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Cesar vs FirstMate

Cesar is made by Mars Petcare (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and FirstMate by FirstMate Pet Foods (owned by Nasta Pet Food). On KibbleLab, FirstMate averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.3 for Cesar. Cesar makes food for dogs, while FirstMate covers cats and dogs.

Cesar and FirstMate compared

Cesar FirstMate
Manufacturer Mars Petcare FirstMate Pet Foods
Parent company Mars, Incorporated Nasta Pet Food
Founded 1935 1989
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ) North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Products listed 49 56
Serves Dogs 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 .
7.3 (avg of 49) 8.4 (avg of 56)
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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Cesar vs FirstMate: how they compare

Scores

FirstMate scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 56 scored foods, compared with 7.3 across 49 for Cesar. 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

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. FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, owned by Nasta Pet Food, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1989.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 49 Cesar foods and 56 FirstMate foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Cesar or FirstMate?

FirstMate scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 56 scored foods, compared with 7.3 for Cesar. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Cesar and FirstMate?

Cesar is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, which is owned by Nasta Pet Food.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

FirstMate has 56 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 49 for Cesar.

Where is each brand based?

Cesar is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ). FirstMate is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Have Cesar or FirstMate been recalled?

Neither Cesar nor FirstMate 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: Cesar and FirstMate .

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.