Most pet food brands do not own the facility where their food is actually made — they provide a recipe and a label, then hand production to a third-party manufacturing plant. That means the questions worth asking are about access, transparency, and who controls quality, not just what is printed on the bag. Here is what to look for before choosing a pet food company.
Marketing vs. Research
Research, education, and the ability to distinguish fact from opinion all play into picking a food for your pet. One of the most common things we hear from clients is, “I was trying to find the best, healthiest food for my pet.” The truth is that creating an ad with an energetic Labrador or a curious kitten as the star is far less expensive than conducting actual research to prove a food is superior. This takes advantage of owners, pulling on their heartstrings and pressuring rather than empowering them to make an informed choice.
Access and Customer Support
Can you phone a friend? You would be surprised how many pet food companies provide very little support to their customers. Over the years our team has reached out to, or attempted to search, a typically smaller pet food company’s website only to be met with silence or an absence of data. So, first thing: check your pet’s food bag, find their contact information, and give them a call. Ask them some questions, see how receptive and open they are to your concerns as a consumer. With companies like Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina, a consumer will be able to speak to a knowledgeable representative within minutes. Support from their veterinary team – not a sales team – is literally a phone call away.
Manufacturing Plants
Exclusive kitchen. Looking at a pet food bag, it is easy to have a vision of the company making a kibble in a wholesome kitchen, eventually packaging it up in its brightly colored bag for its ride to the pet store shelf. Most pet food brands do not own the facility where their food is made. They provide a recipe and a label. That is it. They do not control ingredient quality, plant quality controls, post-production testing, or even distribution. It is hands-off, other than having the idea and collecting a check.
Manufacturer transparency is closely tied to the manufacturer’s name and address required on every pet food label. See how it fits into the bigger picture in our complete pet food label guide.
Ownership of the manufacturing plant is only half the picture. Learn why who is actually formulating the recipe matters just as much: Why a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Matters in Pet Food.
Have questions about your pet’s specific diet? Our veterinary team is happy to walk through your pet’s current food at any wellness visit. Schedule a visit with Healthy Paws Animal Hospital.