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Iams vs Purpose

Iams is made by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and Purpose by Purpose Pet Food LLC, and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Purpose averages 8.8 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Purpose does not.

Iams and Purpose compared

Iams Purpose
Manufacturer Iams Company Purpose Pet Food LLC
Parent company Mars, Incorporated Independent
Founded 1946 2014
Headquarters Mason, Ohio, United States St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 48 9
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$ $$$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
Yes No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No No
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.1 (avg of 48) 8.8 (avg of 9)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Iams vs Purpose: how they compare

Scores

Purpose scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.8 out of 10 across 9 scored foods, compared with 8.1 across 48 for Iams. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946. Purpose is made by Purpose Pet Food LLC, an independent maker, based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2014.

Standards and range

Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Purpose does not. KibbleLab lists 48 Iams foods and 9 Purpose foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Iams or Purpose?

Purpose scores higher: it averages 8.8 out of 10 across 9 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Iams and Purpose?

Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. Purpose is made by Purpose Pet Food LLC.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Iams has 48 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 9 for Purpose.

Where is each brand based?

Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States. Purpose is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Do Iams and Purpose meet WSAVA criteria?

Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Purpose does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Have Iams or Purpose been recalled?

Neither Iams nor Purpose has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Iams and Purpose .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.