Purina, the countrys leading food and litter manufacturer for dogs and cats, is celebrating a landmark 125 years in business. With trusted brands such as Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Dog Chow, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Purina is committed to producing the highest quality products that feed millions of pets every day. As a dedicated supporter of wetlands conservation, Purina is also a proud partner of Ducks Unlimited.

Purina is known for providing innovative products and exceptional nutrition for hardworking dogs, says DU CEO Dale Hall. We congratulate our partner on 125 years and look forward to Purinas continued wealth of expertise in nutrition, training, and conditioning to benefit our duck dogs.

William H. Danforth founded the company that became Ralston Purina in St. Louis, Missouri. Based on the companys slogan, Where Purity Is Paramount, Purina was incorporated into the name in 1902, along with the iconic checkerboard logo. Throughout its history, Purina has revolutionized the pet food industry. The company opened the first-ever pet nutrition and care center in 1926 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri, to confirm the palatability and nutrition of its pet foods. In 1957, Purina introduced extrusion, a manufacturing process now standard for dry pet foods. This process produces a flavorful, expanded particle, or kibble, with superior palatability and appearance. Nearly 30 years later, the company established the groundbreaking Pro Plan brand, the first of its kind with real meat as the first ingredient. Today, Pro Plan is the official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited.

This year marks a milestone in the history of our company, says Purina CEO Joe Sivewright. We look forward to writing the next chapter of Purinas great story in 2019 with partners like Ducks Unlimited that share our values.

With a global team of more than 500 scientists, nutritionists, behaviorists, and veterinarians, Purina is continually innovating the future of pet care. Research has led to powerful breakthroughs, such as Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula, which optimizes a dogs endurance; Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND, which promotes healthy aging; Purina Pro Plan SAVOR, with guaranteed-live probiotics that support digestive and immune health; and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care, which boasts beneficial bacteria to help maintain calm behavior.

Purina products are held to the highest quality standards. Made in Purina-owned U.S. facilities, all products undergo more than 100,000 quality checks related to ingredients, packaging, receiving, processing, and packing. Purina is also committed to safeguarding the environment through sustainable manufacturing processes. This includes reducing waste, optimizing energy, and being good stewards of water. The company also is working with farmers and conservation leaders to improve the environment where its ingredients are grown or raised. Purina has committed more than $5 million in support of programs such as DUs Living Lakes Initiative, to protect and improve 1,600 acres of Iowa wetlands and grasslands, and the Rice Stewardship Partnership, to keep working rice lands healthy, preserve wetlands, and create waterfowl habitat.

We enjoy working with DU members and providing their dogs with outstanding nutrition to help them be their absolute best, while also helping to benefit wetlands and waterfowl conservation, says Purina Director of Sporting Dog Programs Karl Gunzer.