How Long Has Purina Been Making Pet Food: A Timeline Of Quality Care

Purina, a renowned company in the pet nutrition industry, was established by William H. Danforth in 1894. Initially, the company primarily focused on producing feed for farm animals. However, Danforth harbored a grand vision of expanding Purina’s offerings to provide the highest-quality and purest nutrition for companion animals in a convenient and user-friendly format. Over the years, Purina has grown and evolved, becoming a trusted name in pet care, with a rich history spanning more than a century.

In 1918, a pivotal moment in the history of pet nutrition occurred when a visionary named PM Chapel recognized an opportunity in the market. He seized the chance to acquire cost-effective horse meat and subsequently introduced the world’s first canned dog food, which he branded as Ken-L-Ration. This groundbreaking development not only marked the inception of the oldest dog food brand but also revolutionized the way we nourish our canine companions. Chapel’s innovation, founded on the utilization of horse meat, laid the foundation for the modern pet food industry, which has since evolved to offer a wide array of nutritious options to cater to dogs’ diverse dietary needs.