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Nutro vs Purpose

Nutro is made by Mars Petcare (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 Nutro. Nutro's maker dates to 1935, while Purpose's launched in 2014.

Nutro and Purpose compared

Nutro Purpose
Manufacturer Mars Petcare Purpose Pet Food LLC
Parent company Mars, Incorporated Independent
Founded 1935 2014
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ) St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 92 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.
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.
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 92) 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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Nutro 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 92 for Nutro. 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

Nutro is made by Mars Petcare, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ), founded in 1935. 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 92 Nutro foods and 9 Purpose foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Nutro or Purpose?

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

Who makes Nutro and Purpose?

Nutro is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. Purpose is made by Purpose Pet Food LLC.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Nutro has 92 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 9 for Purpose.

Where is each brand based?

Nutro is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ). Purpose is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Have Nutro or Purpose been recalled?

Neither Nutro 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: Nutro 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.