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Essence vs Nutro

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., and Nutro by Mars Petcare (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Essence averages 8.3 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Nutro. Nutro's maker dates to 1935, while Essence's launched in 2010.

Essence and Nutro compared

Essence Nutro
Manufacturer Pets Global, Inc. Mars Petcare
Parent company Independent Mars, Incorporated
Founded 2010 1935
Headquarters Valencia, California, USA Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ)
Products listed 13 92
Serves Cats & 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 .
8.3 (avg of 13) 8.1 (avg of 92)
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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Essence vs Nutro: how they compare

Scores

Essence scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 13 scored foods, compared with 8.1 across 92 for Nutro. 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

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., an independent maker, based in Valencia, California, USA, founded in 2010. Nutro 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 13 Essence foods and 92 Nutro foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Essence or Nutro?

Essence scores higher: it averages 8.3 out of 10 across 13 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Nutro. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Essence and Nutro?

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc. Nutro is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Nutro has 92 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 13 for Essence.

Where is each brand based?

Essence is based in Valencia, California, USA. Nutro is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ).

Have Essence or Nutro been recalled?

Neither Essence nor Nutro 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: Essence and Nutro .

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.