PET Food Processing - October 2019 - 29

PROCESSOR PROFILES

Nestlé

PURINA Petcare
F

First known as Ralston Purina before its was purchased by Nestlé in 2001, this pet food manufacturer upholds a long tradition of animal food
manufacturing backed by extensive nutritional research and science. With more than 20 brands of
pet food and treats, Purina is driven by relentless
innovation and a deep understanding of pets' unique
nutritional needs.
The company's nutritional philosophy is encompassed by five major points: all dogs and cats
should have access to high-quality nutrition; a
thorough understanding of nutrients, "not just ingredients," is essential to achieving overall health;
constant innovation to improve nutrition, food
safety and the well-being of pets; providing enjoyable and effective feeding experiences; and knowing that all pets needs are unique and their nutrition should reflect that.
Kurt Venator, chief veterinary officer at Purina,
says one cornerstone of developing a pet food that
is well-received by the pet and the owner is its functional benefits. This means developing nutritional
solutions that address life stage or lifestyle challenges
that could positively impact that pet's quality of life
and longevity. While nutrient balance and palatability are vitally important to the success of a product

to craft its pet diets. One of Purina's recent scientific discoveries was of an egg ingredient that can be
used to deliver antibodies to a common allergen
found in cats' saliva, called Fel d1, that can cause allergic reactions in humans. The antibodies prevent
Fel d1 from triggering an allergic response without
reducing the production of Fel d1 or changing the
cat's overall physiology, Venator explained. This discovery could pave the way for future approaches to
mitigating cat allergens.
Purina is actively working to improve its sustainability efforts and wage a "war on waste." The manufacturer says employee engagement, minimizing the
production of waste at the source, and partnering
with local vendors are three key areas of focus for its
sustainability plan. Purina has undertaken the lofty
goal of zero environmental impact throughout its
operations, including zero waste for disposal across
all 20 of its factories and its headquarters by 2020.
As of April 2019, more than 75% of Purina's facilities
had achieved this, with the remaining facilities on
track to eliminate waste by the end of the year.

FAST FACTS
Founded: 1894
Headquarters:
St. Louis, Missouri
Manufacturing:
20 facilities in the US
Brands:
Portfolio of 30+ brands
Website:
www.purina.com

"Our job is to imagine the
impossible and unleash the
power of nutrition to help all
pets live better, longer lives."
Kurt Venator, chief veterinary officer, Purina

as well, Venator adds, so is employing experienced
formulators, veterinary professionals and manufacturing experts that can consistently deliver on highquality, safe product promises.
In the spirit of innovation, Purina invests heavily
in the science behind nutrition, physiology and companion animal behavior and uses that knowledge

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