IAMS vs. Purina ONE vs. Pedigree Dog Food: Which is the Best Option?

History Of The Three Brands

IAMS History

IAMS Company is a manufacturer of premium dog and cat foods which are distributed only through veterinarians, animal breeders, and specialty pet stores. It is the number two company in the high-end pet food niche, and the seventh largest pet food enterprise overall in the United States. 

IAMS have a rich history going back 75 years. Founded in 1946 by Paul Iams.Paul Iams graduated from Ohio State University as a formally trained and educated animal nutritionist. He created well-researched, balanced, and nutritious food recipes to ensure dogs receive what they need to live a long and healthy life.The company introduced its first product in the 1950s, IAMS 999.Unlike most food on the market at the time, it was made of animal proteins rather than plant-based proteins.In the 1980’s, IAMS introduced their life stage dog formulas.Then, in the 1990s, IAMS launched their natural dog food line and publicized their findings regarding the positive effects of fatty acids on a dog’s skin and coat.Procter and Gamble purchased IAMS in 1999. When P&G bought IAMS Co., they announced their intentions of expanding the pet food brand globally. IAMS was sold and changed hands several times, and it is now owned by Mars Inc. However, IAMS ethos has not changed, and they still aim to create affordable yet nutritious food that rivals table scraps, and they sell their products across the world.Since the early days, the company strove to deliver nutritional value without breaking the bank, and it slowly took over the US market before spreading globally.

The company distributes its pet foods in more than 70 countries worldwide. Iams also maintains a pet research center in Lewisburg, Ohio, where veterinarians, chemists, and nutritionists study dog and cat diets on laboratory animals raised as pets. Occupying a booming segment of the pet food market, Iams in the late 1990s was one of the fastest growing pet food companies in the world.

Purina ONE History

Purina is the company hailed as the creators of what we now call ‘kibble.’ It is based on a technological process they developed and named extrusion. Since then, the company has grown in popularity and experience. Purina ONE is one of many product lines in the Purina brand

The Purina One brand was launched in 1986 by Ralston Purina, making it the first super-premium pet food line. Among its products is Purina One Natural Blends, which features natural ingredients and is the first natural pet food to be widely available in supermarkets and other retail stores.

Purina One pet food combines high-quality ingredients with the latest innovations in nutritional science. From day ONE of feeding your pet PURINA ONE, you can expect to see positive changes in bright eyes, shiny coat, and more.All of their recipes are made from real meat, which serves as the foundation of their formulas.Not only does this help to increase the protein content of each serving, but it also ensures that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need from a single source. Most of their foods are towards the higher end of the protein spectrum, and you can find many in the 28-30% range. This is ideal, as many dogs have allergies or sensitivities to certain meats and will benefit from having a single protein source in their diet.Purina ONE offers a wide variety of food formulas for dogs, including options for different life stages, breeds, and sensitivities.

Pedigree History

Pedigree is one of the world’s most famous brands of dog foods, which has a pretty long history. In 1934, Mars Limited acquired the Chappel Brothers of Manchester. They based their dog food on Chappi in 1957 and began producing special dog foods.However, the Pedigree name wouldn’t come into existence until several decades later, in 1972.After over 60 years, the company has become synonymous with cheap pet food found at any grocery store. Operating as a Mars Inc subsidiary, Pedigree is sold across the globe, though the brand was officially solidified only in 1988.During the 1970s Pedigree were producing in the region of 400,000 tons of pet food a year, a leading figure in the market, but in the 80s and through the 90s, brands such as Nestle Purina Petcare started to threaten the Pedigree market share.

The company sells more pet food than any other company in the world and alongside their flagship brand, they also own other popular lines such as Sheba, Eukanuba, Cesar, IAMS, and Nutro.The company requires to use only high-quality ingredients. Mars has clear ingredient requirements, a quality control program, and supplier approvals. Strict adherence to them guarantees the quality composition of products.Pedigree produces dry and wet food for dogs of different ages and all breeds. All components in the diets perform a particular function: they provide nourishment and improve food’s shelf life.

Alongside their commitment to offer wet, dry, and treat foods that support, fortify and fuel a dog’s power to be their healthiest and happiest selves, the company is also committed to supporting shelter and rescue organizations across the country via the PEDIGREE Foundation.

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IAMS vs. Purina ONE vs. Pedigree: Comparison Side by Side

1. Nutritional Value Comparison

Without any doubt, all recipes have their unique nutritional value.Food will both nourish and sustain a dog’s body and mind, and in order to do so it needs to contain the building blocks their body needs such as protein, fat, fiber content. 

• Crude Protein: Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.

• Crude Fat: Fat is another essential compound for dogs as it delivers energy and fat-soluble vitamins as well promoting good blood pressure and a healthy and strong body. 

• Crude Fiber: Higher fiber content can assist to satiate a dog’s appetite keeping them feeling fuller for longer as it is an easier way to bulk out food without adding calories. Fiber is also an aid to digestion and keeps your dog’s bowel movements regular and healthy. Fiber in the gut assists with the breakdown of food and allows the body to absorb more of the nutrients and vitamins. 

Anyway, in the chart below, I have defined an average percentage for all IAMS vs. Purina ONE vs. Pedigree formulas, both dry and wet, to see if there’s any difference in the nutritional profiles of these brands.

Once you take a closer look, you’ll notice that Purina ONE products usually pack more protein, fat, and fiber.There are zero high-protein (over 30%) formulas among either Iams or Pedigree lineups. I’m guessing they would be much more expensive and hard to sell, so even puppies and small energetic dogs will have to settle for 25% to 27% protein.

2. Price Comparison

Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a kibble for your pooch. Whilst you certainly pay for what you get, you do not have to spend hundreds on a bag of kibble or buy the most expensive one. Decide on your budget and dependent on what nutritional needs your pooch has, choose between kibbles that fall into your budget.Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference among three brands. 

3. Food Ingredients Comparison

• IAMS

In most recipes, real meat is the first ingredient, which is a great sign of quality. In most recipes, real meat is the first ingredient, which is a great sign of quality. But this is not always the case. Chicken is the most common protein source, with two lamb-based options available in the adult life stage.

All of their recipes list added vitamin and mineral supplements that help support your pup’s immunity, which means the power to fight illness and disease.IAMS is a grain-inclusive brand only. By offering only grain-inclusive options, Iams is limiting their doggy audience.The brand does not use artificial preservatives or flavors, which is great. But, they do use unnecessary additional ingredients such as caramel color,chicken by-product and so on. 

• Purina ONE

Meat is always the first ingredient in Purina One dry recipes. ONE incorporates a wider variety of meats, including chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, and duck. Meat by-products are also listed among ingredients in their recipes.

Purina ONE is mainly a grain-inclusive brand, however, they also offer a handful of grain-free options. This is a bonus compared to IAMS because it caters to a wider set of canine needs.However,they also use more controversial ingredients,such as caramel color, similar to IAMS. They also use unnecessary flavor ingredients, such as liver flavor, seen in many of their recipes. 

• Pedigree

The company requires to use only high-quality ingredients. Mars has clear ingredient requirements, a quality control program, and supplier approvals. Strict adherence to them guarantees the quality composition of products.Pedigree produces dry and wet food for dogs of different ages and all breeds. All components in the diets perform a particular function: they provide nourishment and improve food’s shelf life.

The disadvantage of the compositions is that the main ingredient in the feed is corn. The high-calorie content of this product is combined with its low nutritional value. Besides, Pedigree sometimes chooses to obscure the real source of protein, listing meat or poultry meal, instead of specifying the exact nature of the ingredient.

4. Flavor Comparison

• IAMS

In terms of flavor variety, IAMS is a complete underdog. The brand offers only chicken flavors in the dry dog food category, except for one lamb recipe. Wet formulas are also not numerous, and they include chicken, lamb, and beef patés in combination with grains and vegetables.

• Purine One 

Purine One has a greater assortment of flavors. There are chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, turkey, and even bison tastes. There are two grain-free formulas in the True Instinct series.

• Pedigree

Pedigree offer several flavors in their range so you can always switch up the kibble a little to keep your pup interested. Pedigree has similar ingredients with IAMS when looking at their differing flavor options, which helps to reduce the chances of a stomach upset. It also avoids the chance that your pup turns his or her nose at the food. 

5. Number of Recalls

• IAMS

Since 2007, IAMS products have been recalled seven times, with four of these recalls affecting dog food formulas.

In 2007, several varieties of Iams dog food were affected by the nationwide pet food recall for melamine contamination.

In 2011, multiple lots of Iams dry dog food were recalled because of the presence of aflatoxin, a type of mold toxin.

In 2013, several types of Iams dog food were recalled because of salmonella contamination. During the same year, dog treats from multiple lots were recalled due to possible mold growth.

• Purine One 

Purina One has been recalled once.

March 9, 2016: Incorrect Vitamins and Minerals

• Pedigree

Pedigree has been recalled three times.

In 2008, the company Pedigree was accused that some dogs were infected with salmonella from of company’s food.

In 2012, three types of dog food were recalled due to small pieces of plastic being found in the production line.

In 2014, select varieties of dog food were recalled because of metal fragments potentially contaminating the bags.

Best Dry Dog Food For Each Brand

1. IAMS Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

If you have a not-so-little pup, the IAMS Proactive Health Smart would be a fantastic choice.IAMS Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken was created to meet their specific wellness and nutritional needs as they grow up to be healthy adults. With real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, this dry puppy food is made with 22 key nutrients like those found in mother’s milk, including omega-3 DHA to promote healthy cognition. Plus, the tasty dog kibble promotes strong muscles with quality protein. When you feed your puppy IAMS dry dog food, you can feel good knowing they’re getting the nutrition they need to bring out their unique best.

2. Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

This high-protein recipe features real lamb as the number one ingredient to help promote strong muscles and a healthy heart. The prebiotic fiber aids in healthy digestion, while four antioxidant sources—vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and selenium—support immune function. This formula also includes glucosamine to help promote dog hip and joint health. With zero percent fillers, every ingredient works to support your pal. Plus, it’s highly digestible to help ensure your dog is getting the most out of every meal.

3. Pedigree High Protein Beef & Lamb Flavor Dog Kibble Adult Dry Dog Food

This tasty recipe is formulated with real beef for all the protein needed to fuel all those furry adventures, and every crunchy bite packs the irresistible flavor of mouth-watering beef and lamb. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, omegas and antioxidants for nose to tail well-being, and zero sugars or anything artificial so even sensitive pups can gobble up. In fact, it contains more protein than most of the other Pedigree foods on the market.

However, what seems to be high protein to Pedigree is only moderate protein to Purina. The food relies heavily on fillers and animal by-products. The recipe’s protein average is lower than most Purina meals, and the lean animal protein is limited as well.

Comparison Table

IAMS vs. Purina ONE vs. Pedigree: Which Dog Food Should You Buy?

In my humble opinion, Purina One appears to be the winner in this battle. But does it mean that IAMS or  Pedigree is worse? No, these are awesome cost-effective brands that have their advantages. 

While Purina ONE isn’t perfect, there’s a lot to love about this brand. Dogs love the tasty recipes and the focus on ensuring real meat is at the top of the ingredient list and supported by plenty of fruits and vegetables, means that their dishes provide the full spectrum of micro and macro nutrients that your hound needs to to thrive.Purina One formulated balanced diets for puppies, large dogs, and senior pets that need specific nutritional profiles. Purina One offers more products, including recipes for canines with digestive and joint issues.

Unlike Pedigree,IAMS formulas do include real meat or poultry.That slight difference may not be immediately obvious, but it will ensure the long-term health of your pooch and extend his life expectancy. If you can afford them, I recommend IAMS between these two foods.You can find good-enough formulas from them, and almost every single one is within the average pet owner’s reach.While IAMS does tend to cost a bit more than Pedigree, this is definitely a case where you get what you pay for.

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