Why North OKC & Edmond Smell Like Dog Food & Where It's Coming From

The OKC/Edmond Dog Food Smell Conundrum

If you live in the North part of Oklahoma City or Edmond, then you’ve probably noticed the occasional dog food smell in the air. So what exactly is causing this odor and where is it coming from? The reason it smells like dog food is because, well…it is dog food.

To be more precise, it’s Nestle Purina, a pet food plant located between Kelly Ave. and Lincoln Blvd. close to Memorial (not too far behind Edmond Hyundai). See the map below for reference.

They employ around 350 people and manufacture pet treats and food for brands like Purina® Friskies®, Beyond®, and a few others. They’re proud of their accomplishment for “zero waste to landfill”. But it doesn’t appear that they’ve quite figured out how to generate zero air emissions.

The closer you are to the factory, the stronger and more often you’re smelling it. But some days it doesn’t matter how close you are. When the wind is blowing just right, we’re all getting whiffs.

If you’re reading this, then welcome to the club…you’re not alone! I found this reddit thread from a few years ago where it’s been a topic of conversation, as well as OKCTalk.

Is there anything residents can do about it? Unfortunately, all you can do is stay indoors and keep your doors and windows closed. I find that I can’t really smell it when I’m inside. But some people may be more sensitive to the smell than myself.

In that case, it may help to invest in an air purifier to remove the odor from your living space. It may also help to use an air freshener or odor neutralizer to mask the smell if it’s really bothering you.

Hopefully that clears up the mystery, in case you didn’t know.