Caru vs Ultimates
Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company, and Ultimates by Sunshine Mills, Inc., and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Caru averages 8.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.9 for Ultimates. Ultimates's maker dates to 1947, while Caru's launched in 2014.
Caru and Ultimates compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Caru Pet Food Company | Sunshine Mills, Inc. |
| Parent company | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 2014 | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Vero Beach, Florida, USA | Red Bay, Alabama, USA |
| Products listed | 40 | 14 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Cats & 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 . |
8.0 (avg of 40) | 7.9 (avg of 14) |
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 |
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Caru vs Ultimates: how they compare
Scores
Caru scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.0 out of 10 across 40 scored foods, compared with 7.9 across 14 for Ultimates. 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
Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company, an independent maker, based in Vero Beach, Florida, USA, founded in 2014. Ultimates is made by Sunshine Mills, Inc., an independent maker, based in Red Bay, Alabama, USA, founded in 1947.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 40 Caru foods and 14 Ultimates foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Caru or Ultimates?
Caru scores higher: it averages 8.0 out of 10 across 40 scored foods, compared with 7.9 for Ultimates. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Caru and Ultimates?
Caru is made by Caru Pet Food Company. Ultimates is made by Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Caru has 40 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 14 for Ultimates.
Where is each brand based?
Caru is based in Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Ultimates is based in Red Bay, Alabama, USA.
Have Caru or Ultimates been recalled?
Neither Caru nor Ultimates has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
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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.