History of Purina
Purina, a brand known globally for its pet care products, has a rich history rooted in the United
States. It was founded by William H. Danforth in 1894 in St. Louis, Missouri, under the name
'Ralston Purina Company.' Initially, the company focused on producing animal feed, specifically for
farm animals, under the Purina Mills brand. The name 'Purina' itself is derived from 'purine,' a
substance found in animal waste that was once used as a fertilizer.
In the early 20th century,
Purina began to diversify its product line into pet food. The first pet food produced by Purina was
a dog food called 'Dog Chow,' which was introduced in 1926. This marked the beginning of Purina's
expansion into the pet care industry. Over the years, Purina continued to innovate and expand its
offerings, introducing various pet food brands such as Purina Cat Chow, Purina Pro Plan, and Purina
ONE.
In 2001, Nestlé S.A., a Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate,
acquired Ralston Purina Company. This acquisition led to the formation of Nestlé Purina PetCare
Company, which operates as a subsidiary of Nestlé. Under Nestlé's ownership, Purina has continued to
grow and innovate, maintaining its position as a leader in the pet care industry globally. Today,
Purina offers a wide range of pet food, treats, and pet care products, emphasizing nutrition,
quality, and the well-being of pets worldwide.