Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula scores 2.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (moderate — 71% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (moderate — 50% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula dry dog food good?
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula is a dry dog food rated 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. However, animal by-products make up a significant share of the protein. This recipe is free from Dairy, Nuts, Shellfish but contains Gluten grains, Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Poultry Meal, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Cons
- Relies heavily on animal by-products, which can vary in quality.
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 32% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 40% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 28% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13% |
| Est. Carbs | 35% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (32% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.
- Fat is Medium (15% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many adult dogs, assuming the full diet matches activity and body condition.
Ingredients Analysis
39 of 39 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Rice
CarbsDescription
Without its bran and germ (the main source of nutrients), white rice is considered as "empty carbs".
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
-
3 Corn Protein Meal
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
A concentrated corn protein similar to corn gluten meal, used to boost protein levels.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
-
4 Whole Grain Corn
CarbsDescription
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
One of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
It is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
-
5 Poultry By-product Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A meat meal made of unspecified poultry parts leftover after muscle meat is removed in the slaughterhouse. It could include anything from necks, undeveloped eggs, feet, and internal organs.
Why Notice?
Often times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
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6 Whole Grain Wheat
CarbsDescription
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
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7 Beef Fat
FatDescription
The layer of fatty acid at the top similar to the one you see while cooking a beef soup. It is one of the quality animal-based fat sources with higher omega 6s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
8 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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9 Dried Egg Product
Animal ProteinDescription
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Why Concerned?
A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
-
10 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
-
11 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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12 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
Fish oil is beneficial but the unnamed source makes quality assessment difficult.
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13 Soybean Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from soybeans, an inferior option as it contains more saturated fats than the majority of vegetable oils.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
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14 Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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15 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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16 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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17 Potassium Citrate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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18 L-lysine Monohydrochloride
SupplementDescription
One of the essential amino acids that dogs and cats cannot produce by themselves therefore must be obtained from the diet. Usually, pet foods with a high amount of meat and legumes do not require this supplement as they are high in lysine naturally.
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19 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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20 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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21 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
22 Manganese Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
-
23 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
24 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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25 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
26 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
27 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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29 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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30 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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31 Vitamin B12 Supplement
(Detected): Vitamin B-12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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32 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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33 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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34 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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35 Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
SupplementDescription
The synthetic form of vitamin K3, it has been banned as a supplement for humans (toxic in large doses), but still consider "OK" for use in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Uncertain/Risky
Repeated or long-term consumption may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.
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36 Vitamin D3 Supplement
(Detected): Vitamin D-3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
37 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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38 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
39 Garlic Oil
FatDescription
Often added to improve the taste of pet foods. According to research, garlic is completely safe in a small amount.
Why Concerned?
A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
Uncertain/Risky
It contains thiosulfate, when feed in a larger amount, it can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of the body, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Poultry By-product Meal, Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Corn Protein Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Corn Protein Meal, Poultry By-product Meal, Fish Meal.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Poultry By-product Meal, Fish Meal, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, and 2 more have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 50%
- Unnamed 17%
- By-products 33%
Mixed clarity: 50% of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 17% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 33% are by-products. Where names are vague, you cannot verify the source or check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
By-products
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 71%
- Plant concentrate 29%
Mixed protein sources in Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula: 71% animal, 0% whole plants, and 29% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula dry dog food Review
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 50% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Animal by-products account for 33% of the protein, which can vary in quality.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Corn Protein Meal.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Poultry Meal, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 32% protein, 15% fat, 40% estimated carbohydrates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula good for dogs?
Mostly — Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula is a solid mid-tier choice at 2.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing moderate ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your dog’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula grain-free?
No — Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Gluten grains. That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most dogs tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your dog must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula?
The main animal proteins in Purina Pro Plan Puppy Under Two Years Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula are Chicken, Dried Egg Product. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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