Darford vs Freshpet
Darford is made by Darford International Inc., and Freshpet by Freshpet, Inc. On KibbleLab, Freshpet averages 8.3 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Darford is not.
Darford and Freshpet compared
| Attribute |
|
Freshpet |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Darford International Inc. | Freshpet, Inc. |
| Parent company | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 1987 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Vernon, British Columbia, Canada | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA |
| Products listed | 18 | 43 |
| Serves | 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 | Yes |
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 . |
7.7 (avg of 18) | 8.3 (avg of 43) |
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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Darford vs Freshpet: how they compare
Scores
Freshpet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 43 scored foods, compared with 7.7 across 18 for Darford. 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
Darford is made by Darford International Inc., an independent maker, based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1987. Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., an independent maker, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, founded in 2006.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Darford is not. KibbleLab lists 18 Darford foods and 43 Freshpet foods.
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Example foods
Darford
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Darford or Freshpet?
Freshpet scores higher: it averages 8.3 out of 10 across 43 scored foods, compared with 7.7 for Darford. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Darford and Freshpet?
Darford is made by Darford International Inc. Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Freshpet has 43 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 18 for Darford.
Where is each brand based?
Darford is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Freshpet is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA.
Are Darford or Freshpet PSC Accredited?
Freshpet is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.
Have Darford or Freshpet been recalled?
Neither Darford nor Freshpet 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.