Purina vs Iams Why Choose One Over the Other?
- If cost is a factor, you can choose Diamond Naturals Dry Food which is our recommendation for the Best Budget Friendly Dog Food with Best overall ingredients in a budget food.
- If cost is not an issue then choose
Honest Kitchen Force
| IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Small & Toy Breed | PURINA PROPLAN BRIGHT MIND ADULT | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Our Rating |  (4.8 / 5) |  (4.7 / 5) |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Primary Protein Source | Chicken | Chicken |
| Primary Carbohydrate Source | Corn | Rice |
| First Five Ingredients Listed | Chicken Chicken By-Product Meal Ground Whole Grain Corn Ground Whole Grain Sorghum Chicken Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols | Chicken Brewers Rice Poultry By-Product Meal Whole Grain Corn Corn Gluten Meal |
| Secondary Protein Source | Meal | Meal |
| Secondary Carbohydrate Source | Sorghum | Corn |
| Tertiary Protein Source | Animal | Animal |
| Crude Fat (min.) | 17% | 16% |
| Crude Protein (min.) | 27% | 29% |
| Crude Fiber (min.) | 4% | 3.00% |
| Moisture (max.) | 10% | 12% |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Breed Specific | Small and Toy Breeds | Small Breeds |
| Ingredient Information | No Artificial Preservatives | 100% Organic |
| Advertised Benefits | Healthy Heart Strong Muscles Healthy Metabolism Healthy Digestion | Alertness and Mental Sharpness in Dogs 7+ Healthy Skin and Coat Joint Health Strong Bones and Teeth |
Contents
You are a small breed dog owner and your pet is getting older. There are many foods on the market that say they are good for an older dog, that they will maintain your dog’s healthy heart, muscles and mind. But, how do you know? How do you choose amongst the many adult small breed options that are on the market?
Both promise healthy hearts, muscles and minds and they are comparable in price. And ingredient wise, they are also similar.
Both brands also meet the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control) for balanced nutrition and a level of quality.
Purina ProPlan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Small Breed Formula
Purina lists chicken as its first ingredient and primary protein source. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and helps maintain and increase muscle development.
They follow that with brewer’s rice, an easily digestible carbohydrate. It is high in fiber, something a dog needs for good digestion. And yes, it is the same type of rice that is used by a very large beer brewing corporation in the United States, hence the name “brewer’s rice.”
Purina adds chicken by-product meal for more protein. This ingredient includes the ground up “extra” pieces of the chicken, including the feet, stomach, lungs, liver, heart, beak, and fetus. These organ meats and other items are considered a good source of protein for your dog, even if you would never eat them yourself.
Purina brand dog foods, are inexpensive and within the reach of most pet owners. Veterinarians highly recommend the ProPlan formulation in Purina’s line, saying it provides “solid nutrition for a good price.”
Iams Proactive Health Adult Small & Toy Breed
Iams also starts its Proactive Health formula with chicken. Veterinarians consider whole meats and poultry as an important part of your dog’s diet. Chicken is 95 percent digestible for dogs, has naturally occurring vitamins A, D, and E, and 65 g/kg protein of Lysine, with is an amino-acid that increases immune health, calcium absorption and collagen production in pets.
Iams does make use of poultry meal, as its second ingredient to add extra protein.
Iams rounds out its Proactive Health formula with chicken fat with the addition of the preservative mixed tocopherols (Iams). Tocopherols is a natural antioxidant that prevents spoilage. It helps maintain the flavor and nutrients in the dog food.
Fat is a necessary ingredient in a dog’s diet (as it is in a human diet). In dogs, it helps maintain a healthy coat, muscle development, and energy.
Brand comparison
I appreciate the candid information on both Iam’s and Purina One.
I prefer Purina One and my 2 little senior ones love it, however, I’m not always able to find the senior blend locally, so I’m going to try to find Iam’s senior locally.
Thank you for the comparison information from ingredients, price as well as the user favorites.