Popular Pet Food Brands Every Retailer Should Know
Pet retailers know that stocking the right food brands can make or break customer loyalty. Pet parents are increasingly selective about what they feed their dogs and cats, and they often walk into stores already informed by social media, online reviews, or recommendations from other pet owners. That means retailers need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to popular pet food brands.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most recognized and trusted names in the pet food industry, their unique selling points, and why they matter to retailers looking to build long-term customer trust.
Why Popular Pet Food Brands Matter for Retailers
Pet food isn’t just another product on the shelf—it’s the backbone of most pet stores. A reliable food line drives repeat purchases, keeps foot traffic consistent, and builds a foundation of trust between your store and your customers. When pet parents see brands they recognize, they’re more likely to buy from you instead of heading to an online giant.
Additionally, well-known brands often provide:
- Marketing support that helps retailers sell.
- Promotions and loyalty programs that drive repeat purchases.
- Trusted formulas that give pet parents confidence.
Now let’s dive into some of the top brands shaping today’s pet food market.
1. Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a global leader in scientifically formulated pet food. Known for breed-specific and veterinary diet lines, this brand appeals strongly to pet parents who want precise nutrition tailored to their animal’s health and lifestyle.
- Why retailers stock it: Its reputation among veterinarians makes it a strong driver for credibility in-store. Customers who buy Royal Canin are usually loyal repeat buyers.
- Popular products: Breed-specific kibble for dogs and cats, veterinary diets for issues like urinary care or skin sensitivity.
2. Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s is another brand rooted in veterinary science. The Science Diet line focuses on preventive nutrition, while the Prescription Diet range supports specific health concerns.
- Why retailers stock it: Many veterinarians recommend it, so pet parents often come looking for Hill’s by name.
- Popular products: Puppy and kitten growth formulas, weight management diets, sensitive stomach and skin recipes.
3. Purina Pro Plan
As part of the Purina family, Pro Plan balances science with accessibility. It’s widely available, but still positioned as a premium choice.
- Why retailers stock it: Strong brand recognition, frequent advertising, and product variety that covers almost every life stage and dietary need.
- Popular products: Pro Plan Savor (taste-focused formulas), Pro Plan Sport (active dogs), Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
4. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo built its reputation around natural ingredients and a “love them like family” message. It’s a go-to brand for customers who want food free of by-products, corn, wheat, or soy.
- Why retailers stock it: It taps into the growing natural pet food trend, appealing to millennial and Gen Z pet owners especially.
- Popular products: Blue Life Protection Formula, Wilderness high-protein line, Basics limited-ingredient diets.
5. Orijen
Orijen is part of Champion Petfoods (which also makes Acana) and is a favorite among pet parents who want biologically appropriate, high-protein diets made with fresh regional ingredients.
- Why retailers stock it: It has a premium reputation and caters to the “ancestral diet” trend. Customers buying Orijen are typically high-value shoppers.
- Popular products: Original, Regional Red, Six Fish.
6. Acana
Sister brand to Orijen, Acana is slightly more affordable while still delivering a focus on whole-prey, high-quality ingredients.
- Why retailers stock it: It makes the premium nutrition category more approachable for a wider range of pet parents.
- Popular products: Singles limited-ingredient recipes, Wholesome Grains line.
7. Wellness
Wellness offers a full range of natural food products for dogs and cats. From grain-free kibble to toppers and treats, it’s built a reputation for wholesome, balanced nutrition.
- Why retailers stock it: Strong customer loyalty, variety of options, and an emphasis on natural formulations.
- Popular products: Wellness CORE grain-free, Complete Health, toppers like Wellness Bowl Boosters.
8. Merrick
Known for high-protein recipes and premium canned foods, Merrick is a hit among pet owners who prioritize natural nutrition without skimping on taste.
- Why retailers stock it: Offers both kibble and wet foods that are consistently rated highly for palatability.
- Popular products: Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato, Backcountry Raw Infused line.
9. Nutro
Nutro emphasizes “feed clean,” with recipes made from non-GMO ingredients. It’s popular among pet parents who prioritize simple, natural formulas.
- Why retailers stock it: Easy-to-understand branding, strong natural positioning, good value for money.
- Popular products: Wholesome Essentials, Ultra Superfood Blend.
10. Taste of the Wild
This brand is built around the idea of ancestral diets, with recipes inspired by what pets’ wild ancestors might have eaten. It’s known for affordability compared to other premium natural brands.
- Why retailers stock it: Appeals to budget-conscious natural food buyers, offering high meat content at a reasonable price.
- Popular products: High Prairie, Pacific Stream, Ancient Grains line.
Bonus: Emerging Pet Food Brands to Watch
The pet food market is always evolving, with smaller brands carving out niches that resonate with modern consumers. Some up-and-comers include:
- The Honest Kitchen – Human-grade dehydrated foods.
- Open Farm – Sustainability-focused, ethically sourced ingredients.
- Farmina – Premium European formulas with unique protein options.
Retailers who keep an eye on these newer players can capture trends early and attract adventurous shoppers.
What Pet Retailers Should Consider
When deciding which brands to stock, think beyond popularity:
- Customer demand in your area – What are pet parents asking for?
- Price point balance – Offer both premium and budget-friendly options.
- Shelf space vs. variety – Too many choices can overwhelm shoppers; focus on a curated selection.
- Supplier support – Brands that offer marketing materials, samples, or training help you sell more.
Final Thoughts
Stocking the right pet food brands is about more than filling shelves—it’s about earning customer trust and building loyalty. Whether it’s scientifically backed names like Royal Canin and Hill’s, natural leaders like Blue Buffalo and Wellness, or premium powerhouses like Orijen and Acana, every brand has a role to play in meeting customer expectations.
For retailers, the goal is balance: offering a selection that covers health needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget considerations. By staying informed about popular pet food brands, you not only meet demand but also position your store as a trusted resource for pet parents.
Where Petfairs Can Help
Choosing the right pet food brands is only part of running a successful store—finding reliable suppliers and managing inventory can be just as challenging. That’s where Petfairs comes in.
As a sourcing platform for wholesale pet supplies, Petfairs helps retailers connect directly with trusted manufacturers and distributors. Whether you’re looking to diversify your pet store inventory, discover trending food brands, or streamline your pet product sourcing, Petfairs makes the process faster and more convenient.
By working with Petfairs, retailers get access to competitive prices, flexible order quantities, and a wide selection of popular and emerging pet food options—all in one place.
Explore how Petfairs can support your store’s growth and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
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