Why do vets always recommend Purina

Why Do Vets Recommend Purina? [Trusted or Not?]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Heres what I think: Vets recommend Purina due to their high-quality ingredients, adherence to nutritional guidelines, and scientific-backed formulas, among other reasons. Over the years, the company has also formed a close relationship with industry professionals, building a trusted bond as a result.

If you wanna know more and understand some of the key concerns about such partnerships, you wont want to miss the rest of this article.

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The Role of Nutrition in Pet Health

Nutrition is the cornerstone of your pets well-being.

Just like humans, our dogs rely on a balanced diet to thrive and live healthy, happy lives.

In this section, Ill explore why proper nutrition is so vital for your furry companions and why veterinarians play a crucial role in guiding pet owners toward the right dietary choices.

The Significance of Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition is not just about filling your pets bowl with any available food.

Its about providing the right nutrients in the right amounts to support their growth, development, and overall health.

Here are 4 reasons why it matters:

• Growth and development: Nutrition is fundamental for puppies as they grow. The right nutrients help in bone and muscle development, ensuring your pet reaches its full potential.
• Energy and vitality: Good nutrition provides the energy canines need to stay active, playful, and full of life. It fuels their daily activities and adventures.
• Disease prevention: A well-balanced diet can help prevent various health issues in pets. For instance, the right nutrients support a strong immune system, reducing the risk of infections.
• Weight management: Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. Obesity can lead to various health problems, but the right diet can help prevent it.

The Veterinarians Role in Guiding Pet Owners

Veterinarians are not just there for your pet when theyre sick; they are also your best allies in maintaining their health through nutrition.

Heres how they assist:

• Expertise: Veterinarians have extensive knowledge of animal nutrition. They understand the specific dietary requirements of different pets, from dogs and cats to birds and reptiles.
• Personalized advice: Every pet is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Vets can assess your pets age, breed, size, activity level, and any underlying health conditions to recommend the most suitable diet.
• Monitoring and adjustments: As your dogs health evolves, so should their diet. Vets can monitor your pets progress and make necessary adjustments to their nutrition plan.
• Recommendations for special needs: Guess what? If your pet has special dietary needs due to allergies, sensitivities, or chronic health conditions, veterinarians can also recommend specific diets or supplements to address these concerns.

Understanding Purina

To comprehend why veterinarians frequently recommend Purina pet food, you need to first understand the brand itself.

Purina is a name that carries a legacy in the world of pet nutrition. Lets delve into the history, reputation, and diverse product lines that make Purina a trusted choice for pet owners and veterinarians alike.

A Rich History

Founded in 1894, the brand has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of pets and their owners.

This long-standing history is a testament to Purinas commitment to delivering high-quality pet food products.

A Well-Established Reputation

When it comes to pet food, trust is paramount. Purina has earned its reputation by consistently providing nutritious, safe, and reliable pet food.

This reputation is not built overnight but through years of dedication to pet well-being.

I remember when my family had our first dog, I always see packs of Purina kibble around the house.

Years later, my parents told me that it was one of the most highly recommended brands from their vet friends!

Diverse Product Lines

Purina offers a wide range of pet food products, catering to various dietary requirements, preferences, and budget too.

These product lines include:

• Purina ONE: Think of this range as their entry level product for dogs. While it does share lots of similarity with Pro Plan, it has a smaller assortment and can be easily found in big box stores and even groceries.
• Pro Plan: Pro Plan is a premium line that focuses on optimal nutrition for pets, whether theyre active, aging, or have unique dietary requirements. You also get a wider range of formulas, and they can only be found at specialty stores or online.
• Purina Veterinary Diets: These specialized diets are formulated to address specific health issues in pets, and they are often recommended by veterinarians to manage conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or allergies. Take note: this range can only be purchased with a licensed vet prescription.

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Purina Quality and Safety Standards

For me, this is one of the top criteria I look at when choosing dog food. Theres no way I would randomly pick up any kibble and feed it to my dogs, and I hope you have a similar mentality too!

However, theres no exact way to know how good a manufacturer is except to watch out for signs, such as:

• Stringent testing: Purina conducts comprehensive testing of ingredients and finished products to ensure they meet their high standards. This includes testing for contaminants, such as bacteria or toxins.
• Reaction to recalls: Unfortunately, there are times when accidents happen, and companies need to recall the particular formula in question. Ive seen firsthand how Purina handled these incidents swiftly.
• Traceability: The brand maintains a robust system for tracking ingredients and products. This allows for quick identification and removal of any products that may not meet quality and safety requirements.
• Compliance with regulatory standards: Purina complies with all relevant regulations and industry standards (such as AAFCO and FDA) to ensure their products are safe and nutritionally balanced.
• Transparency: The company is transparent about its sourcing, manufacturing, and testing processes, allowing consumers to have confidence in the products they choose for their pets.

Collaboration with Veterinarians

You might be thinking, so far I have only mentioned all the good stuff about Purina, making them seem like its the best choice for all dog owners.

Well, its not that simple, and I definitely want to point out another perspective.

The truth is, the company is unlikely to get to where it is today without an investment in marketing, and thats where vets come in.

Collaborating with veterinarians adds a layer of scientific expertise to pet food brands, and quite frankly, its a given that this partnership needs to exist.

On the other hand, there might be ethical concerns.

If the company is sponsoring vets or organizations related to vets, does that present a conundrum?

I think its a bit of both really.

We in the industry do need the support of corporates, while they can benefit from the backing of trusted professionals.

Where the line should be drawn is when it comes to the well-being of our pets, being transparent, and having independent opinions.

To strike a balance, I feel that these collaborations need to be driven by a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of pets, rather than just marketing gains.

When executed ethically and transparently, such collaborations can indeed enhance the pet food industry and contribute to healthier, happier pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do veterinarians recommend Purina?

Yes, some veterinarians recommend Purina, but not all. An ethical vet will only recommend a product based on several factors, most importantly, the specific needs of the individual dog. Purina is a well-established pet food brand so its not uncommon to see them being a recommended choice.

Should you trust Purina?

This comes down to individual preferences and how your dog interacts with the dog food. Purina is a reputable company so I would say that it is trustable. If you need more information, a chat with your vet and reading consumer reviews will help you out too. Alternatively, you can also check out our dog food comparison guides.

Is Purina better than Blue Buffalo?

I chuckle when someone asks me this as there really is no straightforward answer to it. It depends on what youre comparing and ultimately, what the needs of your dog are. However, both are reputable companies in the industry, so I would say that if your search starts with them, youre on the right track.

Are vets paid to promote certain dog foods?

In my experience, I have never seen a vet getting kickbacks or any financial incentives to promote certain dog food brands. Its highly unethical and is not tolerated by the industry. On your part, you should ask your vet why they recommend a particular brand (if it happens) and determine the level of transparency. And frankly speaking, selling dog food isnt really profitable from a clinics point of view.

In Conclusion: Why Do Vets Recommend Purina?

Well, some vets do recommend Purina, largely based on their positive experiences and also seeing firsthand the benefits its brought to patients, but its not accurate to say that all vets do.

Ultimately, the well-being of our furry companions should always be the top priority, and informed decisions about pet nutrition should be based on transparency, research, and a commitment to the best interests of our beloved dogs!

Hey! If you found this post useful, check out these dog care tips too:

Youve made it to the end, but I hope its not the end of our journey. We want to hear your voice! Share your thoughts, problems, suggestions, or anything related to your dog in the comments section. And dont forget to join our newsletter today too.

Purina vs IAMS Dog Food Comparison

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When I was younger, pretty much everyone fed their dog Purina or IAMS.

They were household brands and, at the time, two of just a few brands commonly seen in the grocery stores.

Not to sound like an old lady here, but back in my day, there werent big chain pet stores, and there werent any pet boutiques.

So, what happened to dog food companies like Purina and IAMS when the dog food market exploded?

I still see them on the shelves, but I tend to walk by them without thought.

However, I recently found out that my mom buys Purina for her dog. I was more than surprised to hear this and found out that it was our vet that recommended it.

I trust our vet and always go with their recommendations, but I couldnt help but wonder why of all brands she would recommend Purina.

Are Mainstream Food Brands Any Good?

The last time I was in with one of my dogs for a check-up, I had to ask about her food recommendation.

My vet said she understood my surprise, but that brands like Purina and IAMS have really improved the quality and varieties of foods they offer.

Over the last several years, they have been forced to change to keep up with the growing market.

She also pointed out that the boutique foods are under scrutiny by the FDA as to the long-term effects concerning dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The concern with the boutique foods is that they believe the grain-free foods are the cause of the increase in cases of dogs suffering from DCM.

So, many veterinarians are falling back on more tried and true brands such as Purina and IAMS.

Then at the end of my visit, the vet suggested I try ALPO kibble for Daisy.

She laughed at the look on my face when she suggested it. But she stated that it is a balanced diet and a lot of seniors that are picky eaters, like Daisy, tend to like it.

Purinas Company History

Purina has a very long history, stretching as far back as 1894^[1].

Back then it went by the name of Robinson-Danforth Commission Company for two of the three founders.

In 1902, they changed the name to Ralston Purina.

They originally started as a farm animal food company but over the years evolved into one of the biggest dog food companies in the industry.

In 1987, Purina shared their findings after a fourteen-year research project. The research proved feeding your dog appropriate foods throughout the different life stages can significantly impact the health and longevity of your dog.

In 1988, Purina launched the first hypoallergenic food that isolated the allergens and removed them from the food, creating a diet that was nutritious as well as safe for dogs with food allergies to eat.

Over the next years, Purina continued to grow, both in the pet food industry but also in different markets such as treats, dental chews, probiotics, and more.

In 2001, Nestle purchased Purina, making Purina a globally recognized name.

As of 2018 Purina is the second-largest dog food company in the world^[2].

Purinas 3 Best Sellers

Purina One Smart Blend is a balanced food for adult dogs that dont have special dietary requirements.

The food is enhanced with antioxidants to promote a robust immune system.

Purina Pro Plan Focus is formulated to be rich in fatty acids to help improve good skin health.

Also, it has been enhanced with prebiotics for a healthy digestive system. Purina Pro Plan is not a hypoallergenic food, and it does contain grains.

Purina Pro Plan Savor is a highly digestible food containing prebiotics and probiotics to promote good digestive health.

This food has both dry kibble and shredded soft dog food to provide a more appealing texture for your dog.

IAMS Company History

IAMS started in 1946 by Paul IAMS.

Paul IAMS would later launch the first animal-protein rich dog food, which was named IAMS 999.

In the 1980s, IAMS introduced their life stage dog formulas.

Then, in the 1990s, IAMS launched their natural dog food line and publicized their findings regarding the positive effects of fatty acids on a dogs skin and coat.

IAMS was privately owned until 1999, when Procter and Gamble purchased it^[3]. When P&G purchased IAMS Co, they announced their intentions of expanding IAMS globally.

Later in the 2000s, IAMS brought their most advanced dog food formula line, Premium Protection, to market. Premium protection is a specially formulated food for puppies.

Finally, in 2014, MARS company announced the purchase of IAMS from P&G^[4]. MARS is the largest dog food company in the world.

IAMS 3 Best Sellers

IAMS Proactive Health is an excellent all-around food for adult dogs.

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, followed by corn and whole grain sorghum. It also contains beet pulp and prebiotics for healthy digestive systems.

Farm-raised chicken is the main ingredient in this food.

The chicken and chicken fat are a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which promotes healthy joints^[5].

Like the other Proactive Health recipes, it contains an abundance of nutrients and vitamins to ensure a balanced diet.

This food is designed to help large breed puppies grow and develop at the proper pace. It also contains Omega-3 DHA to aid in brain development.

Finally, it has been enriched with 22 nutrients that are found in the puppys mothers milk.

Purina Recalls

Purina has only had one dog food recall in the last ten years.

In August 2013 there was a recall (that included only one food, Purina ONE Beyond) due to possible Salmonella poisoning^[6].

IAMS Recalls

IAMS has had two dog food recalls in the last ten years.

In December 2011 there was recall (for only one food, Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy) due to possible aflatoxin contamination^[7].

Then, in August 2013, there were six dry dog foods involved in a recall^[8]. The recall was due to suspected salmonella contamination.

• Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult
• Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult
• Premium Protection Chicken
• ProActive Health Small Breed
• ProActive Health Large Breed
• ProActive Health Large Chunks

Since the 2013 recall, IAMS has not had any additional recalls.

Whats Important When Choosing a Dog Food?

There is a multitude of components that go into deciding on the ideal dog food.

Often, we only think of ingredients, and though that is a significant part of the decision process, it isnt the only factor to take into consideration.

Other things specific to your dogs dietary health requirements are essential when picking the right dog food.

Also, there are aspects of the decision-making process that do not have anything to do with your dog. But these elements are still essential when deciding on the best food for your dog.

There are two tiers to consider when deciding on the right dog food for your pooch.

The first tier is made up of factors that directly relate to your dogs specific needs, like:

• Weight
• Breed (German Shepherds and Goldendoodles do better on different foods)
• Activity Level
• Size
• Age (the best dog food will change as your dog grows from puppy to adult)
• Health Various diseases like Cushings, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, and GI issues

The second tier is made up of less critical, but still significant elements like:

• Availability
• Taste (what your dog thinks)
• Price
• Where the food is manufactured
• Where the ingredients are sourced

Comparison of Purina vs. IAMS

Ingredients

Winner: IAMS

This was close, as the majority of the ingredients are similar.

However, I chose IAMS because of the additional superfoods found in their Proactive Health blend.

I compared each of the best sellers: Purina One Smart Blend Chicken and Rice and IAMS Proactive Health Adult Minichunks.

Purinas first ingredient is chicken, which is one of the natural sources for glucosamine.

Also, this food contains a variety of grains rice, wheat, and corn. There are a lot of added vitamins and nutrients listed, but not a lot of superfoods like spinach or blueberries.

However, they do use a variety of kibble to enhance the texture of the food.

IAMS first ingredient is also chicken, followed by two different grains.

IAMS also includes dried beet pulp to enhance the digestibility and promote good GI health. Also, this blend includes superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and apples.

Price/Value

Winner: IAMS

The average price per pound for IAMS is a hair over one dollar per pound. For Purina, its three cents more expensive per pound.

The ingredients are pretty similar, but IAMs won because of the additional superfoods.

Combined with the ingredients and lower price, IAMS won for price and value as well.

Availability

Winner: Purina

Both brands can be found at the larger pet stores and online.

However, Purina is also available at more grocery stores and some boutique pet stores.

Varieties

Winner: Purina

Purina is the winner with 96 unique recipes.

Purina Varieties

Purina has 96 different dry dog foods listed on their website. There are 7 different lines within these 96 foods.

• Purina One 18 Varieties
• Purina Pro Plan 41 Varieties
• Purina Dog Chow 10 Varieties
• Beneful 11 Varieties
• Beyond 9 Varieties
• Bella 2 Varieties
• ALPO 2 Varieties

Amongst these lines, they have specific recipes for seniors, puppies, large breeds, giant breeds, toy breeds, small breeds, weight management, hypoallergenic, skin and stomach sensitivities, grain-free, and sport.

IAMS Varieties

IAMS has 21 different dry dog foods listed on their website. These 21 foods are broken down into three categories:

• Nutrition Tailored to a Dogs Age and Size 8 Varieties
• Nutrition Tailored to a Dogs Unique Dietary Needs 4 Varieties
• Nutrition Tailored to a Dogs Breed 6 Varieties

Within these three lines, there are specific recipes for weight management, grain-free, and high protein.

Taste

Winner: IAMS

Even though the ingredients look similar to me, IAMS was the winner by a landslide.

I cant even begin to imagine what IAMS has that Purina does not.

Never mind, yes, I can imagine.

Purina has the tender meaty morsels, which I thought dogs would prefer over standard dry kibble, but I guess I was proved wrong.

X-Factor

Winner: Purina

Both companies support their communities, but Purinas work stood out more to me.

Purina:

• Donates $10,000,000 annually to Rescue Bank^[9]. Rescue Bank aids animal rescues through donating foods from various animal food vendors.
• Supports Leader Dogs for the Blind.
• Partners with local animal shelters all over the US.
• Supports Adopt a Pet.
• Supports Duo Dogs, a program that connects dogs and people to help enhance their lives.
• Supports Dogs on Deployment assisting troops in finding a safe place to board their pets while on deployment.
• Partnered with St. Louis Childrens Hospital and funded a room for children to be able to visit with their pets while staying in the hospital.
• Red Rover and Purina started the Purple Leash Project to aid in keeping victims of domestic violence together with their pets in February 2019^[10].

In addition to these ongoing partnerships, Purina also has donated money or food to help:

• Pets and people impacted by tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest during June 2019.
• Pets and people impacted by both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael in 2018^[11].
• Build a dog park inside a domestic violence shelter in 2018^[12].

Overall

Winner: Purina

Purina is the overall winner because of their large variety and X factor.

The massive array of food Purina offers is impressive. I think it would be hard not to find a food that would meet a dogs dietary needs.

Also, with the ability to find Purina almost anywhere is a big bonus.

The X factor doesnt always make a significant impact on the decision-making process, but I am enamored with companies that support their communities.

Final Thoughts

I am honestly surprised at how impressed I am with the two brands.

Both companies surprised me with how much they have evolved over the years. They each offer an impressive selection of quality dog food, and they both have fewer recalls than I had expected.

I didnt expect they would have higher recalls because I thought they were terrible brands but because of the volume of food they produced and sold.

Both Purina and IAMS are companies that I would confidently recommend to friends and families looking for a specialty dog food.

Occasionally, after researching a dog food company, I come away disappointed.

However, today I am happy to say both companies impressed me with the quality of food they offer.

Resources

1. https://www.purina.com/about-purina
2. http://www.ift.org/food-technology/daily-news/2018/may/22/mars-nestle-top-the-list-of-leading-pet-food-manufacturers-globally.aspx
3. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-08-12-9908120403-story.html
4. https://www.cnbc.com/2014/04/09/mars-buys-procter-gamble-brands-iams-eukanuba-natura-brands-for-29b.html
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023306000554
6. http://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170112111635/http:/www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm366953.htm
7. http://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170111130813/http:/www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm282506.htm
8. http://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170112111637/http:/www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm365154.htm
9. https://www.purina.com/about-purina/better-with-pets/articles/8-causes-purina-loves-to-support
10. http://newscenter.purina.com/2019-02-12-Keeping-Pets-And-People-Together-RedRover-And-Purina-Partner-to-Make-More-Domestic-Violence-Shelters-Across-The-U-S-Pet-Friendly
11. https://www.purina.com/disaster-relief/hurricane-michael
12. https://www.purina.com/about-purina/better-with-pets/pet-welfare/domestic-violence-shelter-dog-park1