What’s actually in Pro Plan Complete Essentials?
We analyzed Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula (previously sold as Pro Plan Savor). Chicken leads, followed by rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, whole grain corn, soybean meal, beef fat, and corn protein meal. That’s wheat, corn in two forms, soy, and a generic by-product meal all within the top eight ingredients.
The “shredded blend” texture mixes regular kibble with tender, meaty pieces for varied mouthfeel. It’s a palatability feature — many dogs prefer the mixed texture over uniform kibble — but the meaty-looking pieces are made from the same base ingredients as the rest of the formula, not separate cuts of meat. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
Chicken as the first ingredient is genuine whole meat, which is a better start than the standard Pro Plan. Probiotics (dried Bacillus coagulans) support digestive health — the same heat-resistant probiotic strain used in premium brands like Nulo. Chelated minerals (zinc, manganese, copper proteinates) improve nutrient absorption. Beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols is a named, naturally preserved fat source.
The shredded texture is more than a gimmick for picky eaters — the varied texture can make mealtime more engaging for dogs who lose interest in uniform kibble. This is one of the few mass-market foods that successfully addresses palatability without relying on artificial flavor sprays.
The not-so-good stuff
The filler load is extensive. Whole grain wheat at position three puts a common allergen in the top three ingredients. Soybean meal at position six is another common allergen and a cheap plant protein source. Corn protein meal at position eight is yet another plant-derived protein booster. Between wheat, corn (two forms), and soy, the formula relies heavily on the three most common canine food allergens.
Poultry by-product meal at position four is generic and unnamed — “poultry” could be any bird species, and “by-product” means parts not used for human food. Wheat bran at position fourteen adds another wheat derivative. No fruits, no vegetables, no named omega-3 source (fish meal at position sixteen is too far down to contribute meaningfully). Natural flavor is vague.
How it compares
At C/62, Complete Essentials matches the standard Purina Pro Plan (C/62). The shredded texture is the differentiation, not the ingredient quality. Within the Pro Plan lineup, Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (B/76) is dramatically better — salmon first, no corn/wheat/soy, and a genuine quality upgrade for a modest price difference.
Outside the Purina family, Diamond Naturals (B/78) and Kirkland Signature (B/78) both score 16 points higher at similar or lower prices — the easiest upgrade in the dog food aisle.
Read the full breakdown in our head-to-head comparison: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials vs Purina Pro Plan.
The bottom line
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend earns a C grade (62/100) from KibbleIQ. Chicken first is a genuine positive, and the shredded texture appeals to picky dogs, but wheat, corn, soy, and by-products dominate the rest of the formula. If you like the Pro Plan brand, upgrade to Sensitive Skin & Stomach (B/76) for a significant ingredient quality jump. If brand loyalty isn’t a factor, Diamond Naturals (B/78) delivers better ingredients at a lower price. Shop on Amazon →