this:

For small dogs:

The composition includes modified B vitamins developed by the manufacturer, which help small dogs remain active and healthy for a long time and slow down the aging process. For example, dry food Proplan “Optihealth” , with chicken and rice - contains a complex of vitamin supplements and minerals, antioxidants for activity and longevity, yeast and dried chicory root to normalize the gastrointestinal tract;

For dogs belonging to medium and large breeds:

The company has developed diets with a high protein component to keep the dog active and protect him from obesity: Pro Plan “Adult Large Robust” , with lamb. As a supplement it contains: egg powder, amino acids, L-carnitine, soybean oil, tocopherol of natural origin;

For dogs prone to allergies

If a dog is prone to allergic reactions of food origin, specialized medicinal food is provided for any breed and age: “Veterinary Diets. HA " The diet does not contain animal protein; hydrolyzed soy protein is stated as its source. Additional components: rapeseed, coconut and soybean oils, corn starch, vitamins and antioxidants.

For restricted feeding

In addition to regular food for daily consumption, ProPlan has a wide variety of products for castrated and sterilized cats. These include the following types of feed:

• N utrisavour S terilised ;
• S terilised for cats with sensitive digestion;
• S terilised 7+ for sterilized cats over 7 years old (contains useful microelements such as vitamins A, C, E, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids);
• and others.

Foods for castrated and sterilized pets are high in protein and minimal in fat (contains meat and offal, fish and fish by-products, vitamins, and minerals).

The purpose of such a diet is to maintain the animal’s normal weight and improve the health of the urinary system. Also, the substances included in the products support the functioning of the brain, sensory organs and digestive system.

Sterilized 7+

Also included in the restricted feeding category are cat foods:

1. Under one year of age.
2. Over seven years old.
3. With sensitive digestion. The composition includes: meat and offal, vegetable protein extracts, amino acids, vitamins, minerals.
4. With sensitive skin. Includes meat and offal, fish, including cod 4%, minerals, fiber, vitamins, etc.
5. Overweight (Light). Characterized by high fiber content, low fat content, and also includes turkey, soy flour, rice, wheat, minerals.
6. Sterilized with sensitive digestion. Includes chicken (20%), dried poultry protein, corn gluten, rice, wheat gluten, dried chicory root (2%), minerals, fish oil, vitamins, amino acids, etc.

Product descriptions in the first two paragraphs can be found in the section dedicated to food for various age categories.

Manufacturer and composition of feed Proplan

The head office of the company that produces Purina is located in the United States. Plants producing Purina Proplan are located in European countries (produced in France, Italy, Russia).

Purina veterinarians carefully developed the formula for this food. Let us give an example of the composition of dry cat food in the “Proplan for sterilized cats” package. This is a premium quality feed with 20% animal protein.

This type of Proplan contains turkey, dried poultry protein, animal fats, minerals, fish oil, grains, vitamins and flavorings. Evaluation and analysis of the food composition indicates that the ingredients will support the pet’s well-being for a long time.

Medicinal feed

Feeds prescribed by veterinarians during an animal’s illness, as well as for the prevention of various pathologies, can be divided into categories.

Pro Plan ha Hypoallergenic

Depending on the problem that the corresponding line of therapeutic nutrition is aimed at combating, the following groups of feeds are distinguished:

1. Pro Plan ha Hypoallergenic . Hypoallergenic food containing purified carbohydrates and hydrolyzed protein.
2. CN Convalescence . Recommended for consumption during the pet's recovery period.
3. DM Diabetes Management . Prescribed for diabetes. The composition of the feed helps control blood glucose levels.
4. EN Gastrointestinal . _ Reduces the load on the intestines, promotes better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. HP Hepatic . _ Reduces the load on the liver, serves as therapy and prevention of liver pathologies.
6. Proplan Fortiflora . _ The probiotic normalizes intestinal balance and strengthens the immune system.
7. DH Dental Health . Keeps the oral cavity healthy.
8. OM O besity Management . _ If your cat is obese, this food is recommended for consumption.
9. NF Renal Function . Prescribed for renal dysfunction.
10. U.R. Urinary . Designed to dissolve urinary stones.

Types of feed

They are divided into dry or wet mixtures for young animals and adult animals.

Products for kittens and young animals

Pro Plan for Children is presented mainly with wet formulas, which helps the transition from mother's milk to solid food.

Kitten eats food

Dry feed mixtures are produced for growing young animals. The following names are in demand:

• Junior with chicken. Designed for babies 3-4 weeks old. Contains cow colostrum.
• Junior with turkey. The composition is similar to the previous one.
• Purina Nutrisava. They produce wet food options for periods of intensive growth. Suitable for sterilized animals.
• Junior delicate with turkey. Designed for teenage hairless cats, as well as animals with a weak digestive system. Can be fed to pregnant and lactating females.

Canned young animal feed

Products for adults

Represented by the following varieties of Pro Plan food:

• Derma plus Salmon. Intended for animals with unprotected skin. Has a hypoallergenic effect. Removes from the body trichobezoars formed from swallowed hairs during licking.
• Adult Salmon. Food for active cats containing salmon fillet.
• Adult Chicken or Duck. The same, with a predominance of chicken or duck meat.
• Post-castration with turkey.

Composition of Pro Plan food

• House Cat. Contains an increased percentage of cellulose to prevent constipation in cats who do not leave the apartment and therefore suffer from adynamia.
• Adult Light. Low-calorie food for obese animals.
• Dental plus. Prevents the formation of tartar and the occurrence of gingivitis. Allowed in feeding castrated animals.
• Food for cats suffering from renal failure. It has a reduced protein level and contains agents that neutralize uremic toxins. Contraindicated for growing young animals.
• Sterilized. Feed to sterilized cats. Nutrition prevents the formation of stones.
• Adult plus 7. For older animals.
• Sterilized plus 7. Feed to aged castrated individuals. Contains anti-obesity additives.
• Hypoallergenic food. Intended for cats suffering from hypersensitivity to food irritants.
• Antidiabetic nutrition. Feed with a minimum of components, contains hydrolyzed proteins and refined carbohydrates. Contraindicated in animals suffering from renal pathologies.

Cats who spend their entire lives in an apartment

Feeding recommendations

Depending on the age of cats this product is produced for, feeding standards can vary greatly. The regimen and portions also depend on whether the food is medicinal or regular, whether it is intended for sterilized and neutered pets or not, etc.

For example, feeding a pet N utrisavour J unior for kittens must meet the following requirements:

• kittens aged 6 to 12 weeks require at least two bags of food per day (maximum five);
• pets aged 12 to 26 weeks need 3-6 sachets per day;
• from 26 to 52 weeks - from 6 to 3 packages of food per day.

Another example. Feeding N utrisavou A dult for adult cats has the following recommendations:

• an adult pet weighing about 4 kg needs 4 bags of food per day;
• The packages must be divided at least twice.

Nutrisavou Adult
Pregnant and lactating cats should be given food in the quantity that the pet needs (as much as it can eat). At the same time, the daily consumption rate for a pregnant cat is at least three sachets, and during lactation - at least five.

How much does food cost and where to buy it?

There is no need to go to a neighboring country, for example, Finland, to get this food. Pro Plan is widely represented in Russian retail and online stores. Although you cannot find it in department stores and hypermarkets, unlike economy-class products, almost all specialized pet stores have it in their assortment.

Note! Feed in small specialized stores can be much more expensive than in online stores.

Packs of dry food up to 3 kg, as well as canned food and pouches individually can be bought in many small convenience stores.

Prices for bags of 10 kg on average in Russia start from 5,000 rubles; in Moscow and St. Petersburg you can find cheaper ones, for 4,500 rubles. Packages of 7 kg are less common on sale; with turkey and rabbit they cost from 3,600 rubles, with salmon from 4,000 rubles.

Food in a 3 kg package costs from 1,500 rubles, in a 1.5 kg package - from 950 rubles, the smallest packs of 400 g cost from 210 rubles.

A package of 24 spiders can be purchased for 1,070 rubles, individually for 46 rubles. A box of canned food (24 cans) will cost at least 1280 rubles, per piece from 48 rubles.

*Prices shown are current as of October 2021.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to reviews from veterinarians and the opinion of the majority of cat owners, the advantages of ProPlan food include:

• variety of release forms (dry, wet food);
• availability of a high-quality line of medicinal feeds;
• the presence of a large amount of animal protein in the product (including real meat);
• food includes vitamins, enzymes, minerals, probiotics, natural prebiotics, fatty acids;
• not the highest prices;
• popularity and availability of the product.

Among the shortcomings of the product should be indicated:

• the presence of soy ingredients, corn and vegetable proteins in the feed;
• presence of allergens;
• low content of vegetable components;
• not all ingredients are healthy, and some are even harmful to health (especially corn - in addition to the fact that it belongs to genetically modified products, of all cereals this is the most harmful for cats);

According to veterinarians, ProPlan can be classified as a fairly high-quality “average” product, but the price of the product is clearly overpriced. The basis of the product is corn and chicken by-products, hidden under various flavoring additives (salmon, duck, lamb, etc.). Of course, these additives are natural, but they are present in small quantities.

Duck meat

Despite the far from ideal composition of the feed, the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and various beneficial microelements (vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids) present in it ensure the best absorption of the product.

A clear advantage of ProPlan is its fairly good veterinary line, as well as the Junior series of food for kittens up to one year of age, which helps strengthen the pet’s immune system.

It is worth noting that for the most part, reviews of ProPlan food are positive, and this is not surprising, because this product has many more advantages than disadvantages.

Reviews from veterinarians

Dmitry K.

From the practice of prescribing Pro Plan to my patients, the risk of obesity is significantly reduced, sugar and blood pressure levels are maintained, and the load on the heart in dogs is reduced. A huge plus is medicinal and dietary food. Of course, food is prescribed with caution to animals with a predisposition to allergies to cereals - almost all food contains wheat or corn. But the manufacturer has provided for these – gluten-free options.

Olga S.

In my practice, I give preference to other diets and recommend them to patients from other manufacturers. Although she did not abandon it completely, offering only medicinal and dietary types. The main complaints about Pro Plan products: animal protein is mainly obtained from offal, vague formulations, often without specific names, contains a lot of carbohydrates and chemical additives to enhance taste.