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.

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

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.

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.

Purina develops 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.

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.

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 fibre in cat food to help manage hairballs safely and effectively.

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.

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.

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.

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.