PURINA EGGS
Growing Through Innovation
Purina was founded in the 1890s in St. Louis, Missouri, by William H. Danforth. Purina Mills entered the egg industry in the early twentieth century through its highly successful poultry feed division. The company developed scientifically formulated feeds designed to improve the health and productivity of laying hens, helping farmers increase egg production and quality. Purina then partnered with local dairies, hatcheries, and egg producers to expand its product line. In 1902, Purina merged with the Ralston Breakfast Food Company, forming the Ralston Purina Company.
PURINAS INFLUENCE
Purina eggs were packaged in their iconic red-and-white checkerboard print, making them stand out on shelves. Some cartons feature names like Kiels and Jarisch, which were local egg farms and distributors that used Purina poultry feed to help produce consistently high-quality eggs with strong, durable shells. As food safety concerns were raised Purina introduced “Cage Eggs”, which were eggs produced by hens housed indoors and protected from many outside contaminants. These eggs were marketed as a product of modern farming methods, emphasizing cleanliness, consistency, and protection from weather and contamination. By the mid-twentieth century, Purina's feeding programs and marketing efforts had helped influence how other egg companies produced their eggs.
