Purina CA Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula
Dry Extruded · complete
Our verdict
Is Purina CA Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula a good dog food?
We score it 41/100 (Poor). The main reasons are set out in "Why you might not" below, and every step of the calculation is shown under "How we calculated this score".
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
- Doesn't list venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists poultry
- Your dog avoids beef: it is listed as an ingredient
- Your dog avoids turkey: the label lists poultry
- Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists lamb
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish meal
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice - white
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Ingredients (43)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 53.7%
- carb 14.7%
- meat 11.3%
- additive 8.1%
- fibre 5.3%
- other 2.6%
- oil 2.6%
- veg 1.6%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamb | Lamb | meat · medium | - | 3.1 |
| 2 | Rice | Rice - white | carb · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 3 | Whole Grain Wheat | Wheat | carb · poor | - | 3.0 |
| 4 | Poultry By-Product Meal | Poultry | meat · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 5 | Whole Grain Corn | Whole-Grain Maize | carb · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 6 | Soybean Meal | Soybean Meal | carb · poor | - | 2.9 |
| 7 | Corn Protein Meal | Maize gluten | carb · poor | - | 2.9 |
| 8 | Beef Fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols | Tocopherols | additive · good | - | 2.8 |
| 9 | Natural Flavours | Artificial flavourings | additive · poor | - | 2.8 |
| 10 | Dried Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 11 | Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate | Dicalcium phosphate | supplement · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 12 | Egg Product | Egg | meat · good | - | 2.7 |
| 13 | Glycerin | Glycerine | other · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 14 | Soybean Oil | Soybean oil | oil · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 15 | Fish Meal | Fish Meal | meat · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 16 | Wheat Bran | Wheatfeed pellets | carb · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 17 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 18 | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Carbonate | supplement · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 19 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 20 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 21 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 22 | Ferrous Sulphate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 23 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 24 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 25 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 2.2 |
| 26 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 27 | Niacin (Vitamin B3) | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 28 | Vitamin A Supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 29 | Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5) | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 30 | Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 31 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 32 | Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2) | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 33 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 35 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 36 | Menadione Sodium Bisulphate Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity) | Vitamin K | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Biotin (Vitamin B7) | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 39 | L-Lysine Monohydrochloride | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 41 | Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product | Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Garlic Oil | Garlic | veg · medium | - | 1.6 |
- 1. Lamb3.1% estimated
- 2. Rice3.0% estimated
- 3. Whole Grain Wheat3.0% estimated
- 4. Poultry By-Product Meal3.0% estimated
- 5. Whole Grain Corn2.9% estimated
- 6. Soybean Meal2.9% estimated
- 7. Corn Protein Meal2.9% estimated
- 8. Beef Fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols2.8% estimated
- 9. Natural Flavours2.8% estimated
- 10. Dried Beet Pulp2.8% estimated
- 11. Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate2.7% estimated
- 12. Egg Product2.7% estimated
- 13. Glycerin2.6% estimated
- 14. Soybean Oil2.6% estimated
- 15. Fish Meal2.6% estimated
- 16. Wheat Bran2.5% estimated
- 17. Salt2.5% estimated
- 18. Calcium Carbonate2.5% estimated
- 19. Potassium Chloride2.4% estimated
- 20. Zinc Proteinate2.4% estimated
- 21. Manganese Proteinate2.4% estimated
- 22. Ferrous Sulphate2.3% estimated
- 23. Copper Proteinate2.3% estimated
- 24. Calcium Iodate2.3% estimated
- 25. Sodium Selenite2.2% estimated
- 26. Vitamin E Supplement2.2% estimated
- 27. Niacin (Vitamin B3)2.1% estimated
- 28. Vitamin A Supplement2.1% estimated
- 29. Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)2.1% estimated
- 30. Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)2.0% estimated
- 31. Vitamin B12 Supplement2.0% estimated
- 32. Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2)2.0% estimated
- 33. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)1.9% estimated
- 34. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)1.9% estimated
- 35. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.9% estimated
- 36. Menadione Sodium Bisulphate Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity)1.8% estimated
- 37. Biotin (Vitamin B7)1.8% estimated
- 38. Choline Chloride1.8% estimated
- 39. L-Lysine Monohydrochloride1.7% estimated
- 40. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C)1.7% estimated
- 41. Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product1.6% estimated
- 42. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C)1.6% estimated
- 43. Garlic Oil1.6% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 26% · Fat 16%
Guaranteed analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26% |
| Fat | 16% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 1.50% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Phosphorus | 0.80% |
Energy: 393 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Provide adequate fresh water in a clean container daily.
Feeding guide
Adult dog fed once daily; start with guideline amounts by weight (e.g. 3-12 lbs: 1/2 to 1-1/4 cups / 50-124 g; 13-20 lbs: 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups / 124-149 g; 21-35 lbs: 1-2/3 to 2-1/4 cups / 165-223 g; 36-50 lbs: 2-1/3 to 2-3/4 cups / 232-273 g; 51-75 lbs: 2-3/4 to 3-3/4 cups / 273-372 g; 76-100 lbs: 3-3/4 to 4-2/3 cups / 372-463 g; Over 100 lbs: 4-2/3 cups plus 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs over 100 lbs). Standard 8 oz/250 ml cup ≈ 99 g.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Zinc Proteinate; Manganese Proteinate; Ferrous Sulphate; Copper Proteinate; Calcium Iodate; Sodium Selenite; Vitamin E Supplement 460 IU/kg; Niacin (Vitamin B3); Vitamin A Supplement 15,000 IU/kg; Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5); Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1); Vitamin B-12 Supplement; Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2); Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6); Folic Acid (Vitamin B9); Vitamin D3 Supplement; Menadione Sodium Bisulphate Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity); Biotin (Vitamin B7); Choline Chloride; L-Lysine Monohydrochloride; L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C) 70 mg/kg; Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product 600 Million CFU/lb
Technological additives
Beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-19
Brand and contact: Purina CA
- Website
- https://www.purina.ca/
- Phone
- 1.800.268.5345
- Address
- ATTN: CONSUMER CARE, 2500 ROYAL WINDSOR DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5J 1K8
- Contact page
- www.purina.ca
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-19
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- www.purina.ca
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Brand and retailer reviews
External platform ratings are not scores for this individual recipe.
Trustpilot: 1.8/5 · 190 reviews
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall rating of 41 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +3.8 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.4 | 9.191 | +3.77 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 15.3% | -0.115 | -1.76 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.0% | -0.092 | -0.28 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 8.6% | 0.163 | +1.39 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 57.8% | -0.012 | -0.71 |
| Other share of dry matter | 1.5% | -0.375 | -0.58 |
| Recipe graded poor | 16.3% | -0.065 | -1.06 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 6 | -0.876 | -5.26 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 3.0% | 0.060 | +0.18 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -9.94 | 0.222 | -2.21 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.4 | 9.191 | +3.77 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 15.3% | -0.115 | -1.76 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 3.0% | -0.092 | -0.28 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 0.3% | -0.005 | -0.00 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 8.6% | 0.163 | +1.39 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 57.8% | -0.012 | -0.71 |
| Other share of dry matter | 1.5% | -0.375 | -0.58 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 16.3% | -0.065 | -1.06 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 6 | -0.876 | -5.26 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 3.0% | 0.060 | +0.18 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -9.94 | 0.222 | -2.21 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 41.4
- Final score
- 41/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 26 | 28.7 (band 19.5414364640884 to 40%) | 96.9 |
| Fat | 16 | 17.7 (band 5.970994475138122 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 3 | 3.3 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1 | 1.1 (band 0.5428176795580111 to 2.5%) | 87.2 |
| Phosphorus | 0.8 | 0.9 (band 0.4342541436464089 to 1.6%) | 93.1 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 1.3 (band 1 to 2%) | 85 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 393 | 434.3 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 100); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 22 nutritional additives on the label
- Zinc Proteinate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Ferrous Sulphate
- Copper Proteinate
- Calcium Iodate
- Sodium Selenite
- Vitamin E Supplement 460 IU/kg
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Vitamin A Supplement 15,000 IU/kg
- Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B-12 Supplement
- Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2)
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Menadione Sodium Bisulphate Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity)
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Choline Chloride
- L-Lysine Monohydrochloride
- L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C) 70 mg/kg
- Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product 600 Million CFU/lb
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
100/100 · moderate — 2 checkable claims: 2 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs (AAFCO)" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "Probiotic dog food provides 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food nutrition" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
7 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces for taste and texture dogs love (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein formula, with real lamb as the first ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Fortified with live probiotics to support digestive and immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Natural prebiotic fibre, sourced from wheat bran, helps promote digestive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein level helps dogs maintain an ideal body condition (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains rice, an excellent source of carbohydrates for energy (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs (AAFCO) (on pack) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Probiotic dog food provides 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food nutrition (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
Alternatives to Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Lamb & Rice Formula
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