Top Brands for Iconic, Comfy Hush Puppies Shoes

Hush puppies, a beloved Southern staple, have long been enjoyed for their crispy, golden exteriors and soft, flavorful cores. The perfect hush puppy requires a careful balance of texture and taste, sparking fierce loyalty among fans of different brands. Many companies have stepped up to offer their takes on this classic dish, using unique ingredients and cooking techniques to set theirs apart. Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best brands for hush puppies that you simply have to try.

Illustration of hush puppies

Best brands of hush puppies in 2025

Pedigree

Pedigree is not associated with the production of Hush Puppies, as Hush Puppies is a brand of casual footwear founded in 1958 and owned by Wolverine World Wide, known for its comfort and casual lifestyle positioning, with over 120 countries in its market reach and a notable history of innovation in pigskin tanning. For information about Pedigree's Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food, which features a chicken and vegetable flavor, visit their website.

Purina

Purina is not associated with the production of hush puppies, as it is a leading brand in the pet food industry. In 2022, Purina held a 29% market share in the U.S. pet food market, with sales of over $20.56 billion in 2022 and $21.47 billion in 2023, showcasing its dominance in the pet care sector. For more information, you can explore Purina's market leadership.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is not a producer of hush puppies, which are a type of fried cornbread batter balls, but rather a well-known brand in the pet food industry. Blue Buffalo has seen significant growth in the pet food market, increasing its market share from 2.8% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 to 8.5% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 in the food, drug, and mass market channels. Despite this growth, the brand has experienced a decline in sales within the pet specialty channel, with a 7% drop in net sales in the second quarter compared to the previous year. For dog owners seeking nutrition-focused puppy dry food products, Blue Buffalo offers a variety of options tailored to meet specific dietary needs.

Nutro

Nutro is not associated with the production of hush puppies; it is a brand known for its high-quality pet food, particularly puppy food made with natural ingredients and antioxidants like DHA to support healthy brain and eye development. Hush puppies, on the other hand, can refer to either a type of fried cornbread batter balls or a brand of casual footwear. For the food version, recipes often include cornmeal, flour, and various seasonings, while the footwear brand Hush Puppies, owned by Wolverine World Wide, was introduced in 1958 and gained significant popularity in the 1990s. The footwear brand is known for its comfort and casual lifestyle positioning. There is no connection between Nutro and hush puppies in either context.

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet is not a producer of hush puppies, as it specializes in pet food formulated for various life stages, lifestyles, and health needs of dogs and cats, with no involvement in human food products like hush puppies. The brand is renowned for its science-led nutrition, offering a range of products that support digestive health, skin health, and weight management, among other benefits. For example, Hill's Science Diet Adult Light dog food has 18% lower calories compared to their standard adult formula. However, for hush puppies, recipes typically involve cornmeal, flour, eggs, and other ingredients, often deep-fried and associated with Southern cuisine.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a leading brand in pet nutrition, particularly known for its science-backed research and tailored diets for dogs. It does not produce Hush Puppies, which are casual shoes introduced by Wolverine World Wide in 1958. Royal Canin holds a significant market share, such as over 15% in India as of 2017, and is recognized for its nutrient-first approach in pet nutrition. The brand is part of Mars, Incorporated, and has been a global leader in pet health nutrition for over 50 years. Royal Canin's surveys and research highlight the importance of proper nutrition for puppies, with 96% of puppy owners recognizing the importance of their puppy's overall health. For more information about their pet nutrition products, visit Royal Canin's official website.

Orijen

Orijen is not a producer of hush puppies; instead, it is a brand known for its high-quality dog food. Orijen's puppy food is crafted with 85% quality animal ingredients, including fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, and wild-caught fish, supporting brain, muscle, and bone development in puppies. The food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. It contains 38% protein, 16% carbohydrates, and 46% fat, with metabolizable energy of 3960 kcal/kg. Orijen's products are made in the USA with the world's finest ingredients.

Wellness

Hush Puppies, while not primarily a wellness brand, can be part of a healthier dietary approach when prepared with healthful ingredients. For instance, a study by UNC-Chapel Hill incorporates healthier versions of hush puppies into the Med-South diet, which borrows from the Mediterranean diet and includes healthful oils, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This diet aims to help obese individuals achieve sustainable weight loss over a two-year period. The recipe for heart-healthy hush puppies involves using yellow cornmeal, yellow grits, and vegetable oil, among other ingredients. This approach aligns with the Mediterranean dietary pattern, which has been shown to deliver health benefits such as lower blood pressure and improved heart health.

Merrick

Merrick is not associated with the production of hush puppies; it is a brand known for its high-quality dog food. Merrick dog food, particularly their grain-free and healthy grain options, has been highly rated, although some concerns have been raised since the brand was acquired by Purina. Despite this, Merrick continues to be recognized for its nutrient-rich ingredients and various flavor options. However, for hush puppies, you would need to look into recipes or brands that specialize in Southern cuisine. Hush puppies are typically made with cornmeal, flour, and other ingredients, and are deep-fried to a golden brown. For more information on how to make delicious hush puppies, visit this comprehensive guide.

Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is not a producer of hush puppies; it is a family-owned brand specializing in pet food, particularly known for its high-quality, affordable dog and cat foods made in six state-of-the-art facilities in the USA. The brand is committed to providing nutrition inspired by the natural diets of wild animals, with a focus on sourcing quality ingredients and maintaining close relationships with suppliers. As one of the fastest-growing pet food brands globally, Taste of the Wild adheres to the standard of feeding their own pets the same products they offer to customers. Their products are designed to mimic the natural diets of dogs and cats, with flavors that appeal to their wild instincts. The brand ensures every pet receives the best nutrition at fair prices.