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Instinct vs Purina Dog Chow

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.), and Purina Dog Chow by Nestlé Purina PetCare (owned by Nestlé S.A.). On KibbleLab, Instinct averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.7 for Purina Dog Chow. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Purina Dog Chow is not.

Instinct and Purina Dog Chow compared

Instinct Purina Dog Chow
Manufacturer Nature's Variety Nestlé Purina PetCare
Parent company Agrolimen S.A. Nestlé S.A.
Founded 2002 2001
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 108 15
Serves Cats & dogs 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.
No 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.
Yes 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 .
8.4 (avg of 108) 6.7 (avg of 15)
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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Instinct vs Purina Dog Chow: how they compare

Scores

Instinct scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 6.7 across 15 for Purina Dog Chow. 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

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, owned by Agrolimen S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2002. Purina Dog Chow is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, owned by Nestlé S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2001.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Purina Dog Chow is not. KibbleLab lists 108 Instinct foods and 15 Purina Dog Chow foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Instinct or Purina Dog Chow?

Instinct scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 6.7 for Purina Dog Chow. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Instinct and Purina Dog Chow?

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which is owned by Agrolimen S.A. Purina Dog Chow is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which is owned by Nestlé S.A.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Instinct has 108 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 15 for Purina Dog Chow.

Where is each brand based?

Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Purina Dog Chow is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Are Instinct or Purina Dog Chow PSC Accredited?

Instinct is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have Instinct or Purina Dog Chow been recalled?

Neither Instinct nor Purina Dog Chow 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: Instinct and Purina Dog Chow .

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.