Friskies: A Legacy of Innovation in Pet Food

Friskies, a well-known brand of pet food, has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. Initially introduced by the Carnation Company, Friskies began as a dog food brand, catering to the nutritional needs of dogs at a time when the concept of commercial pet food was still emerging. The brand’s name, “Friskies,” is derived from the word “frisky,” reflecting the lively and energetic nature of pets. This choice of name aimed to evoke a sense of playfulness and health, aligning with the core image of the products they offered.

In the 1950s, recognizing the growing popularity of cats as household pets, Friskies expanded its product line to include cat food, marking a pioneering moment in the pet food industry. Friskies became the first brand to offer dry food specifically for cats, a groundbreaking move that addressed the unique dietary needs of felines. Prior to this innovation, cats were often fed table scraps or homemade diets, with little consideration for the specialized nutrition they required. Friskies’ introduction of dry cat food not only provided a convenient feeding option for cat owners but also emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition tailored to different types of pets.

Carnation’s success with Friskies drew the attention of Nestlé, which acquired the company in 1985. This acquisition allowed Nestlé to strengthen its presence in the growing pet care industry. In 2001, Friskies became part of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company following a merger with Ralston Purina, another leading pet food company. This merger combined the expertise and resources of both companies, leading to further innovation and expansion in the pet food market.

Today, Friskies offers a wide range of wet and dry cat food products, along with treats, designed to meet the diverse dietary needs and preferences of cats. The brand’s emphasis on quality, taste, and nutrition has made it a trusted name worldwide, ensuring its continued success in the ever-evolving pet care industry.
Friskies: A Legacy of Innovation in Pet Food

Purina's Pet Care Journey

The Purina brand as we know it today emerged from the merger of three renowned pet care companies: Purina, Spillers, and Friskies.

Back in 1894, William H. Danforth founded Purina Mills, a specialized animal feed company. He, along with George Robinson and William Andrews, established the Robinson-Danforth Commission Company, which focused on providing feed for farm animals. By 1896, Danforth had gained full control of the company.

In 1902, the company underwent a name change and rebranded as Ralston Purina, adopting the iconic checkerboard trademark.

Under Danforth's leadership, in 1898, the company introduced a cracked-wheat cereal that gained recognition as Ralston Whole Wheat Cereal.

A significant milestone was achieved in 1926 when Purina inaugurated the world's first research center dedicated exclusively to pet nutrition. Situated in Gray Summit, Missouri, USA, this facility allowed for a scientific approach to studying pets' dietary needs through feeding studies and nutrition trials. Expanding on this foundation, Purina launched Winalot, the first complete and balanced dog food, in 1927. It was followed by the introduction of Bonio, the pioneering bone-shaped biscuit, in 1929.

In 1957, Ralston Purina expanded its reach to international markets. Additionally, the company acquired Eveready Battery in 1986 (which was later divested in 2000) and gradually phased out its involvement in the agricultural feed sector during the 1990s. In 1986, Ralston Purina sold its US animal feed business, Purina Mills, to British Petroleum, which is currently owned by Land O'Lakes.

In a momentous transaction, Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina for an astounding $10.3 billion in December 2001. This acquisition followed Nestlé's previous acquisitions of Friskies pet food in 1985 and Spillers Pet Foods in 1998. The merger resulted in the creation of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. To further expand its product portfolio, Nestlé Purina PetCare acquired Lily's Kitchen, a reputable UK-based natural pet food brand, in April 2020.
Purina's Pet Care Journey