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9Lives vs Iams

9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands (owned by Post Holdings, Inc.), and Iams by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated). On KibbleLab, Iams averages 8.1 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.7 for 9Lives. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while 9Lives does not.

9Lives and Iams compared

9Lives Iams
Manufacturer Post Holdings Pet Brands Iams Company
Parent company Post Holdings, Inc. Mars, Incorporated
Founded 2023 1946
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA Mason, Ohio, United States
Products listed 19 48
Serves Cats Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$ $$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No Yes
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No No
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
6.7 (avg of 19) 8.1 (avg of 48)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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9Lives vs Iams: how they compare

Scores

Iams scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.1 out of 10 across 48 scored foods, compared with 6.7 across 19 for 9Lives. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands, owned by Post Holdings, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2023. Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946.

Standards and range

Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while 9Lives does not. KibbleLab lists 19 9Lives foods and 48 Iams foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, 9Lives or Iams?

Iams scores higher: it averages 8.1 out of 10 across 48 scored foods, compared with 6.7 for 9Lives. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes 9Lives and Iams?

9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands, which is owned by Post Holdings, Inc. Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Iams has 48 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 19 for 9Lives.

Where is each brand based?

9Lives is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States.

Do 9Lives and Iams meet WSAVA criteria?

Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; 9Lives does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Have 9Lives or Iams been recalled?

Neither 9Lives nor Iams has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: 9Lives and Iams .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.