Top Pet Food Brands: Pamper Your Pets with Premium Nutrition

Choosing the right pet food brand is crucial for ensuring the health and happiness of your furry friends. With a plethora of options available, it can be daunting to determine which brands offer the best nutrition and quality. From premium ingredients to specialized formulas catering to different dietary needs, selecting the best brands involves considering various factors. Below, we invite you to explore a carefully curated list of top pet food brands that are renowned for their commitment to quality and nutrition.

Illustration of pet food

Best brands of pet food in 2025

Royal Canin

Royal Canin, a division of Mars Petcare, is a global leader in pet nutrition, renowned for its tailored and scientifically-formulated diets that cater to the specific needs of cats and dogs based on their age, lifestyle, size, breed, and activity level. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian Dr. Jean Cathary, Royal Canin operates in over 100 markets worldwide and employs 8,500 associates. The brand dominates the fresh pet food segment, although in the broader dog food market, it has seen a modest 0.3% increase in market share over the past five years. In India, Royal Canin held a market share of over 15% in 2017. With a strong presence globally, Royal Canin continues to innovate and improve pet health through its unique nutritional approaches.

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet, a flagship brand of Hill's Pet Nutrition, has been a leading producer of pet food for over 75 years, renowned for its science-led nutrition. The brand, acquired by Colgate-Palmolive in 1976, has expanded to over 95 countries and accounts for approximately 23% of Colgate-Palmolive's total sales. Despite facing market share declines in recent years, Hill's has adapted by introducing new products like Hill's Ideal Balance and reformulating its core Science Diet line to include more natural ingredients. In 2023, Hill's Pet Nutrition reported a 15.5% increase in net sales to $4.29 billion, with organic sales growth of 10.5%. The company continues to innovate with the opening of its new smart manufacturing facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas, aimed at enhancing production capacity and product quality.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, acquired by General Mills in March 2018 for approximately $8 billion, has emerged as a leading producer of natural pet food, driving strong growth with a 15% compound annual net sales increase since the acquisition. The brand has significantly expanded its U.S. distribution, increasing it by four times and more than doubling its household penetration. As the #1-selling natural pet food brand, Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of formulas tailored to different life stages and health needs, using high-quality, natural ingredients with real meat first. General Mills sees an additional $2 billion in potential retail sales for Blue Buffalo, leveraging the humanization trend in pets. In fiscal year 2023, General Mills' pet segment, largely driven by Blue Buffalo, saw a 9% increase in net sales to $2.5 billion.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is a leading brand in the pet food industry, known for its advanced nutrition and wide range of formulas. In 2023, Purina Pro Plan achieved nearly $3.4 billion in sales, contributing significantly to Purina PetCare's overall sales of $21.47 billion, which represented a 12.1% organic growth for the year. The brand's Veterinary Supplement sales grew by 22.6% in 2023, reflecting its strong focus on health and wellness for pets. Purina Pro Plan is also notable for its support of major events like the Westminster Dog Show and its partnership with conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. With over 80 formulas available, it caters to various pet needs, including specialized nutrition for sensitive systems and active lifestyles. For more details on their offerings, visit the Purina Pro Plan website.

Orijen

Orijen, a brand under Champion Petfoods, is renowned for its high-quality pet food, inspired by the natural diets of wild animals. Orijen pet food is packed with up to 90% animal ingredients, such as meat, poultry, or fish, reflecting the brand's commitment to nutritional excellence. Since its inception, Champion Petfoods has grown from a family business in Alberta, Canada to a global company employing over 700 people. In 2021, the company's annual revenue was $200 million, highlighting its significant presence in the pet food market. Orijen's products are favored by pet owners for their emphasis on animal-derived ingredients and minimal processing. For more information, visit the Champion Petfoods website.

Wellness

Wellness Pet Company, formerly known as WellPet, is a prominent producer of premium natural pet food, celebrating over 100 years in the industry. The company, backed by Clearlake Capital Group since 2020, operates several well-known brands including Wellness Natural Pet Food, WHIMZEES, and Old Mother Hubbard. Wellness Pet is focused on serving the next generation of pet parents, with a vision of providing science-driven natural nutrition that supports the mutual wellbeing of pets and their families. Gen Z pet owners, expected to make up 58% of all pet owners in the U.S. by 2025, drive the demand for premium nutrition, a trend Wellness Pet is well-positioned to address. The company continues to invest in sustainable solutions, including recyclable packaging and reduced manufacturing emissions.

IAMS

IAMS is a well-established brand in the pet food industry, known for its high-quality ingredients and science-led recipes that include natural fibers, wholesome grains, and omega-6 fatty acids to support dogs' digestion, energy, skin, and coat. Despite its strong nutritional philosophy, IAMS has seen a decline in market share, with a -0.6% change over the past five years. However, the brand still maintains a significant presence, particularly in the dry cat food category where it saw a 72% growth in sales during the first half of 2020 compared to the last half of 2019. IAMS is part of the broader pet food market, which was valued at $44.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $55.8 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.6%. The brand's products are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of pets, making it a trusted choice among pet owners.

Nutro

Nutro, a renowned brand in the pet food industry, has been a leader in providing high-quality, natural ingredients-based pet food since its inception. Acquired by Mars Inc. in 2007, Nutro has continued to expand its product lines, including the popular Natural Choice series, which caters to various life stages and health needs of pets. Despite facing recalls in 2007, Nutro has enhanced its safety and testing programs to ensure product integrity. The brand has seen significant growth, particularly in its superpremium holistic brands, and is known for its commitment to research and innovation. Nutro's products are favored for their nutritional value and are available for both dogs and cats.

Acana

Acana, a premium pet food brand, is renowned for its biologically appropriate recipes that feature up to 75% premium animal ingredients, such as savory poultry, meat, and wild-caught fish. In 2021, the company generated $200 million in revenue, solidifying its position as a leading player in the Canadian pet food market. Acana's recipes are crafted to provide superior nutrition and flavor, with products like the ACANA PREMIUM PATE(tm) wet cat food line, which contains 85% animal ingredients and 80% moisture content to ensure feline hydration. The brand's commitment to quality and nutritional value has made it a favorite among pet owners. With a diverse range of recipes tailored for different pet sizes and life stages, Acana continues to earn its reputation as a top pet food producer.

Merrick

Merrick Pet Care is a leading producer of natural and organic pet food, known for its high-quality dry and wet foods, as well as treats, for dogs and cats. Founded in 1988 in Hereford, Texas, Merrick has expanded its product portfolio to include brands like Castor & Pollux, Zuke's, and Whole Earth Farms. Despite a slight decline in market share over the past five years, Merrick was previously the 18th largest pet food company globally, with annual revenue of $300 million in 2013. The company is dedicated to using real, whole foods and the freshest ingredients without additives, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. Merrick's commitment to wholesome and nutritious recipes has made it a favorite among pet owners seeking premium pet food. For more information, visit their official website.