PET Food Processing - December 2021 - 11

the dry dog food line, and the brand entered the fastest
growing category in pet food with the addition of Dog
Chow Wet High Protein made with real meat and 40
grams of protein per can.
A foundation in research
" When Donald Danforth, the son of Purina's founder,
William H. Danforth, joined the company in 1920, he
had a strong appreciation for science and advocated for
expansion of our R&D capabilities " Anderson-Bauer
said. " It was Donald who championed the idea of the experimental
farm and research kennel in Gray Summit. "
It's notable that while Purina is known for pet nutrition,
there are many pet experts on staff dedicated to
scientific understanding of pet behavior and pet welfare.
" Purina takes a holistic approach to pet health
with nutrition being a key foundational component, "
Anderson-Bauer explained. " In total, the company has
more than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet
care experts on staff to ensure our commitment to unsurpassed
quality and nutrition. "
The extensive resources Purina has devoted to research
have led to several ground-breaking studies and
nutritional breakthroughs over the decades that Purina
reports have been scientifically proven to improve the
quality of life for pets and, in some cases, even extend
their lives. These include a 14-year life-span study in
dogs, which proved the importance of keeping dogs in
lean body condition from puppyhood and throughout
their lives. This life-span study led to adjustments in
recommended feeding amounts.
" Purina was the first to use that knowledge to recommend
feeding less of the food than previously recommended, "
Anderson-Bauer said.
Additionally, in 1999, Purina established the Canine
Reference Family DNA Distribution Center, which
worked globally with institutions that were studying the
canine genome. This has led to major, subsequent innovations
based on new understandings of genomics.
More recently, Purina conducted research about protecting
brain health in aging dogs, as well as a nine-year
cat study which demonstrated that feeding a specific
blend of nutrients can extend the healthy lives of cats.
Another recent discovery by Purina, following 10
years of research, found that a cat diet formulated with
an egg ingredient containing antibodies to Fel d1 can
mitigate a major cat allergen causing adverse reactions
in humans.
Meeting human expectations
People have increasingly shifted to seeing their pet
as an important member of the family. This has led to
many pet owners projecting their own food preferences,
For nearly a century,
Purina has pioneered
both pet nutrition
and technological
advancements for
producing pet diets.
expectations and philosophies on their pet's food.
" Purina has consistently been able to provide complete
and balanced nutritional options for dogs and cats
through the years that meet the nutritional needs of the
pet, first and foremost, and meet pet owner expectations, "
Anderson-Bauer said.
Purina delivered Fit & Trim, the first over-the-counter
weight loss diet for dogs, for the 1976 fitness-focused
consumer. As pet owners sought premium or gourmet
products in the 1980s, Purina launched Fancy Feast
gourmet, Pro Plan with real meat as the number one ingredient,
and Purina ONE, the first super premium pet
food sold in the grocery channel. With a broad product
portfolio sold throughout the globe, Purina continues
to meet the needs of today's pet owners looking for attributes
important to them including natural, plain and
simple ingredients sourced sustainably.
" For more than 90 years, Purina has been guided by
our purpose of enriching the lives of pets and the people
who love them, " Anderson-Bauer said.
A company must do many things correctly to remain
a leader for nearly a century. For Purina, the longevity
and success likely comes as a result of a true passion and
love of pets, a foundation in science, dedication to innovation
and a commitment to quality and safety.
PFP
Editor's note: As Sosland Publishing Company, publisher
of Pet Food Processing, gears up to celebrate 100 years of
providing food industry professionals timely information,
news and commentary, we will be publishing a series of
articles across all our titles to celebrate the past, present
and future of the people and industry that feeds the world
and a few million pets as well.
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PET Food Processing - December 2021

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