For several years now, Purina's Pro Plan has been one of the top tier dog foods on the market. It continues to be so, especially with two of its most recent offerings.

The new-to-shelves Shredded Blend is available in three meat-and-rice blends -- beef, chicken, and lamb -- and Purina claims it's one of its most palatable blends ever. I can't say I'd argue with that assessment.

I recently gave this blend of hard kibble and tender strips a whirl with my Lab and pointer, and they were nuts about it. This blend just might be the answer for your harder keepers or for those traveling dogs that get too antsy to eat on the road. Also new, and following the holistic approach many dog nutrition companies are promoting today, is the Selects line.

Available in puppy, dog, and senior dog blends, the all-natural formulas do away with corn, animal by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, while adding in things like sweet potatoes, blueberry pomace, barley, and brown rice to improve antioxidant availability and great taste.

As you'd expect from Purina, the No.1 ingredient in Selects is always high-quality fish or poultry.

Contact: Purina; (314) 982-1000; www.purina.com