The Good: Mitzie liked it, Very nutritious, Some dental benefits
The Bad: Comparatively expensive
The Basics: Mitzie enjoyed the Purina Lamb & Rice SmartBlend as an occasional treat, though it is a bit expensive for everyday consumption!
It has finally happened. For those who know the story of Mitzie, my wife’s geriatric cocker spaniel, we lost her beautiful companion early last year. It has almost been a year since Mitzie’s death and in cleaning up around our home, I have finally come to the final package of food or snacks that Mitzie ever had. This, then, becomes the final review I can write where Mitzie is able to contribute her voice to recommending a product. Just writing this fills me with an intense sadness and I know that at the end, I shall knock this product up a notch because Mitzie didn’t need to be concerned with expense. So, while this is a little more expensive than other dog foods, Mitzie truly loved what she had of it and if she were still with us, I think I would get her a bag.
It is also worth noting up front that Mitzie had a bag of both the Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice (which this is a review of) and Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice (which was reviewed here!). Honestly, I do not know what the main differences were between the two products, but I know that Mitzie seemed to like this one just a little more. Regardless, Mitzie was eager when we opened this food, so much so that I was surprised we even had a few morsels left for me to consider for this review!
Mitzie was not a simpleton. She had preferences and she actually liked her regular food, so when she went right for something new, it truly said something. Mitzie went right for the Purina One SmartBlend Natural Lamb & Rice dog food. When presented with this food, she chose it over her regular food each time.
Purina One Lamb & Rice SmartBlend is a dog food formulated for adult dogs and the serving sizes on the package vary from dogs three to twelve pounds up to dogs over a hundred pounds. Mitzie's serving size was 2 1/4 - 3 cups, which is very expensive when one considers that the thirty-five pound bag has perhaps a month worth of servings at that rate. This is a comparatively expensive Purina dog food and is designed more to be an alternative to Science Diet than, for example, Old Roy. For a mid to high end dog food, this is exceptional.
The Lamb & Rice SmartBlend food comes with two types of pieces in each bag, mixed about evenly. There are the triangular hard bits, which are about 5/8" on each side and 3/16" thick. These hard, molded pieces are uniform and are excellent for the dog's dental health. Because they are crunchy, they help scrape plaque and tartar off the dog's teeth, helping to freshen the canine's breath. Mitzie's teeth were kept in perfect health from treats and foods like this one. The nicely molded firm pieces were always the second choice for Mitzie, though.
The other component to the One SmartBlend food is the blobs of softer, SmartBlend meat. This is what Mitzie went for first, picking around the solid formed pieces to eat up as much as possible. The blobs are soft, lighter colored chunks that are best analogized to dried tuna. The flaky, wadded meat is dry, but soft. This does not seem to promote dental health in dogs, but does seem to stimulate their tastebuds! This is, apparently, the real taste winner of the food!
Despite the expense, it is easy to see why dog lovers would want to feed their dogs this. First, it does not smell bad at all. Usually, when I open a bag of dog food, I have to keep myself from gagging. But the Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice has a surprisingly neutral scent to it, which is a nice touch and transfers to the dog. Mitzie's breath was never bad after eating this particular dog food. Second, this is a pretty nutritious dog food. The guaranteed analysis of it indicates that it has a minimum of 26% crude protein and 16% crude fat, but no more than 3% crude fiber and 12% moisture. With 1% calcium, this is a decent dog food for bone and joint health for adult dogs.
As well, those who are concerned about what goes into their pets will be pleased by how close to natural this dog food is. The main ingredients are lamb, brewers rice and corn gluten meal. While the last half of the ingredient list is a chemistry riddle I can barely read, the primary ingredients are all recognizable and several are even human friendly! My point is that Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice dog food is one of the healthier alternatives for dogs and it is backed by a guarantee.
In the end, Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice is a nice treat and with the expense of it, I would recommend using it as a food supplement, but because it is the final food that Mitzie truly latched on to, I’m going to recommend you splurge on your favorite canine and pick up a whole bag. My wife had over thirteen years with Mitzie and I had just under two; it’s never enough time when you’re with an animal you love.
For other dog foods, please visit my reviews (with Mitzie's help!) of:
Redbarn Roofles
Puppy Kong Stuff'n
Bacon Booda Bones
10/10
For other dog products, please be sure to visit my index page by clicking here!
© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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