Purina Institute

Advancing pet care through nutrition

The Purina Institute is a global professional organisation founded on a simple idea: science is more powerful when it’s shared.

As part of one of the world’s largest food and nutrition research networks, the Institute partners with veterinary professionals and scientific leaders around the globe. Together, they champion breakthroughs in nutrition that help pets live longer, healthier lives.

By sharing the latest findings in accessible, actionable ways, the Purina Institute helps veterinary experts bring nutrition to the forefront of pet health conversations — every day, in every clinic.

Purina Cares Volunteering

Giving back is part of who we are.

Each year, Purina teams across Asia, Oceania and Africa come together to help make a positive difference in our communities.

From shelter cleanups to cleaning waterways, our employees bring our purpose to life — showing how small acts of care can lead to big impact.

In 2024, over 1,000 volunteers stepped up during Purina Cares Month to help pets and people in need.

Our Community Partners

Supporting pets and the people who love them.

At Purina, we believe pets and people are better together. We proudly support pet rescue groups and animal shelters that help connect pets with loving homes. We believe in the power of the pet–human bond and are committed to supporting community organisations and initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of people and their pets.

Shelter Support

Purina Cares

Purina Institute

Pets at Work

Unleashed by Purina

Sustainability

Caring for Pets Means Caring for the Planet.

You want a cleaner, safer world where you and your pet can thrive, and so do we.

At Purina, we’re committed to protecting the planet we all share for future pet-loving generations. That’s why we’re taking meaningful action towards climate, supporting regenerative agriculture, and promoting circularity in our value chain.

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Climate

We’re working toward a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and aiming for Net Zero by 2050.

100% Renewable Electricity

Since 2022, 100% of the electricity used in our factories across Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand has come from renewable sources.

Supporting Soil Health

We partner with farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices — like cover cropping and no-till farming — that enrich soil, capture carbon, and protect biodiversity.

Maintaining Zero Waste Operations

All Purina offices and factories around the world maintain zero waste for disposal, helping reduce our environmental footprint every day.

Recipe Changes

We’re choosing lower-impact ingredients that reduce our carbon footprint, without compromising on nutrition or taste.

Purina’s Recyclable Packaging Innovations.

We believe future generations deserve clean, healthy spaces to live and play. That’s why we’re working toward a future where none of our packaging ends up in landfill.

We’re committed to making 100% of our plastic packaging recyclable. Today, 72% of our portfolio is already designed to be recycled — either recyclable now or in future systems.

Purina’s Recyclable Packaging Innovations

Purina Believes in Water Stewardship.

Purina takes water conservation seriously, not just in our factories, but also in our communities. 

Across our operations, we’re working to reduce water use, especially in high-stress areas. We monitor for leaks, train teams on efficient water practices, and use only what’s needed to clean and cook responsibly.

And we’re not stopping there. We're committed to continuously finding smarter ways to conserve water and care for this shared resource — now and for future generations.

Product Innovation

To Drive Breakthrough Innovation that Helps Pets Thrive.

We’re shaping the future of pet care through science-backed innovation so pets can live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

By combining decades of expertise in pet nutrition, physiology, and behaviour, we continue to push boundaries and develop real-world solutions that make a lasting difference for pets and the people who love them.

Nutrition and Quality

Nutrition and Quality

Championing Safety and High-Quality Nutrition.

We feed 100 million cats and dogs around the world every year, including our own.

That’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. It’s why every recipe we make puts quality, food safety and nutrition first. Because when it comes to the pets we love, only the best will do.

Our Nutritional Philosophy.

We believe every pet deserves to live their best life, and it all begins with the food in their bowl.

That’s why our approach to nutrition is simple but powerful: combine proven science with high-quality nutrition that pets enjoy eating.

Excellent nutrition should be available to all dogs and cats.

Nutrition starts with understanding nutrients, not just ingredients.

Innovation should be pursued relentlessly, always focusing on the pet’s nutritional needs, safety and wellbeing.

Feeding experiences should be enjoyable, all the while delivering optimal nutrition.

Nutritional needs of pets are unique.

Expertly Crafted. Vet Approved.

Our recipes are developed by a global team of over 500 Purina PetCare experts — including veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet behaviourists.

From selecting purposeful, high-quality ingredients to developing great tasting meals and treats, nothing ends up in your pet’s food bowl without expert approval.

Purposeful Ingredients. Responsibly Sourced.

Every single ingredient we use is purposefully selected — whether it’s because it provides just the right nutrients or it’s full of the flavor your pet loves. We source every ingredient from trusted partners to ensure they're not only high quality, but produced in a way that meets our Nestle Responsible Sourcing Standard.

Purina Quality Commitment.

From sourcing to shelf, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.

98% of our products are made in Purina-owned factories across Asia, Oceania, and Africa — so we can oversee every step of the process and ensure consistent quality.

With the help of over 1,000 passionate, pet-loving team members, we go beyond industry standards—conducting more than 100,000 quality checks globally every year. Because when it comes to your pet’s food, nothing less will do.

The Highest Quality Standards.

At Purina, we never cut corners. Every batch of pet food goes through a rigorous seven-step quality assurance process, ensuring it meets our strict standards for safety, consistency, and nutrition.

Check 1:
Screen Suppliers

We audit and sample every supplier to ensure their facilities, ingredients, and packaging meet our strict quality and responsible sourcing standards.

Check 2:
Inspect Ingredients

Before anything enters production, we personally inspect each ingredient to confirm it meets our high standards for safety and quality.

Check 3:
Monitor Batching

Our teams use advanced technology to precisely monitor batching, making sure every recipe is correctly mixed and nutritionally balanced.

Check 4:
Analyze Samples

We take and analyze samples throughout production to ensure each product meets the nutritional needs of pets.

Check 5:
Evaluate Packaging

We check each product's packaging for correct sealing and labeling and trace each one back to its source.

Check 6:
Verify Final Product

Before it leaves the factory, every product goes through a final quality review by our trained team members.

Check 7:
Ensure Safe Storage

We maintain strict hygiene protocols in our storage facilities and work with retailers to ensure Purina products stay fresh and safe until they reach your pet’s bowl.

Our Purina Promise

Pet nutrition is at the heart of what we do, but it's not all we do. We are committed to doing more of what matters for our pets, the people who love them and the planet we all share. Our Purina Promise.

For Pets & People

To enrich the lives of Pets and the People that love them

Nutrition & Quality

To champion safety and high quality nutrition

Product Innovation

To drive breakthrough innovation that helps pets thrive

Sustainability

To contribute to caring for the planet

A History Of Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Us

About Us

Nourishing Pets. Enriching Lives.

For over 130 years, we've been guided by the belief that pets and people are better together. The reason we're so invested in the quality of our food is because we love pets as much as you do. You'll find pets in our homes, and even sitting by our feet as we work in our office. Because we want dedicated and passionate employees on our team, we make sure that Purina is a great place to work. Find out more about our history, values, brands and team.