The history of Purina dates back to the late 19th century when William H. Danforth, a successful businessman from St. Louis, Missouri, founded the Ralston Purina Company in 1894. The company initially focused on producing animal feed, including feeds for farm animals and livestock.
In the early 20th century, Ralston Purina expanded its product line to include dog food, recognizing the growing demand for pet food in the market. The company introduced the first-ever dry dog food called "Dog Chow" in 1926, revolutionizing the way pet owners fed their dogs.
Over the years, Ralston Purina continued to innovate and expand its pet food offerings, introducing new formulas and varieties to meet the evolving needs of pet owners. In 1957, the company launched Purina Cat Chow, followed by Purina Dog Chow in 1986, solidifying its position as a leader in the pet food industry.
In 1986, Ralston Purina acquired the pet food division of Carnation Company, further expanding its product line and market presence. The acquisition helped Ralston Purina strengthen its position in the pet food market and establish itself as a trusted and reliable brand among pet owners.
In 2001, Ralston Purina merged with Nestlé, forming a new entity called Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. This merger brought together two global leaders in the pet food industry, combining their expertise and resources to provide high-quality and nutritious pet food products to pet owners around the world.
Today, Purina continues to be a leading brand in the pet food industry, offering a wide range of products for dogs, cats, and other pets. With a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and pet health, Purina remains dedicated to providing pets with the nutrition they need to live happy, healthy lives.