Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs
Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This dog food contains high-quality protein sources like chicken and chicken meal, along with beneficial ingredients such as salmon oil and flaxseed, which provide essential fatty acids. However, it includes 'natural flavor', which lacks transparency and raises concerns about ingredient quality. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the presence of several nutritious components.
Key ingredients 24
FlaxseedVery Good
Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It supports skin and coat health and aids in digestion. As a whole seed, it is minimally processed and nutrient-rich.
Benefits
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting skin, coat, and digestive health.
Salmon OilVery Good
Salmon oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart, skin, and coat health. It is derived from salmon, providing high-quality fats. Cold-pressed extraction preserves beneficial compounds.
Benefits
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart, skin, and coat health.
ChickenGood
Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle maintenance and growth. It provides essential amino acids necessary for overall health. As a whole food, it is minimally processed and nutrient-dense.
Benefits
Rich in protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle health and overall nutrition.
Chicken MealGood
Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein made from cooked and ground chicken. It provides a high level of protein and essential nutrients. The processing method enhances nutrient density compared to whole chicken.
Benefits
Provides a concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients, supporting muscle and overall health.
PeasGood
Peas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. As a whole food, they are minimally processed and nutritious.
Benefits
Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting digestive health and overall nutrition.
PotatoGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Provides carbohydrates for energy, with some vitamins and minerals.
Chicken FatGood
Chicken fat is a source of energy and essential fatty acids. It enhances the flavor and palatability of pet food. Preserved with mixed tocopherols, it maintains freshness and quality.
Benefits
Provides essential fatty acids and energy, enhancing flavor and palatability.
Dried Chicory RootGood
Dried chicory root is a source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health. It promotes beneficial gut bacteria and aids digestion. As a natural ingredient, it is minimally processed.
Benefits
Supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and aiding digestion.
TaurineGood
Taurine is an essential amino acid for dogs, supporting heart and eye health. It is often added to pet food to ensure adequate intake. As a supplement, it is crucial for overall health.
Benefits
Supports heart and eye health, essential for overall well-being.
VitaminsGood
Vitamins are essential nutrients that support various bodily functions. This blend includes important vitamins like A, D, and E. They are added to ensure a balanced diet and prevent deficiencies.
Benefits
Supports overall health by providing essential vitamins and preventing deficiencies.
Choline ChlorideGood
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that supports liver function and brain health. It is often added to pet food to ensure adequate intake. As a supplement, it is crucial for overall health.
Benefits
Supports liver function and brain health, essential for overall well-being.
MineralsGood
Minerals are essential nutrients that support various bodily functions. This blend includes important minerals like zinc and iron. They are added to ensure a balanced diet and prevent deficiencies.
Benefits
Supports overall health by providing essential minerals and preventing deficiencies.
Dried CranberriesGood
Dried cranberries are a source of antioxidants and vitamins. They support urinary tract health and provide natural sweetness. As a whole food, they are minimally processed and nutritious.
Benefits
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting urinary tract health.
Dried CarrotsGood
Dried carrots are a source of beta-carotene and fiber. They support eye health and provide natural sweetness. As a whole food, they are minimally processed and nutritious.
Benefits
Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, supporting eye health.
Dried BlueberriesGood
Dried blueberries are a source of antioxidants and vitamins. They support immune health and provide natural sweetness. As a whole food, they are minimally processed and nutritious.
Benefits
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune health.
Dried Sweet PotatoGood
Dried sweet potato is a source of fiber and vitamins. It supports digestive health and provides natural sweetness. As a whole food, it is minimally processed and nutritious.
Benefits
Rich in fiber and vitamins, supporting digestive health.
Mixed TocopherolsGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Acts as a natural preservative and provides antioxidant benefits.
L-CarnitineGood
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that supports energy metabolism. It is often added to pet food to enhance fat metabolism and support weight management. As a supplement, it is beneficial for active pets.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and weight management, beneficial for active pets.
Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation ProductGood
Dried Bacillus coagulans is a probiotic that supports gut health. It promotes beneficial gut bacteria and aids digestion. As a probiotic, it is beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Benefits
Supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and aiding digestion.
Dried Plain Beet PulpNeutral
Dried plain beet pulp is a source of fiber that aids in digestion. It is a by-product of sugar beet processing but retains beneficial fiber content. Used in moderation, it supports digestive health.
Benefits
Provides fiber that supports digestive health.
Brewers Dried YeastNeutral
Brewers dried yeast is a source of B vitamins and protein. It enhances flavor and provides some nutritional benefits. As a by-product of brewing, it is processed but retains beneficial nutrients.
Benefits
Provides B vitamins and protein, enhancing flavor and nutrition.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a necessary mineral but should be consumed in moderation. In pet food, it is used to balance flavor and nutritional needs.
Risks
Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues, but it is generally safe in controlled amounts.
Benefits
Enhances flavor and provides essential sodium.
Monocalcium PhosphateNeutral
Monocalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus. It supports bone health and is commonly used in pet food. As a mineral supplement, it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
Provides calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone health.
Natural FlavorBad
Natural flavor is a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. It lacks transparency and can include a variety of substances. The processing and source are often unclear, raising concerns about quality.
Risks
Potential for undisclosed additives or allergens due to lack of transparency.
Benefits
Enhances palatability of pet food, but lacks significant nutritional benefits.
Processing
Processed Foods
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