A History Of Innovation | Purina Arabia

Nourishing Pets. Enriching Lives.

At Purina, we believe pets and people are better together. Which is why we’re committed to enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Our care starts with what’s in the bowl, ensuring the highest standards of quality and nutrition for pets.

But our commitment goes beyond nutrition. We partner with organizations that make a difference with pets in communities, and work to protect the planet for future pet loving generations to come.

Learn more about our history, values, brands and team.

Our Story

Driven by our purpose to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them, our story is one of passion, progress, and care. From our beginnings to today, every milestone reflects our commitment to pet wellbeing and the powerful bond between pets and people.

1894

Purina is founded in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Purina was founded by William H. Danforth, who began with farm animal feed but had a greater ambition — to create high-quality, convenient nutrition for companion animals.

1894

Purina is founded in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Purina was founded by William H. Danforth, who began with farm animal feed but had a greater ambition — to create high-quality, convenient nutrition for companion animals.

1926

First centre dedicated to dog nutrition

Purina opens the industry’s first dedicated pet nutrition center in Gray Summit, Missouri. Backed by feeding studies and data-driven testing, this sets a new standard in understanding the nutritional needs of dogs.

1926

First centre dedicated to dog nutrition

Purina opens the industry’s first dedicated pet nutrition center in Gray Summit, Missouri. Backed by feeding studies and data-driven testing, this sets a new standard in understanding the nutritional needs of dogs.

1956

First kibble biscuit produced

Purina pioneers the use of extrusion technology in pet food and produces the first kibble biscuit. This innovation improves cooking, boosts digestibility, and enhances taste in a convenient, ready-to-serve format.

1956

First kibble biscuit produced

Purina pioneers the use of extrusion technology in pet food and produces the first kibble biscuit. This innovation improves cooking, boosts digestibility, and enhances taste in a convenient, ready-to-serve format.

1961

First dry cat food with taurine

Purina is the first to add taurine, an essential amino acid for feline health, to dry cat food. This breakthrough helps prevent serious conditions like vision loss and heart disease, cementing Purina’s role as a leader in feline nutrition.

One year later, Purina extends its breakthrough extrusion technology to dry cat food.

1961

First dry cat food with taurine

Purina is the first to add taurine, an essential amino acid for feline health, to dry cat food. This breakthrough helps prevent serious conditions like vision loss and heart disease, cementing Purina’s role as a leader in feline nutrition.

One year later, Purina extends its breakthrough extrusion technology to dry cat food.

1986

Purina develops kibble innovation

Purina develops an innovative process that makes it possible to use real meat as the #1 ingredient in kibble, and launches Purina Pro Plan, the first brand of pet food to do so.

1986

Purina develops kibble innovation

Purina develops an innovative process that makes it possible to use real meat as the #1 ingredient in kibble, and launches Purina Pro Plan, the first brand of pet food to do so.

1987

Body condition system is developed

Purina launches its groundbreaking 14-year study, which proves that feeding dogs to their ideal body condition throughout their lifetime can help extend their healthy years.

Purina uses this insight to develop the first widely used and scientifically validated body condition score system. This tool helps pet owners and professionals easily assess healthy weight and support better outcomes.

1987

Body condition system is developed

Purina launches its groundbreaking 14-year study, which proves that feeding dogs to their ideal body condition throughout their lifetime can help extend their healthy years.

Purina uses this insight to develop the first widely used and scientifically validated body condition score system. This tool helps pet owners and professionals easily assess healthy weight and support better outcomes.

1999

DNA distribution centre

Purina establishes the world’s first Canine Reference Family DNA Distribution Centre, supporting leading researchers in mapping the canine genome and deepening our understanding of pet health at the genetic level.

1999

DNA distribution centre

Purina establishes the world’s first Canine Reference Family DNA Distribution Centre, supporting leading researchers in mapping the canine genome and deepening our understanding of pet health at the genetic level.

2000

First high-protein, low-carb diet for managing feline diabetes

Purina introduces the first high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for diabetic cats. This innovation helps 89 percent reduce their insulin needs, with 33 percent no longer requiring insulin. In the same year, Purina also becomes the first to use fiber in cat food to help manage hairballs safely and effectively.

2000

First high-protein, low-carb diet for managing feline diabetes

Purina introduces the first high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for diabetic cats. This innovation helps 89 percent reduce their insulin needs, with 33 percent no longer requiring insulin. In the same year, Purina also becomes the first to use fiber in cat food to help manage hairballs safely and effectively.

2001

Nestle S.A. acquires Purina

Following the acquisitions of Friskies (1985) and Spillers (1998), Nestlé acquires Purina, uniting these leaders in pet care. The merger brings together world-class science and expertise to form a global authority in pet nutrition.

2001

Nestle S.A. acquires Purina

Following the acquisitions of Friskies (1985) and Spillers (1998), Nestlé acquires Purina, uniting these leaders in pet care. The merger brings together world-class science and expertise to form a global authority in pet nutrition.

2004

First diet to apply nutrigenomics to help manage disease

Purina applies the science of nutrigenomics to help manage osteoarthritis in dogs. By identifying precise levels of omega-3 fatty acids, Purina helps reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Clinical studies confirm measurable results in lameness reduction.

2004

First diet to apply nutrigenomics to help manage disease

Purina applies the science of nutrigenomics to help manage osteoarthritis in dogs. By identifying precise levels of omega-3 fatty acids, Purina helps reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Clinical studies confirm measurable results in lameness reduction.

2005

First to use colostrum to support puppies’ and kittens’ natural defenses

Purina is the first to include colostrum in pet food, supporting both local and systemic immunity in puppies and kittens. Research shows it also helps stabilise the gut microbiome and promotes healthy development early in life.

2005

First to use colostrum to support puppies’ and kittens’ natural defenses

Purina is the first to include colostrum in pet food, supporting both local and systemic immunity in puppies and kittens. Research shows it also helps stabilise the gut microbiome and promotes healthy development early in life.

2018

Purina Institute founded

Rooted in decades of science, the Purina Institute is launched to champion nutritional knowledge around the world. With a mission to help pets live longer, healthier lives, the Institute empowers veterinarians to elevate the role of science-based nutrition in everyday care.

2018

Purina Institute founded

Rooted in decades of science, the Purina Institute is launched to champion nutritional knowledge around the world. With a mission to help pets live longer, healthier lives, the Institute empowers veterinarians to elevate the role of science-based nutrition in everyday care.