Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs

Common questions

Is Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs healthy?

Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. 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.

How processed is Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs?

Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas count in its favor; Natural Flavor is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Pure Balance Pro+ Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food 8 lbs

65 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 19
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pet Food
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

Flaxseed
Very 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.

See more about Flaxseed →
Salmon Oil
Very 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.

Chicken
Good

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.

See more about Chicken →
Chicken Meal
Good

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.

Peas
Good

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.

See more about Peas →
Potato
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates for energy, with some vitamins and minerals.

See more about Potato →
Chicken Fat
Good

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.

See more about Chicken Fat →
Dried Chicory Root
Good

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.

Taurine
Good

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.

See more about Taurine →
Vitamins
Good

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 Chloride
Good

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.

See more about Choline Chloride →
Minerals
Good

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.

See more about Minerals →
Dried Cranberries
Good

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.

See more about Dried Cranberries →
Dried Carrots
Good

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 Blueberries
Good

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.

See more about Dried Blueberries →
Dried Sweet Potato
Good

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 Tocopherols
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and provides antioxidant benefits.

See more about Mixed Tocopherols →
L-Carnitine
Good

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.

See more about L-Carnitine →
Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
Good

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 Pulp
Neutral

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 Yeast
Neutral

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.

Salt
Neutral

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.

See more about Salt →
Monocalcium Phosphate
Neutral

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.

See more about Monocalcium Phosphate →
Natural Flavor
Bad

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.

See more about Natural Flavor →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Pet Food