Pets are more than just animals; they are part of the family. They deserve the best care, especially when it comes to food. Supermarket buyers, you play a big role in making sure pet owners find the best options for their furry friends. This guide will introduce you to the top 20 pet food brands in the world, known for their quality, variety, and love for pets.
Let’s dive into this pet-friendly journey together, and maybe you’ll find your next bestseller for the pet aisle!
1. Mars Petcare Inc.
Mars Petcare is the king of the pet food world. Their popular brands, like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin, are household names. This company focuses on science-based nutrition for pets, ensuring every bite is delicious and healthy.
Why It’s Great:
- Wide variety of products for dogs and cats.
- Special formulas for puppies, kittens, and seniors.
Fun Fact: Did you know Mars Petcare is behind those funny Pedigree ads? Pets and humor go hand in paw!
2. Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina offers something for every pet owner. From Purina ONE to Pro Plan, they are all about balanced diets for pets. Their research teams ensure the food supports strong bones, shiny fur, and wagging tails.
Top Picks:
- Friskies for cats who crave fun flavors.
- Pro Plan for pets with special dietary needs.
Why It Sells: Supermarket shelves stocked with Purina products rarely stay full for long!
3. Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Hill’s is a brand you trust when your pet has special health needs. Their Prescription Diet line is recommended by vets worldwide. From weight management to kidney care, Hill’s has pets covered.
Hot Sellers:
- Science Diet for everyday health.
- Prescription Diet for specific health issues.
Tip for Buyers: Add Hill’s to your premium pet food section to attract pet parents who want the best for their furry companions.
4. The J.M. Smucker Company
This company makes fun and practical products like Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, and Kibbles ‘n Bits. These are go-to brands for pet owners who want quality and affordability.
Customer Favorites:
- Meow Mix Tender Centers for cats.
- Milk-Bone dog biscuits—pets’ favorite treat!
Did You Know? Smucker is a big name in human food, too, but their love for pets makes them unique.
5. General Mills (Blue Buffalo)
Blue Buffalo is for pet parents who demand natural, high-quality food. With no artificial flavors or fillers, it’s a premium choice.
Top Products:
- Blue Wilderness for high-protein diets.
- Blue Basics for pets with food sensitivities.
Fun Insight: Blue Buffalo was inspired by a dog named Blue who needed a special diet. Aww!
6. Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond is all about value and quality. Their Diamond Naturals line includes whole ingredients like real meat and superfoods.
Best-Sellers:
- Diamond Naturals for balanced nutrition.
- Grain-free options for sensitive pets.
Pro Tip: Diamond is affordable but premium, making it a great mid-range option.
7. Simmons Pet Food
Simmons is a behind-the-scenes hero, producing wet and dry pet food for many private labels. They also supply branded products to supermarkets worldwide.
Why It’s Reliable:
- Variety of wet and dry food.
- Trusted by supermarkets everywhere.
For Buyers: Private labels from Simmons let you customize offerings for your store!
8. Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a premium brand known for its breed-specific and health-focused formulas. It’s a go-to choice for pet owners who love personalized nutrition.
Popular Picks:
- Breed-specific formulas for dogs and cats.
- Veterinary diets for health issues.
Buyer Tip: This brand is often recommended by vets—perfect for building trust with customers.
9. Merrick Pet Care
Merrick takes pride in their grain-free recipes and real meat ingredients. They focus on small-batch cooking, ensuring top-notch quality.
Star Products:
- Grain-Free Texas Beef for dogs.
- Purrfect Bistro for cats.
What Buyers Love: Merrick products have colorful packaging that pops on shelves!
10. Wellness Pet Food
Wellness is for pets who deserve nothing but the best. Their natural recipes include real meat, grains, and vegetables.
Best Sellers:
- Core RawRev for high protein.
- Wellness Complete Health for overall wellness.
Why Customers Return: Wellness foods promise long-term health benefits, keeping pets happy and owners loyal.
11. Natural Balance
Natural Balance specializes in limited-ingredient diets for pets with food allergies or sensitivities.
Top Choices:
- L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diets) line.
- Vegetarian formulas for eco-conscious owners.
Why It Works: Simplicity in ingredients builds trust and solves problems for picky eaters.
12. Orijen
Orijen’s philosophy is “biologically appropriate” pet food, meaning it mimics a pet’s natural diet.
Must-Try Products:
- Original for balanced nutrition.
- Six Fish for seafood-loving pets.
Pro Tip: Position Orijen as a luxury brand for discerning pet parents.
13. Acana
Acana is a sibling brand to Orijen, offering affordable but high-quality pet food. Their farm-to-bowl philosophy is a big hit.
Customer Favorites:
- Acana Singles for sensitive pets.
- Regionals for unique flavors.
Why It’s Hot: Their transparency about sourcing wins hearts and wallets.
14. Iams
Iams is a classic choice for pet owners who want reliable nutrition without breaking the bank.
Best Products:
- Iams ProActive Health for all life stages.
- Specialty formulas for health issues.
Buyer Tip: Iams is a trusted name, perfect for value-conscious shoppers.
15. Nature’s Variety (Instinct)
Nature’s Variety focuses on raw and minimally processed foods. Their Instinct line is perfect for pet owners who believe in natural feeding.
Customer Picks:
- Instinct Raw Boost.
- Limited Ingredient Diets.
Why It Works: Raw diets are trendy, and Instinct delivers on quality and taste.
16. Nutro
Nutro’s “clean feeding” philosophy means no artificial ingredients, just wholesome food.
Popular Options:
- Nutro Ultra for super-premium quality.
- Wholesome Essentials for daily nutrition.
Supermarket Insight: Nutro products cater to the growing demand for non-GMO pet food.
17. Solid Gold Pet
Solid Gold uses superfoods and high-quality proteins in their recipes. They focus on holistic health for pets.
Top Picks:
- Barking at the Moon for active dogs.
- Let’s Stay In for indoor cats.
Why Customers Love It: Unique packaging and names add fun to the shopping experience!
18. Canidae
Canidae believes in “pet food made by pet people.” They focus on quality and sustainability.
Best-Sellers:
- PURE line for limited ingredients.
- All Life Stages for family pets.
Why Buyers Stock It: Canidae offers eco-friendly packaging, a big win for sustainability-conscious customers.
19. Pedigree
Pedigree is a household name worldwide, known for affordable and nutritious dog food.
Top Products:
- Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner.
- Pedigree Dentastix for dental care.
Fun Fact: Their slogan, “Dogs bring out the good in us,” resonates with pet lovers everywhere.
20. Friskies
Friskies is a fun, budget-friendly brand for cats. Their flavors are as creative as their commercials!
Fan Favorites:
- Friskies Party Mix for treats.
- Classic Pâté for main meals.
Why It’s Popular: Affordable, tasty, and loved by cats!
The Best for Every Pet
These 20 brands offer something for every type of pet owner. Whether it’s premium, natural, or affordable food, they cover all needs. Supermarket buyers, stocking these brands will keep your shelves full and your customers happy.
Remember, happy pets mean loyal customers!