There are certain occurrences that are common for pet owners everywhere, and one of those occurrences includes walking into a store and being immediately overwhelmed by the amount of pet food options present.
Having a dog entails feeding them meals that have the correct amount of nutrients and healthy ingredients that will help in their growth and development. However, with the market filled with numerous dog food brands that are accompanied by a sea of options, how can one make a decision easily?
The process of picking a brand becomes even trickier when there are ranges that all belong to a reputable brand that has been around for a very long time, and the two ranges I’m referring to in this case are Purina ONE and Purina Beneful.
When you take a look at these two lines from Purina, they immediately seem super impressive, containing multiple recipes and attractive ingredients. So, which one do you think you should pick?
Well, luckily for you, I’m here to help you with your Purina ONE vs. Beneful dilemma. In this article, I will be doing a deep dive into both these ranges and conducting a thorough comparison between the two based on several factors.
By the end of it all, you will know which range to pick that will boost the health of your dog both internally and externally. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
| Factors | Purina ONE | Beneful |
|---|---|---|
| Owned by | Nestle | Nestle |
| Launched in | 1986 | 2001 |
| Special feature | High-protein real meat forms the primary ingredient | Natural dog food for dogs of all ages |
| Number of formulas | Around 40 recipes | Around 60 recipes |
| Intended for | Weight management, high performance, improved coat and skin, and more | Dogs who require more natural flavors in their meals, especially small to medium-sized breeds |
A Sneak Peek at The Winner: Purina ONE
Purina ONE is one of those ranges that has something for every dog out there, which is one of the multiple reasons that makes it the winner today.
With plenty of dry and wet dog food options and the inclusion of elements such as meat, vegetables, and grains, it emerges as a wholesome line for your adorable companion.
Whether you’re looking for products for an older dog or a dog suffering from digestive issues, their products cater to a wide range of dogs, making it a very accessible option for pet owners hunting for a range that can maintain its consistency across the various life stages of a dog.
History of the Dog Food Brands
Before you learn further about any dog food brand, it’s essential to know more about its history and how it originated in the first place.
Since both Purina ONE and Beneful are ranges that belong to the brand of Purina, the history of their inception is quite similar in terms of the brand’s genesis.
Let’s have a closer look at their point of origin.
Purina ONE And Beneful
- High protein dry dog food for skin and coat care
- Highly digestible
- Omega-6 fatty acids,
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As a brand, Purina has several lines under its name, and two of those include Purina ONE and Beneful. It was back in 1894 when a man named William H. Danforth got into a professional partnership with William Andrews and George Robinson, hoping to develop items for farm animals.
Danforth’s passion laid the foundation for Purina. It was the very first brand to employ the technology of extrusion to create what is known as kibble in the current era. In 1986, Purina became the first dog food brand to make use of real meat as the primary ingredient in kibble.
Nestle acquired Purina in December of 2021, thereby making the brand more accessible to pet owners across the world.
Purina ONE was among the first ranges to be curated by the brand. The range catered to the needs and requirements of every dog, incorporating products based on breeds, life stages, forms, dietary preferences, and flavors.
Beneful was released in 2001, with the company attempting to market the name of the range to denote something that is ‘full of goodness’. That very year, the TV advertising campaign released by the brand was the biggest one in the brand’s history till then.
The Beneful range was generating $300 million in terms of revenue towards the end of 2006. During that year, the brand also invested to upgrade its facilities in Missouri to help in the production of more wet pet food.
- 100 percent complete and balanced small breed adult dog food
- High protein dog food helps support strong muscles
- Made with real beef, chicken or salmon and real vegetables
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The line also went ahead to design several unique marketing campaigns, which included releasing posters in Germany that emanated the smell of dog food, meant to attract the dogs to the posters.
Another one was when TV ads were released in Austria that included high-pitched noises that could only be heard by dogs. There were also interactive billboards designed in May of 2012 in New York that allowed individuals to play a game of virtual fetch at the subway station.
Purina One vs. Beneful: 4-Factor Comparison
For dog owners who are hoping to gain a comprehensive picture of both Purina ONE and Beneful, it’s essential to look at all the crucial factors related to any dog food brand.
Therefore, I will be conducting a comparison of the two lines in terms of their ingredients, recipes, nutrition, and recalls.
1. Ingredients
Since both the lines make use of several ingredients in their recipes, I will be focusing on the ingredients that keep recurring in their products.
Purina ONE
The key ingredients in the Purina ONE recipes are as follows:
- Meat and Fish
Real meat forms the first ingredient in most of the recipes from Purina ONE. Fish is a common element found in their recipes as well.
Together, they fill your dog’s meal with good fats and lean protein. Some of the types of meat one can see in their meals are chicken, beef, and lamb.
- Rice Flour
Rice flour serves as a great source of carbohydrates for dogs, thereby filling them up with lots of energy. A couple of their products have rice in them too.
- Fish Oil
Fish oil improves the coat health of dogs and boosts their heart health. Since fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it is a vital ingredient for the functioning of your dog’s brain and body. It can also help in relieving them of joint pain and allergies.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal assists greatly in improving the skin and coat health of dogs. It also helps with digestion and can lower a dog’s cholesterol levels.
Controversial Ingredients
While Purina ONE has some fabulous ingredients in its recipes, it also has some to be wary of. For instance, it contains fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, which are harmful to dogs with sensitive tummies. They also have animal by-products, artificial colors, and flavors, which can cause skin and health problems.
Purina Beneful
Here are a couple of the ingredients that can be commonly found in products of Beneful:
- Real chicken
While other types of meat are also present in Beneful’s recipes, chicken is the first ingredient in many of their products. Not only is chicken a wonderful source of amino acids, but it also has omega-6 fatty acids, which keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy.
- Whole grain corn
Since corn is easy to digest, it can be a good source of energy for dogs. It also helps in their growth, maintains the health of their coat and skin, and supports their immune system.
- Barley
Barely high in fiber and low in cholesterol. It helps in maintaining a dog’s blood sugar levels, and the vitamins give your pet energy, filling them up substantially.
- Rice
Rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, rice packs in a lot of goodness for dogs. It can soothe gastrointestinal issues and make their bones healthier.
Controversial Ingredients
Artificial flavors exist in Beneful’s recipes as well, which can be irritating to some dogs. Certain lower-quality ingredients are used as fillers in their recipes, which can be a discouraging factor for many pet owners.
Who Won?
Purina ONE wins in the category of ingredients since it contains more substantial ingredients and fewer fillers in comparison to Beneful’s products.
Although high-quality and natural ingredients are used by both these ranges, the presence of multiple grains may not be seen as a positive inclusion by everyone.
2. Recipes
Both Purina ONE and Beneful have numerous recipes for dog owners to choose from. Therefore, let’s focus on the key pointers regarding their recipes.
Purina ONE
- Around 40 recipes present
- Natural and high-quality ingredients are used
- Recipes are formulated to address the specific needs of dogs
- Certain recipes don’t contain preservatives or artificial flavors
Purina Beneful
- Around 60 different recipes are available
- Bite-sized options available for smaller dogs
- Great for small and medium-sized dogs
- Options of dog treats and soft dog food
Who Won?
Beneful wins for the category of recipes by a small margin, mainly due to the variety it provides. However, if you’re looking for diverse recipes and delicious flavors, then both these ranges will serve you right.
3. Nutrition
The nutritional value provided by a brand is possibly one of the most imperative elements in the selection process for any dog parent.
Evaluate a brand carefully on the basis of the percentage of nutrients present in their recipes. Let’s delve in deeper regarding the protein, fat, and fiber content in the products from Beneful and Purina ONE.
Crude Protein
Purina ONE offers 26% crude protein, whereas Beneful offers 23%. Although the difference may not seem like much, it could be considered a vital difference since protein is an integral part of a dog’s diet.
Crude Fat
The recommended percentage of crude fat for dog food is between 8% to 18%. The crude fat content in Beneful’s recipes is 12%, and it’s 16% for Purina ONE. Therefore, it’s pretty much the same for both ranges.
Crude Fiber
The crude fiber present in Purina ONE’s products is 3%. In Beneful, it’s 4%. Thus, they both fall under the ideal range, which is between 2% to 5%.
Who won?
Looking at the percentage of nutrients, there isn’t much of a difference, but Purina ONE does contain more protein in its recipes, which is what makes it the winner in this department.
4. Recalls
As pet owners, we would obviously want nothing but the best for our furry companions. However, no matter how careful you are, there are always certain instances that call the quality of some brands into question. This is why it’s crucial to look into a brand’s recall history before making the purchase.
Both Purina ONE and Beneful have had recalls in the past, and some were initiated by the brand themselves. The positive thing to note here is that Purina has acknowledged these claims and made the necessary amendments to rectify the situation.
Purina ONE
Purina ONE has had one recall so far, which was during the summer of 2013 when the brand voluntarily recalled its products as it suspected a salmonella contamination.
Purina Beneful
A lawsuit was filed against Beneful in 2015, stating that their recipes were contaminated with ingredients like propylene glycol and mycotoxins.
About 3000 complaints were registered from dog owners who said that their pets were experiencing vomiting, seizures, weight loss, and diarrhea, all of which are signs of mycotoxin poisoning.
Later on, the lawsuit was changed to claims related to false advertising, and the court dismissed the lawsuit made against the brand stating that no evidence was found that could prove that the dogs got sick because of Beneful’s products.
The range was recalled once in 2016 when Beneful Prepared Meals and Beneful Chopped Blends were called into question for not having enough vitamins and minerals. Purina said it discovered the issue during the company’s quality checks. No dogs were reported to be affected by it.
Who Won?
Purina ONE is a clear winner in this department as not only has it had just one recall so far, but it also hasn’t had any lawsuits filed against it, unlike the Beneful range.
Although the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, it could discourage pet owners from going for the line after reading into the claims.
Highlights For The Food Brands
Before we announce the winner, let’s do a quick recap of the primary aspects discussed so far.
Purina ONE
- Contains recipes to manage a dog’s weight and boost their skin and coat health
- Some of the recipes have the goodness of natural ingredients
- There are no artificial flavors or preservatives present in a couple of recipes
Purina Beneful
- Beneficial for small and medium-sized dogs
- Soft dog food options and treats available
- A wide variety of recipes present
Purina ONE Takes the Crown
At times there is a reason why a certain range or brand has impressed pet owners for ages, and Purina ONE gives not just one but multiple reasons for dog parents to pick its products.
Below is a list of pros and cons so that you can ultimately decide whether it’s the ideal range for your dog or not.
Pros
- Contains ingredients that boost a dog’s bone and joint health
- Provides a fabulous combination of crunchy kibble and soft meat
- An affordable range with good quality ingredients
Cons
- Some of the animal by-products in their recipes may not seem like an attractive option
- Dogs who are allergic to grains could find some of their products troublesome
Why Did Beneful Lose?
Although both these ranges belong to Purina, there are certain factors that prove Beneful may not be as good as Purina ONE. The presence of too many filler ingredients is one of those factors along with the fact that it contains a lower level of proteins.
Keeping the claims and lawsuit in mind, some pet owners could be wary of going for Beneful in comparison to Purine ONE.
FAQ’s
Who owns Purina ONE?
Purina ONE is owned by Nestle.
When did the inception of Beneful take place?
The inception of Beneful took place in 2001.
Has Purina ONE ever had any recalls?
Yes, Purina ONE had one recall back in 2013.
Can I buy Beneful’s products on Amazon?
Yes, Beneful’s products are available on Amazon.
Does Purina ONE have grain-free options?
Yes, Purina ONE does have grain-free options.
Are there wet and dry dog food options in Beneful’s products?
Yes, Beneful has plenty of wet and dry dog food options available.
Final Words
Purina, as a brand overall, has made a huge name for itself for many decades now. Therefore, there are always expectations associated with all the ranges it comes out with, and the same is the case for both Purina ONE and Beneful.
If Purina ONE vs. Beneful is a subject you’re debating on, then look at this article to learn more about all the necessary details so you can make an informed decision.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
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