Updated 11 April 2026
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Review (2026)
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach is the most recommended sensitive stomach formula by veterinarians and breeders. Here is an independent analysis of the ingredients, nutritional profile, and real monthly cost.
Product Overview
Full Ingredient List
Salmon, barley, rice, canola meal, oat meal, fish meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, dried egg product, corn gluten meal, sunflower oil, fish oil, salt, monosodium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, dried yeast, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, sodium selenite. Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product.
Crude Protein
26% min
Crude Fat
16% min
Crude Fibre
3% max
Moisture
12% max
Omega-6
1.8% min
Omega-3
0.3% min
Calories
388 kcal/cup
Probiotic
L. acidophilus
Nutritional Breakdown
On a dry matter basis (adjusting for 12% moisture), the formula provides approximately 29.5% protein, 18.2% fat, and 3.4% fibre. This is a moderate-fat, moderate-protein formula well suited for dogs with digestive sensitivity. The fat level is at the upper end of what we recommend for sensitive stomachs (12 to 16%), but Purina has studied this specific formula extensively for digestibility.
Salmon is the first ingredient, providing highly digestible protein (90% digestibility) and natural omega-3 fatty acids. The inclusion of rice, barley, and oatmeal as carbohydrate sources provides a mix of quick-digesting and prebiotic fibres. The guaranteed live Lactobacillus acidophilus is a genuine differentiator; most competitors do not include live probiotics.
The ingredient list does include corn gluten meal and animal fat, which some owners prefer to avoid. Corn gluten meal is a lower-cost protein booster, and "animal fat" without further specification is less transparent than we would like. However, the overall formula has more clinical data supporting its efficacy than virtually any other sensitive stomach food on the market.
Pros
- + Salmon first ingredient with high digestibility
- + Guaranteed live probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
- + Extensively studied formula with clinical data
- + Widely available (Chewy, PetSmart, Walmart, Amazon)
- + Recommended by most veterinarians and breeders
- + Competitive price point ($2.38/lb)
- + Available in multiple protein options (salmon, lamb, turkey)
Cons
- - Contains corn gluten meal (protein filler)
- - Uses "animal fat" without specifying source
- - Contains chicken fat (problematic for chicken-sensitive dogs)
- - Not a limited ingredient diet; has 30+ ingredients
- - Fat content (16%) at higher end for sensitive stomachs
Monthly Feeding Cost by Dog Size
Based on 30 lb bag at $71.48 (Chewy, April 2026 price) = $2.38/lb. Feeding guidelines from Purina.
| Dog Size | Cups/Day | Lbs/Month | Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 to 20 lbs) | 3/4 to 1.25 | 3.5 to 6 | $8 to $14 |
| Medium (30 to 50 lbs) | 1.5 to 2.5 | 7 to 12 | $17 to $29 |
| Large (60 to 80 lbs) | 2.75 to 3.5 | 13 to 17 | $31 to $40 |
| Giant (90 to 120 lbs) | 3.75 to 5 | 18 to 24 | $43 to $57 |
Who This Food Is Best For
Ideal For
- Dogs with general digestive sensitivity (soft stools, gas, occasional vomiting)
- Owners who want a vet-recommended formula with clinical backing
- Budget-conscious owners looking for quality at a fair price
- Dogs that benefit from probiotic supplementation in their food
Not Ideal For
- Dogs with confirmed chicken allergy (contains chicken fat)
- Dogs on elimination diets (too many ingredients)
- Dogs with pancreatitis or EPI (16% fat may be too high)
- Owners who want to avoid corn-based ingredients entirely
Purina Pro Plan vs Hill's Science Diet
| Factor | Purina Pro Plan | Hill's Science Diet |
|---|---|---|
| First Ingredient | Salmon | Chicken |
| Protein | 26% | 22.5% |
| Fat | 16% | 15% |
| Fibre | 3% | 4% |
| Probiotics | Yes (L. acidophilus) | No |
| Price per lb | $2.38 | $2.72 |
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.9 |
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