Every year, over 100 million dogs in the U.S. alone eat commercial dog food. But not all brands are created equal - and when it comes to sheer sales volume, one name consistently leads the pack: Purina.
Purina Dominates the Market
Purina isn’t just popular - it’s the undisputed number one selling dog food brand in the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe. In 2024, Purina sold over 1.2 billion pounds of dog food globally. That’s more than the next three brands combined. Its success isn’t luck. It’s built on decades of research, wide distribution, and products that meet the needs of everyday pet owners.
Purina’s lineup includes Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Beneful, and Dog Chow. Each targets different needs: Pro Plan is vet-recommended for active dogs, ONE focuses on digestibility and skin health, and Dog Chow is the budget-friendly staple in millions of pantries. You’ll find Purina on grocery store shelves, big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, and even in veterinary clinics.
Why Purina Wins Over Competitors
Other brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo have loyal followings, but they don’t match Purina’s scale. Why?
- Availability: Purina is in over 90% of U.S. grocery stores. If you walk into any local supermarket, you’re likely to find at least three Purina products on the shelf.
- Price point: Dog Chow costs under $1 per pound for dry food. That’s half the price of premium brands like Orijen or Acana.
- Marketing reach: Purina spends over $300 million a year on advertising. You see their ads on TV, social media, and even in vet waiting rooms.
- Science-backed formulas: Purina has a dedicated nutrition research center in Missouri with 150+ scientists. They’ve studied over 50,000 dogs since 2000 to refine their recipes.
It’s not just about selling more. It’s about selling to more people. Purina doesn’t just target elite dog owners. It speaks to the 70% of dog owners who buy food based on price, convenience, and trust.
How Sales Data Is Measured
When we say “number one selling,” we’re talking about total pounds sold - not revenue, not customer satisfaction, not vet endorsements. Nielsen and IRI track retail sales across supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and pet stores. In 2024, Purina accounted for 28% of all dry dog food sales in the U.S. The second-place brand, Hill’s Science Diet, held 11%.
Even when you look at online sales, Purina leads. Amazon’s best-selling dog food in 2025 was Purina Pro Plan Adult Chicken & Rice. It had over 250,000 verified reviews. That’s more than the top 10 premium brands combined.
What About Premium Brands?
Yes, brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Hill’s Science Diet are often called “better” by dog owners who read labels. They use higher-quality ingredients, avoid artificial additives, and market themselves as “natural” or “grain-free.”
But here’s the catch: premium brands make up less than 15% of total dog food sales. Most dog owners aren’t buying based on ingredient lists. They’re buying based on what’s affordable, what’s available, and what they’ve always used.
A 2023 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 63% of dog owners stick with the same brand for over three years. For 42% of them, the reason was simple: “It’s what I’ve always bought.”
Regional Differences
Purina leads in North America and Western Europe, but it’s not universal. In parts of Asia, brands like Royal Canin and Eukanuba have stronger footholds. In Australia, Hill’s Science Diet outsells Purina in vet clinics. In Latin America, local brands like Pedigree (owned by Mars) dominate.
But globally, Purina still wins. Even in markets where it’s not #1, it’s in the top three. Its manufacturing plants are in 19 countries, and it adapts formulas to local ingredients and dietary needs.
Is Purina the Best Choice for Your Dog?
Here’s the real question: just because it sells the most doesn’t mean it’s the best for your dog.
Purina Pro Plan has been clinically shown to improve coat shine and reduce stool volume in studies funded by the company. That’s a good sign. But if your dog has allergies, sensitive digestion, or a medical condition, you might need something more specialized.
For example:
- If your dog has grain allergies, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a solid option - but so is Hill’s Science Diet D/D.
- If your dog is overweight, Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight is formulated for weight management - but so is Royal Canin Weight Control.
- If you want organic or raw ingredients, Purina isn’t your best bet. Try The Honest Kitchen or Open Farm.
Top-selling doesn’t mean top-matched. The best dog food is the one that fits your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health needs - not the one on the most shelves.
What to Look for Instead of Brand Name
Don’t just pick the #1 seller. Ask yourself:
- Does the food have an AAFCO statement saying it’s complete and balanced?
- Is the first ingredient a named meat (like chicken or beef), not a meat meal or filler?
- Does your dog eat it without gagging or vomiting?
- Do they have firm stools and a shiny coat after 4-6 weeks?
- Has your vet recommended a specific formula?
Many owners assume the most popular brand is the healthiest. But popularity is driven by marketing and price - not necessarily nutrition.
Final Takeaway
Purina is the number one selling dog food brand because it’s everywhere, affordable, and reliable. It’s the default choice for millions of families. But your dog’s health isn’t decided by sales numbers. It’s decided by how well the food works for your pet’s body.
Use Purina if it fits your budget and your dog thrives on it. But if your dog has health issues, allergies, or special needs, don’t feel pressured to stick with the bestseller. There are better options - they just cost more and aren’t on every shelf.
The real winner? A dog that eats well, stays healthy, and lives a long, happy life - no matter what’s on the bag.