There are so many different kinds of dog food, and it’s difficult to compare each to find the best one for your dog. So, we’ve researched two different dog food brands: Member’s Mark and Purina Pro Plan.
Both Member’s Mark and Purina Pro Plan have their pros and cons. While one brand may be a good fit for some dogs, others will benefit more from the other. Our comparison provides all the essential information you need to know about each brand so that you can decide which one is better for your dog.
A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Purina Pro Plan
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Product
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Best Overall
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
Our research of the brands showed that Purina Pro Plan is the winner in this comparison. While it’s more expensive than Member’s Mark, it has a significantly larger line of dog food and also includes specialized diets. It’s also much easier to find and buy the Purina Pro Plan because many commercial pet stores sell it. Member’s Mark is exclusively sold by Sam’s Club.
Our favorite Purina Pro Plan recipes are the High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula With Probiotics Dry Dog Food and the Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. Both these recipes are nutritious and many dogs, including picky eaters, enjoy eating them.
Member’s Mark dog food is manufactured by Sam’s Club. It’s a popular budget-friendly dog food brand, and it’s ideal for homes with multiple dogs. You can usually find good deals or fair prices on this dog food if you’re a Sam’s Club member.
Since Member’s Mark is only sold in Sam’s Clubs stores and its website, it’s an exclusive option that only Sam’s Club members can readily access. If you don’t have a membership, you may be able to find some recipes on Amazon, but there’s no guarantee that the dog food will be available when you need it. Even if you do find it, the prices tend to be a lot more expensive than the prices at Sam’s Club.
If you have relatively healthy dogs that don’t have any chronic illnesses or require special diets, Member’s Mark is an affordable dog food that they can enjoy. There isn’t much information on where Member’s Mark sources its ingredients, but the ingredient lists have meat protein as the first ingredient and contain nutritious ingredients, such as brown rice, barley, and flaxseed. There isn’t a wide variety of food, but you can find food for puppies and adults and some grain-free recipes.
Purina Pro Plan is a well-known brand that’s produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Company. The brand first appeared in 1986 and was special because it was the first dog kibble to use real meat as the first ingredient.
While Member’s Mark has a limited selection of dog food, Purina Pro Plan has several products, including special formulas, like healthy skin and coat and joint health. Purina Pro Plan dog food is also more accessible than Member’s Mark and can be found in many commercial pet stores and online retail stores.
Purina Pro Plan’s recipes are veterinarian-formulated and contain a good amount of nutritious ingredients. However, some recipes can contain ambiguous ingredients, such as animal by-product meal. They also tend to include a lot more ingredients, and dogs with food allergies or sensitivities may not be able to digest them easily, unless you purchase a sensitive skin and coat recipe.
Pros
Meat is first ingredient
Many options and specialized diets
Easily accessible
Cons
Some recipes contain ambiguous ingredients
Ingredient lists tend to be long and complex
The Top 3 Most Popular Member’s Mark Dog Food Recipes
1. Member’s Mark Exceed Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Rice
This recipe is for adult dogs without any pre-existing conditions. It uses real chicken as the first ingredient and contains all the essential vitamins and nutrients that a dog needs to sustain daily bodily functioning. It also includes brown rice, ground barley, and grain sorghum, which are excellent sources of fiber that help dogs digest their food.
The recipe also contains menhaden fish meal, which supports healthy skin and coat, the immune system, and bone health. However, other than meat and grains, the ingredient list lacks a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are often packed with essential vitamins and minerals. So, the food may taste bland for some dogs, and picky eaters may not enjoy it.
Pros
Chicken is the first ingredient
Contains fibers that aid digestion
Supports skin and coat, immune system, and bone health
Cons
May taste too bland for picky dogs
2. Member’s Mark Exceed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken & Rice
The recipe is Member’s Mark only available puppy food. If your puppy has a chicken allergy, Member’s Mark wouldn’t be an option for you. This recipe also contains lamb meal and menhaden fish meal, and it’s a tasty blend of meat that many puppies will enjoy eating.
The recipe also contains natural sources of fiber, including barley and grain sorghum. It also has whole flaxseed, which is extremely nutritious and supports brain development, the immune system, and iron metabolism.
Pros
Tasty blend of different meat
Contains natural sources of fiber
Supports brain development, immune system, and iron metabolism
Cons
Not for puppies with chicken allergies
3. Member’s Mark Exceed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Wild-Caught Salmon & Peas
This recipe is a good choice for dogs that have rare wheat allergies. It also doesn’t contain any chicken or beef products, so it’s a safe choice for dogs with sensitivities. With salmon being the first ingredient, the formula contains natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, the immune system, and joint health.
One thing to keep in mind is that this food lists chickpeas as its second ingredient. While dogs can safely enjoy small amounts of chickpeas, legumes are a controversial ingredient that’s being investigated by the FDA for a connection to canine dilated cardiomyopathy.
Pros
Doesn’t contain common food allergens
Salmon is the first ingredient
Great source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
Chickpeas are a primary ingredient
Top 3 Most Popular Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Recipes
1. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula With Probiotics Dry Dog Food
This recipe is one of Purina Pro Plan’s most popular products for adult dogs. The formula contains all the essential nutrients to support and maintain daily functioning. It’s also fortified with vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids, which help nourish and strengthen the skin and coat. The kibble also comes with shredded pieces, and the overall texture of the food is enjoyable for dogs.
While most of the ingredients are safe and nutritious, the recipe includes poultry by-product meal. It’s unclear what’s included in the by-product meal, and it may contain low-quality meat products.
Pros
Supports daily functioning
Fortified with vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids
Enjoyable texture for dogs
Cons
Contains poultry by-product meal
2. Purina Pro Plan High Protein DHA Lamb & Rice Formula Puppy Food
This recipe contains healthy and nutritious ingredients. The first ingredient is real lamb, which is an excellent source of protein that puppies need for healthy growth and development. The recipe also contains natural sources of DHA, which puppies need for brain and vision development.
While the name of this dog food lists lamb only, it also contains chicken by-product meal, beef fat, dried egg product, and fish meal. So, it may not be a good fit for puppies that have common food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Pros
Lamb is the first ingredient
High-protein diet
Includes DHA for healthy brain and vision development
Cons
Contains many common food allergens
3. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
This recipe is made with easily digestible ingredients, and it’s great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, it contains beef fat, so dogs with beef allergies can experience allergic reactions if given this food.
Along with being gentle on the stomach, this recipe also helps repair and nourish the skin and coat. Salmon is the first ingredient, and the food also includes fish meal. These ingredients are packed with omega-6 fatty acids that support the skin and coat.
Pros
Easily digestible
Salmon is first ingredient
Nourishes skin and coat
Cons
Not for dogs with beef allergies
Recall History of Member’s Mark and Purina Pro Plan
Member’s Mark may not produce a wide range of dog food, but none of its food has had any recalls so far.
Purina Pro Plan has had two recalls for its dog food. The first recall was in March 2016 for inadequate vitamins and minerals in its Pro Plan Savory Meals. The second recall was in July 2021 for the Complete Essentials Tuna Entrée. It was recalled for potentially containing plastic pieces.
Member’s Mark VS Purina Pro Plan Comparison
Taste
When it comes to taste, Purina Pro Plan has the advantage. With its numerous recipes, you’ll have more luck finding food your dog will enjoy. A lot of the dry dog food also includes shredded pieces with the kibble, so dogs can enjoy the various textures. Member’s Mark lacks a variety of ingredients, so it may not be as palatable for dogs.
Nutritional Value
Both Purina Pro Plan and Member’s Mark meet AAFCO requirements for containing essential vitamins and minerals. However, Purina Pro Plan has veterinary-formulated diets, and a lot of the food can meet the specific needs of dogs with special health concerns.
If your dog is relatively healthy and doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions, it can safely enjoy a nutritious meal produced by Member’s Mark.
Image Credit: Phuttharak, Shutterstock
Price
Member’s Mark is a lot more affordable than Purina Pro Plan. If you’re already a Sam’s Club member, you can enjoy the benefits of buying cheaper Member’s Mark dog food.
All Purina Pro Plan dog food is more expensive than Member’s Mark. However, they’re not all priced the same. Basic diets are more affordable than special diets, such as weight management and healthy skin and coat formulas.
Selection
Purina Pro Plan is the clear winner for selection. You can find so many recipes made by Purina Pro Plan, while Member’s Mark has a handful of recipes. Purina Pro Plan also has multiple recipes for puppies, including large breed and small breed dog food. Member’s Mark only has one puppy recipe available.
Image Credit: PisutKP, Shutterstock
Overall
Purina Pro Plan is the overall winner in this comparison. It has a lot of variety, and you’re more likely to find a recipe that can support and sustain your dog’s individual health and dietary needs. However, if you’re looking for an affordable option, Member’s Mark is a budget-friendly dog food brand that has healthy ingredient lists.
Conclusion
Both Member’s Mark and Purina Pro Plan have some key benefits. However, Purina Pro Plan is the winner because more dogs can enjoy and benefit from its impressive and expansive line of premium dog food.
It’s still important not to dismiss Member’s Mark because it delivers quality dog food at an affordable price. So, if you’re already a Sam’s Club member, it doesn’t hurt to make the most of your membership perks and purchase Member’s Mark dog food.
Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day reading and writing while her fluffy Cavapoo, Nora, naps beside her. She loves and appreciates pets and animals because there’s so much to learn from them, and they do so much for people. As a dog mom, she understands the special relationship that pet parents have with their pets. So, she loves sharing helpful information that people can use to better understand their pets. When she’s not writing, you can find her walking dogs, tending to her plant babies, or drinking her nth cup of coffee.
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