What's actually in Pro Plan Sensitive?
We analyzed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula. The first ingredient is salmon — a whole, named protein and a novel single-protein source ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities. Rice and barley follow as whole-grain carbohydrates, with canola meal and oat meal rounding out the top five. Fish meal provides a second animal protein source, and salmon meal adds a third — giving the formula three named fish proteins in total. Fish oil and Bacillus coagulans round out the key functional ingredients.
The list is clean and intentionally simple — this is a limited-ingredient-leaning formula designed to minimize allergen exposure while maintaining nutritional completeness. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
Salmon first is a genuine differentiator. Most Purina formulas lead with chicken by-product meal or corn — salmon as the first ingredient reflects a meaningful quality choice. Salmon is a novel protein for many dogs, making it an excellent option for dogs with suspected chicken or beef sensitivities.
The probiotic is significant. Bacillus coagulans is a heat-stable live culture that survives the kibble manufacturing process, which most probiotics don't. Its inclusion specifically in a "sensitive stomach" formula makes clinical sense, and it's one of the few Purina products that actually delivers a functional probiotic at the dose that matters.
Whole grain carbohydrates throughout — rice, barley, oat meal — provide steady energy with good digestibility profiles. Salmon meal further down the list adds a concentrated fish protein that reinforces the formula's animal-protein foundation. Fish oil delivers marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for skin and coat support, which directly addresses the "sensitive skin" part of the formula name. This is one of the better-performing formulas in Purina's lineup by a significant margin.
The not-so-good stuff
Canola meal mid-list is an odd inclusion. Canola meal is a plant-based protein concentrate — a byproduct of canola oil extraction. It's nutritionally functional but not a quality protein source, and its presence suggests protein percentage targets are being met partly through plant sources rather than animal sources alone.
No vegetables or fruits. The produce side is entirely absent — no carrots, spinach, blueberries, or any plant-based micronutrients beyond the grains themselves. This is a straightforward nutritional formula without the superfood additions that brands like Wellness Complete Health or Merrick Classic include.
The formula is simple by design — appropriate for sensitive stomachs — but the simplicity comes at the cost of the broader nutritional diversity that higher-scoring formulas deliver.
How it compares
At B/76, Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach scores 14 points higher than the standard Purina Pro Plan (C/62). The gap is driven by: salmon vs. chicken by-product meal as the lead protein, the absence of corn fillers, and the inclusion of a functional probiotic. These aren't minor differences — they represent a categorically better-formulated product.
Compared to the broader premium tier, it sits just below Blue Buffalo Wilderness (B/75) and Merrick Classic (B/80). The simplicity of the ingredient list is both its strength (for sensitive dogs) and the reason it doesn't rank higher. Fromm Gold and Acana offer more ingredient depth at comparable or higher prices for dogs who don't need the sensitivity focus.
The bottom line
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach earns a B grade (76/100) from KibbleIQ. Salmon first, whole grains, fish oil, and a functional probiotic make it the strongest everyday formula in Purina's lineup and a genuinely good option for dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues. If your dog does well on standard kibble, you can do better elsewhere in the premium tier. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this is one of the most research-backed options available. Shop on Amazon →