Why Purrs McBarkin’ Rejects Hill’s

At Purrs McBarkin’, I understand that what you feed your pet is solely your choice, a deeply personal decision made out of love and care. Many of my customers trust and request Hill’s Science Diet, and while I respect your choice, I’ve made a thoughtful decision not to carry this brand. I’m committed to offering only products that align with my values of quality, transparency, and integrity, so you can feel confident in the options I provide. The following is an honest explanation of why I don’t offer Hill’s and how I carefully select what I believe is best for your beloved companions.

At Purrs McBarkin’, I hold myself to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and integrity, which is why I choose not to carry Hill’s Science Diet products. Hill’s, owned by Colgate-Palmolive, has been a widely recognized name in pet food, yet it has faced significant scrutiny due to a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company, alongside select veterinary organizations and professionals, spread misleading information about the safety of grain-free diets, linking them to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition in dogs. The lawsuit suggests that this fear-based marketing tactic was intended to direct consumers toward Hill’s own grain-inclusive products, elevating profits while potentially compromising consumer trust. At Purrs McBarkin’, I want to be clear that these allegations are part of an ongoing legal process, and I make no statements about the outcome; however, the very existence of such claims raises ethical concerns that I cannot ignore.

Hill’s claims to offer scientifically formulated nutrition, yet I question the ingredients commonly found in many of their formulas. A quick glance at their ingredient list reveals a reliance on fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which many informed pet parents today prefer to avoid. These ingredients are typically chosen for their cost efficiency rather than their nutritional benefits, leading to questions about Hill’s commitment to providing the best possible nutrition for pets. Corn and soy, in particular, are frequently used as inexpensive fillers and are far less digestible than whole, animal-based proteins. As a result, they contribute little to the high-quality nutrition that pets deserve. Furthermore, Hill’s includes animal by-products in certain recipes, which consist of the lower-grade parts of animals rather than whole, high-quality muscle meat. These ingredients are often deemed acceptable for mass-produced pet food but fall short of the standards I set at Purrs McBarkin’. In my view, ingredients like these do not align with the nutritional needs of pets or the expectations of pet owners seeking premium, wholesome products.

Despite these lower-cost ingredients, Hill’s Science Diet is priced comparably to truly premium brands that emphasize quality, whole ingredients, and natural formulations without artificial additives. This high price point creates an impression of quality that, in my opinion, is not fully substantiated by the ingredient list, leaving consumers paying a premium for a product that may not deliver the true nutritional benefits that justify such a cost. At Purrs McBarkin’, I offer grain-inclusive options from brands that meet my high standards, featuring only whole, nutritious ingredients without resorting to fillers like corn or soy. These carefully selected brands provide grains without compromising quality, as they use ingredients designed to offer real nutritional value rather than just boosting volume at a low cost.

Further complicating the issue, Hill’s has longstanding relationships with numerous veterinary institutions, funding scholarships, programs, and educational materials for veterinary schools. While support for veterinary education is undoubtedly beneficial, some may wonder if this financial involvement could influence product recommendations and public information on pet nutrition. In an industry where pet owners look to veterinarians for reliable advice, it is crucial that such recommendations remain unbiased and grounded in independent science rather than potentially influenced by corporate partnerships. I at Purrs McBarkin’ believe that the integrity of pet nutrition should stand on a foundation of transparency and ethics, free from potential conflicts of interest.

Adding to the conversation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently stated that there is no definitive link between grain-free diets and DCM, following extensive investigation. The damage, however, has already been done. The controversy surrounding grain-free diets, initially sparked by widespread speculation, has caused significant reputational harm to smaller, high-quality pet food companies specializing in grain-free products. Many of these brands focus on delivering clean, natural, and biologically appropriate ingredients, yet they have suffered from a loss of consumer trust and financial hardship due to the fallout. The FDA’s findings serve as a reminder of the impact that misinformation can have within the pet food industry, shaping consumer perceptions and affecting the livelihoods of companies that remain dedicated to ethical and responsible nutrition.

At Purrs McBarkin’, I am committed to promoting brands that align with my values of quality, transparency, and integrity. My decision not to carry Hill’s Science Diet is rooted in my desire to offer products I believe are truly wholesome, scientifically sound, and free from questionable ingredients or marketing tactics. I carefully select brands that meet rigorous standards, ensuring my customers have access to foods that prioritize real, quality ingredients and ethical practices. By choosing Purrs McBarkin’, pet owners can trust that they are making a choice grounded in respect for both pet health and the integrity of the pet food industry, supporting a movement toward higher standards, transparency, and real nutrition.

-Dave  (Founder and operator of Purrs McBarkin', LLC)

 As the owner of Purrs McBarkin’, LLC, I’ve made a thoughtful choice not to carry Nestlé Purina products. I believe that transparency and trust are the foundation of what I offer, and I want to share the reasons behind this decision with my customers.

Recently, a class-action lawsuit was filed in October 2023, questioning certain labeling practices by Purina. Specifically, this lawsuit challenges the accuracy of Purina’s "natural" labeling, alleging that some products labeled as "natural" may contain synthetic ingredients, preservatives, colors, and other additives. While these claims are still under legal review, this case has raised important questions about the transparency of labeling in pet food and led me to reflect on what "natural" really means to me and my customers.

In the pet food industry, the term "natural" isn’t regulated in a way that some people might assume. Current regulations allow "natural" labeling on products even if certain synthetic ingredients are present, as long as those ingredients meet specific criteria. While this approach may be legally permissible, I believe that it can sometimes create misunderstandings. Many consumers expect a "natural" product to mean whole-food nutrition with minimal processing, and when that expectation isn’t met, it can be disappointing. For pet owners who prioritize minimally processed food, this is an important distinction.

Additionally, I want to address a program called "P4P" (Purina for Professionals), which some veterinary organizations participate in. Through P4P, veterinarians and veterinary professionals may receive discounts or financial incentives on Purina products. While supporting veterinarians with professional discounts is common in the industry, I understand that some customers might wonder how these programs could potentially influence product recommendations. For me, this highlights the importance of transparency in choosing products for our pets.

At Purrs McBarkin’, I’ve chosen to stock only those brands that meet what I consider to be a high standard for ingredient transparency. I personally review each product’s ingredient list and sourcing practices, seeking options that align with my belief in wholesome and straightforward nutrition. My goal is to offer foods that I feel confident feeding to my own pets and that meet my customers' standards for quality and integrity.

Ultimately, my commitment is to provide options that I believe offer the best in terms of ingredients and transparency. I encourage customers to review ingredient lists, ask questions, and make informed choices about what they feed their pets. My choice not to stock Purina products reflects my commitment to these values and to my customers.

Thank you for supporting Purrs McBarkin’. For me, providing trusted and carefully chosen products isn’t just a business decision—it’s a promise to our community and to the pets we serve.

-Dave (Founder and operator of Purrs McBarkin', LLC)