Beneful vs Cesar
Beneful is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare (owned by Nestlé S.A.), and Cesar by Mars Petcare (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and both make food for dogs. On KibbleLab, Beneful and Cesar both average 7.3 out of 10. Cesar's maker dates to 1935, while Beneful's launched in 2001.
Beneful and Cesar compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nestlé Purina PetCare | Mars Petcare |
| Parent company | Nestlé S.A. | Mars, Incorporated |
| Founded | 2001 | 1935 |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri, USA | Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ) |
| Products listed | 29 | 49 |
| Serves | Dogs | Dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$ | $$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe 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 accreditedThe 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 |
ScoreThe 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 . |
7.3 (avg of 29) | 7.3 (avg of 49) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
Affiliate links · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Beneful vs Cesar: how they compare
Scores
Beneful and Cesar average the same KibbleLab score, 7.3 out of 10, across 29 and 49 scored foods. 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
Beneful is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, owned by Nestlé S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2001. Cesar is made by Mars Petcare, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ), founded in 1935.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 29 Beneful foods and 49 Cesar foods.
Not sure which is right for your pet?
Sign in free to see Beneful and Cesar scored for your pet's breed, age, and health focus, save favorites, and compare foods side by side.
Example foods
Beneful
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Beneful or Cesar?
Beneful and Cesar average the same KibbleLab score, 7.3 out of 10.
Who makes Beneful and Cesar?
Beneful is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which is owned by Nestlé S.A. Cesar is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Cesar has 49 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 29 for Beneful.
Where is each brand based?
Beneful is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Cesar is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ).
Have Beneful or Cesar been recalled?
Neither Beneful nor Cesar has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
More Beneful comparisons
More Cesar 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.