Iams vs Purina
Iams against Purina, measured across 21 and 98 kibble recipes: 28.1% vs 30.8% protein on a dry matter basis, 40% vs 35% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
How They Differ
- Purina runs higher in protein: 30.8% against 28.1% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Purina is lower in starch, about 35% of the food as fed against 40%.
- Purina is more calorie dense, 408 kcal per cup on average against 377, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
Side by Side
| Measure | Iams | Purina | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 21 | 98 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 28.1%22.2% to 33.3% | 30.8%20.5% to 38.6% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 15.5%10.0% to 20.0% | 16.5%9.1% to 22.7% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 40%32% to 50% | 35%18% to 50% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 377325 to 453 | 408330 to 534 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 90% | 89% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 0% | 5% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 95%, Egg 95%, Lamb 14% | Chicken 76%, Egg 52%, Fish 51% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 95%, Wheat 0%, Soy 24% | Corn 79%, Wheat 65%, Soy 70% | |
| By-products | 95% | 69% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None | |
| Made by | Mars | Nestlé Purina |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Iams Adult Minichunks with Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food
Protein 28%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Purina Beyond Simply Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 27%
Fat 16%
Starch 40%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Purina puts more protein in each bowl.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Iams is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Purina starts lower.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Iams runs from 22% to 33% protein and Purina from 21% to 39%, so the right recipe matters more than the name on the bag.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Iams
No FDA recalls for Iams in the last five years.
Purina
No FDA recalls for Purina in the last five years.
About the Brands
Iams
IAMS is a dog and cat food brand owned by Mars, Incorporated and run by Mars Petcare US, which is based in Franklin, Tennessee. Its dry dog food lines include Proactive Health and Advanced Health. The company describes its food as science-backed nutrition formulated by Ph.D. animal nutritionists.
Based in Franklin, Tennessee, since 1946. Every Iams food we review
Purina
Purina is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the pet food business of Nestlé, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Its dog food brands include Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Dog Chow, Beneful and Alpo.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 1894. Every Purina food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed September 29, 2026.