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9Lives vs Tartar Shield

9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands (owned by Post Holdings, Inc.), and Tartar Shield by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc. On KibbleLab, Tartar Shield averages 7.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.7 for 9Lives. 9Lives makes food for cats, while Tartar Shield covers cats and dogs.

9Lives and Tartar Shield compared

9Lives Tartar Shield
Manufacturer Post Holdings Pet Brands Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.
Parent company Post Holdings, Inc. Independent
Founded 2023 2002
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA Noblesville, Indiana, USA
Products listed 19 8
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 No
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) 7.6 (avg of 8)
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 Tartar Shield: how they compare

Scores

Tartar Shield scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 7.6 out of 10 across 8 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. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc., an independent maker, based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA, founded in 2002.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 19 9Lives foods and 8 Tartar Shield foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, 9Lives or Tartar Shield?

Tartar Shield scores higher: it averages 7.6 out of 10 across 8 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 Tartar Shield?

9Lives is made by Post Holdings Pet Brands, which is owned by Post Holdings, Inc. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

9Lives has 19 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 8 for Tartar Shield.

Where is each brand based?

9Lives is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Tartar Shield is based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA.

Have 9Lives or Tartar Shield been recalled?

Neither 9Lives nor Tartar Shield 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 Tartar Shield .

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.