Rachael Ray Nutrish vs Purina
Rachael Ray Nutrish against Purina, measured across 11 and 99 kibble recipes: 27.2% vs 30.7% protein on a dry matter basis, and 42% vs 36% starch.
How They Differ
- Purina runs higher in protein: 30.7% against 27.2% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Purina is lower in starch, about 36% of the food as fed against 42%.
- Purina is more calorie dense, 408 kcal per cup on average against 344, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
Side by Side
| Measure | Rachael Ray Nutrish | Purina | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 11 | 99 | 1,601 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 27.2%22.2% to 28.9% | 30.7%20.5% to 38.6% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 14.0%9.0% to 15.6% | 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. | 42%39% to 47% | 36%21% to 50% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 344280 to 385 | 408330 to 534 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 89% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 18% | 5% | |
| Most used proteins | Chicken 91%, Fish 36%, Beef 27% | Chicken 77%, Fish 52%, Egg 52% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 55%, Wheat 9%, Soy 64% | Corn 79%, Wheat 65%, Soy 70% | |
| By-products | 0% | 70% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | 3Latest 20233 older in the archive | |
| Made by | Post Holdings | 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.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 29%
Fat 16%
Starch 39%
Purina Beneful Incredibites Small Dog Chicken Dry Dog Food
Protein 30%
Fat 15%
Starch 39%
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, Rachael Ray Nutrish is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Purina starts lower.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish has fewer FDA recalls in our record over the last five years (0 against 3). Read the list below before counting it against Purina: most recalls cover a few lots, not a whole range.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Rachael Ray Nutrish runs from 22% to 29% 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.
Rachael Ray Nutrish
No FDA recalls in our record for Rachael Ray Nutrish in the last five years.
Purina
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. EL Elemental dry dog food, two additional lots (expansion)
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. EL Elemental prescription dry dog food (8 lb, 20 lb)
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. PPVD EN Gastroenteric Low Fat wet dog food 13.4 oz cans (contained Purina ONE True Instinct Turkey & Venison)
Archive: 3 older recalls
Beneful; Purina Pro Plan. Beneful Prepared Meals, Beneful Chopped Blends and Pro Plan Savory Meals 10 oz wet dog food tubs, Best Before Jun-Aug 2017
Purina ONE beyOnd. Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult dry dog food, limited bags
Waggin' Train; Canyon Creek Ranch. All Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats (chicken jerky) sold in US (market withdrawal)
About the Brands
Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a dog and cat food and treats brand owned by Post Holdings and managed by its Post Consumer Brands pet food division, which the brand's website calls For All Tails Pet Care. The Rachael Ray name is a trademark of Ray Marks Co., LLC used under license. The brand is known for its tie to celebrity cook Rachael Ray and says it has enabled over $95 million in donations through The Rachael Ray Foundation through 2024.
Based in Lakeville, MN, since 2008. Every Rachael Ray Nutrish 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 October 10, 2026.
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