Inaba vs Purpose
Inaba is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd., 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 7.7 for Inaba. Inaba's maker dates to 1805, while Purpose's launched in 2014.
Inaba and Purpose compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Inaba Foods Co., Ltd. | Purpose Pet Food LLC |
| Parent company | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 1805 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Products listed | 35 | 9 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe 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. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe 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 |
ScoreThe 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 . |
7.7 (avg of 35) | 8.8 (avg of 9) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
Affiliate links · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Inaba vs Purpose: how they compare
Scores
Purpose scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.8 out of 10 across 9 scored foods, compared with 7.7 across 35 for Inaba. 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
Inaba is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd., an independent maker, based in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, founded in 1805. Purpose is made by Purpose Pet Food LLC, an independent maker, based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2014.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 35 Inaba foods and 9 Purpose foods.
Not sure which is right for your pet?
Sign in free to see Inaba and Purpose scored for your pet's breed, age, and health focus, save favorites, and compare foods side by side.
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Inaba or Purpose?
Purpose scores higher: it averages 8.8 out of 10 across 9 scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Inaba. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Inaba and Purpose?
Inaba is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd. Purpose is made by Purpose Pet Food LLC.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Inaba has 35 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 9 for Purpose.
Where is each brand based?
Inaba is based in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Purpose is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Have Inaba or Purpose been recalled?
Neither Inaba nor Purpose has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
More Inaba 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.