As a dog owner, I know the struggle. You put down a bowl of high-quality kibble, and your furry friend just gives you that look. The “you expect me to eat this again?” look. Keeping mealtime exciting for a picky eater, or simply making sure an older dog gets enough moisture and easy-to-chew food, can be a daily challenge. That’s where a good wet food topper or meal can be a lifesaver. I recently got my hands on the Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Variety Pack, and it’s been a game-changer for my food-snob-in-residence, Buster.
This pack isn’t just about adding flavor; it’s about turning a mundane meal into a feast. The individual tubs make portioning a breeze, and the stew-like consistency seems to hit just the right spot for dogs who crave something more than dry biscuits.
Key Features I Loved
✅ Variety to Keep Things Interesting: The pack comes with three different flavors: Beef Stew, Chicken Stew, and Savory Rice & Lamb Stew. This rotation is fantastic for preventing flavor fatigue. Buster gets visibly more excited when he smells something different each day.
✅ Real Meat and Veggies You Can See: When you peel back the lid, you can actually see the chunks of meat, peas, and carrots. It’s reassuring to know it’s made with real beef, chicken, and lamb, providing the high-quality protein needed for strong muscles.
✅ Rich, Savory Gravy: The gravy is the star of the show. It coats every piece and mixes beautifully with dry kibble, adding a ton of flavor and much-needed moisture to my dog’s diet. It’s perfect for ensuring he stays well-hydrated.
✅ Versatile Feeding Options: You can serve these prepared meals as a complete, standalone meal or as a special topper on your dog’s regular dry food. I mostly use it as a topper to make his kibble more appealing, and it works like a charm.
How to Serve Beneful Prepared Meals
Using these tubs is incredibly simple, but here are a few tips to get it right:
- Portion Control: For a full meal, Purina recommends one 10 oz. tub for every 10-12 lbs of your dog’s body weight per day.
- Split the Meal: It’s best to divide the daily amount into two or more feedings to keep your dog’s energy levels stable.
- As a Topper: If you’re mixing it with dry food, remember to reduce the amount of kibble to avoid overfeeding. A good rule of thumb is that one tub replaces about 2/3 cup of dry food.
- Fresh Water is a Must: Always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available for your dog, especially when changing their diet.
What Other Pet Parents Are Saying
With a 4.7-star rating from over 4,000 reviews, it’s clear I’m not the only one impressed.
- Linda K. (5/5 stars) mentioned, “My senior chihuahua is the pickiest eater on the planet. He turns his nose up at everything, but he absolutely devours the Beneful stews. The soft texture is easy on his old teeth. A total win!”
- David R. (5/5 stars) wrote, “I use this as a topper for my two labs. They go crazy for it. As soon as they hear me peel the lid, they come running. The tubs are so convenient, no messy cans.”
- Jessica M. (4/5 stars) had a small critique: “My dog loves the beef and chicken, but isn’t a huge fan of the lamb flavor. I wish I could buy a pack of just the other two. Still, great quality for the price.”
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent variety with three flavors | Contains wheat gluten and soy, which can be allergens |
| Made with real meat and visible veggies | Picky dogs might not enjoy every flavor in the pack |
| Rich gravy adds moisture and flavor | Tubs can sometimes be tricky to peel open cleanly |
| Convenient, single-serving tubs | Not a grain-free formula |
| Can be used as a full meal or a topper |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this dog food grain-free? A: No, the Beneful Prepared Meals are not grain-free. They contain ingredients like rice, barley, and wheat gluten. If your dog has a specific grain sensitivity, you may want to look for a different option.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: If you don’t use a full tub, you can cover the remaining portion and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to use it within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Q: Can I warm up the food for my dog? A: While you can, it’s not necessary. Most dogs enjoy it at room temperature. If you do choose to warm it, use a microwave-safe dish and only warm it for a few seconds, making sure to stir it and check that it’s not too hot before serving.
Final Verdict
The Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Variety Pack is an excellent choice for dog owners looking to spice up mealtime. It’s especially well-suited for picky eaters, senior dogs who need softer food, or any dog that could benefit from extra moisture in their diet. The convenience of the pre-portioned tubs and the quality of the ingredients make it a standout product.
While it may not be the right fit for dogs with grain or soy allergies, for the average adult dog, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to show them some extra love. If you’re tired of that discerning stare from your furry critic, this might be just the thing you need.
Ready to make mealtime your dog’s favorite time of day? You can find this variety pack on Amazon.
Buy on Amazon Purina Beneful Gravy Wet Dog Food Variety Pack