Along Route 66 in Gray Summit, a stretch of land holds answers to how people came to care for their pets the way they do today. Early work here introduced new ways of thinking about feeding, health, and daily life with animals.
For the past century, those ideas came to life through time spent together on the property at Purina Farms.
Where Did Modern Pet Care Really Start?
Long before it became a public destination, the property operated as a working research campus. In the 1920s, Purina established the site to study animals. Long before it became a public destination, the property operated as a working research campus. In the 1920s, Purina established the site to study animal nutrition across livestock and companion animals. Scientists tracked feeding habits, digestion, and long-term health outcomes with a level of structure that was uncommon at the time.
The work shaped practices that are still used today. Early insights led to the development of the first commercially produced dry dog food and helped establish nutrition-based kibble as a standard in pet diets. Research tied to the property also supported tools like the nine-point Body Condition Score system, now used by veterinarians around the world to assess healthy weight in dogs and cats.
“A lot of the practices people rely on today started here,” says Bailie Kleekamp, marketing coordinator at Purina Farms. “We take pride in that history and the role it continues to play.”
It stems from founder William H. Danforth, who built his approach around consistency, care, and balance in animal nutrition. His ideas continue to guide how the company approaches research, product development, and its relationship with pet owners.
His work extends into a broad portfolio of pet food brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, and Friskies, with each developed to support different needs across life stages, activity levels, and specific nutritional needs. Research continues to guide how ingredients are selected, how formulas are developed and validated, and how nutrition supports long-term well-being. Across the portfolio, that foundation shows up in the way that everyday feeding connects back to decades of study and observation.
History of Best Practices on Display
In its early years, Purina Farms welcomed select groups onto the grounds to observe the work of understanding animal nutrition, health, and best practices in care firsthand. Farmers, educators, and industry professionals were invited to evaluate pet feeding preferences, daily care routines, and how animals were monitored over time. Visitors could watch how data was recorded and how small changes in diet or environment influenced health and behavior, offering a clearer view into how research translated into everyday care.
Today, the connection continues in a different way, focused on hosting world-class animal competitions and offering programming to celebrate the powerful connection between people and pets.
A Place Designed With Pets in Mind
The space is built around how pets move, play, and experience their surroundings. Many places allow pets. Purina Farms is designed for them. Open areas such as the pups play yard give dogs room to move and engage, while expanding nature trails create more opportunities to explore together. Layout, spacing, and amenities support how dogs move, rest, and interact, creating an environment that feels comfortable for both pets and their owners. Cats are also welcome at select special events, such as Responsible Pet Owners Day and Cold-Nosed Candids.
“We want people to come here, have a good time with their pet, and leave with a better understanding of that relationship,” Kleekamp says.
What Pulls People in From Across The Country
The property also serves as a national destination for pet-focused events. The Purina Event Center is a world-class space that hosts dog and cat shows, agility trials, and competitions throughout the year, bringing together participants from across the country. These events range from first-time competitors to seasoned handlers, where everyday pet owners and top-performing teams experience the same space. While on property, guests can enjoy open areas such as the pups play yard and expanding nature trails for greater exploration together.
Among its most recognized events is the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, which began on the property in 1998. The competition highlights speed, skill, and coordination between dogs and their handlers, offering visitors a new perspective on what that partnership can look like. For many, it brings new meaning to the time and connection they share with their own pets. It’s also now the subject of a documentary series, A Different Breed, streaming on Prime Video.
St. Louis residents and travelers can enjoy similar high-energy performances from April 20–September 30, as the Purina Incredible Dog Team from Purina Farms brings daily shows to St. Louis Union Station from Thursday through Sunday. Featuring canine sports such as agility, flying disc, and entertaining tricks, the team celebrates the unique bond between people and pets while demonstrating that any dog can be truly incredible.
100 Years on The Same Ground
This year marks a century on the same property for the beloved Purina Farms. The milestone reflects decades of research, education, and public engagement, as well as setting a standard for pet care nutrition and innovation.
One of the highlights of this year’s programming is the Bark Tie Gala on August 22, an evening featuring wine tastings and auctions that support the Coalition for Pet Progress, an alliance of animal-centric nonprofits serving the St. Louis region. The event brings together pet owners, supporters, and community partners to raise funds for local animal welfare organizations.
What People Take With Them
At Purina Farms, the experience stays with visitors after they leave. Time spent together on the property often leads to a stronger connection and a better understanding of what pets need and how they communicate.
“We are here to foster that relationship,” Kleekamp says. “We want people to leave feeling more connected to their pets.”
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Purina Farms. For more information, visit purina.com/purinafarms.
