The line-up of mega pet food companies that are now owned by multinational corporations is a long one indeed. Nestle owns Alpo, Fancy Feast, Friskies, Mighty Dog and Ralston Purina products such as Pro Plan, Dog Chow and Purina One. Heinz owns 9 Lives, Amore, Gravy Train, Kibble-n-Bits and Nature’s Recipe. Colgate-Palmolive owns Hill’s Science Diet. Procter and Gamble own Iams and Eukanuba. Mars owns Kal Kan, Mealtime, Pedigree, Walthams, Sheba and Nutro.
For a host of reasons I prefer to rely on alternative pet food companies that are not part of the food and drug industry complex, and that are making a concerted effort to produce wholesome pet foods that are not based primarily on human food and beverage industry byproducts and on ingredients condemned for human consumption; and that contain GM free (not genetically engineered), and ideally organically certified food ingredients, and produce from farmed animals raised humanely. It should be noted that I have no financial ties with any pet food company.
The grade that I give pet foods is in proportion to the percentage of organically certified, natural, locally or regionally produced and minimally processed whole-food ingredients, (including those from free-range and humanely treated farm animals), that are biologically appropriate in kind, quality and amount.
There are many stressed, unhealthy and elderly pets today, as well as dogs and cats with genetic defects, all of whom require special diets. These should be based on organically certified, natural and minimally processed ingredients with the addition of specific supplements---primarily of natural rather than manufactured or synthetic in origin, like herbal extracts and nutraceuticals appropriate for the animal’s condition. Other natural products like probiotics and prebiotics are part of this new dietary approach to animal health and well-being. Cats and dogs recovering from junk pet food malnourishment and toxicity may become sick during the transition to a more healthful diet. Most have more vitality and seem no longer depressed and disinterested in life.
In addition to those that pass the grade and will be profiled shortly, there are a few pet food companies that have one or two, or entire lines organically certified foods, such as Castor and Pollux, Blue Buffalo and Party Animal. It is extremely difficult for manufacturers to secure sufficient, year-round supplies of organic ingredients. But the more they strive for this high water-mark, and informed consumer support is sustained, more farmers will make the transition to organic agriculture and animal production.
Other credible pet food manufacturers who are marketing highly nutritious cat and dog foods, many of whom can back their various ingredient claims of locally produced; human-grade food quality; ingredients from humanely treated farm animals, and no genetically engineered ingredients, synthetic preservatives and artificial coloring, include: Flint River Ranch, Eagle Pack’s Holistic Select Pet Promise, Life’s Abundance, Sojourner Farms, Origen from Champion Pet Foods, Fromm Family Pet Food LLLC, Natural Balance, Old Mother Hubbard’s Wellness, Nature’s Logic, Solid Gold, Breeder’s Choice, Canidae and Felidae, Evangers, Merrick, Pet Promise, Azmira Holistic Animal Care and Wysong. Many have their own manufacturing facilities, lowering the risk of cross-contamination as when different companies contract out to one processing plant.
Azmira Holistic Animal Care
Blue Buffalo
Breeder’s Choice
Canidae and Felidae
Castor and Pollux
Eagle Pack’s Holistic Select Pet Promise
Evangers
Flint River Ranch
Fromm Family Pet Food LLLC
Life’s Abundance
Merrick
Natural Balance
Nature’s Logic
Old Mother Hubbard’s Wellness
Origen from Champion Pet Foods
Party Animal
Pet Promise
Sojourner Farms
Solid Gold
Wysong