When you walk down the pet food aisle or scroll through options online, it may seem like there are countless choices for your cat’s nutrition. But here’s something many cat parents don’t realize: Most popular cat food brands are owned by just a handful of large corporations. This is why it’s important to ask yourself: Who owns my cat’s food brand?
Companies like Nestlé (Purina), Mars Inc. (Sheba, Iams, Royal Canin), and J.M. Smucker (Meow Mix, 9Lives) dominate the pet food industry. These parent companies often own dozens of brands. Some of these brands market themselves as premium, natural, or holistic, despite being manufactured in the same facilities as much cheaper products.
But why should it matter who owns my cat’s food brand? Because when you’re buying cat food, you’re not just choosing a label. You’re choosing the values, sourcing practices, and quality standards of the company behind it.
Many large corporations prioritize profit and shelf stability over species-appropriate nutrition. Marketing costs of these products often cost more than the ingredients. This often results in recipes full of biologically inappropriate ingredients: low-quality fillers, meat by-products, and artificial additives. On the other hand, smaller, independent pet food companies tend to focus more on transparency, ingredient quality, and the overall health of your cat.
So how can you find out who’s behind your cat’s food brand?
A quick online search can reveal a lot, or you can check the back of the package for the name of the parent company. Don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper. Your cat’s health could depend on it. And don’t assume just because you find your cat’s food brand is owned by a small company that it’s fine. Go to their website and look to see if they disclose their sourcing and manufacturing information.
Another invaluable resource is the website, Truth About Pet Food. This page was created by Susan Thixton and is solely supported by pet food consumers. Each year, she researches pet food brands and publishes a list of brands that meet high and healthy standards.
Knowing who’s behind your cat’s food is the first step in making more informed decisions. If you’re passionate about your cat’s well-being, it’s worth seeking out brands that align with your values and truly prioritize feline health.
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