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FirstMate vs Iams

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods (owned by Nasta Pet Food), and Iams by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, FirstMate averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while FirstMate does not.

FirstMate and Iams compared

FirstMate Iams
Manufacturer FirstMate Pet Foods Iams Company
Parent company Nasta Pet Food Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1989 1946
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Mason, Ohio, United States
Products listed 56 48
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 Yes
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 .
8.4 (avg of 56) 8.1 (avg of 48)
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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FirstMate vs Iams: how they compare

Scores

FirstMate scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 56 scored foods, compared with 8.1 across 48 for Iams. 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

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, owned by Nasta Pet Food, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1989. Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946.

Standards and range

Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while FirstMate does not. KibbleLab lists 56 FirstMate foods and 48 Iams foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, FirstMate or Iams?

FirstMate scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 56 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes FirstMate and Iams?

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, which is owned by Nasta Pet Food. Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

FirstMate has 56 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 48 for Iams.

Where is each brand based?

FirstMate is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States.

Do FirstMate and Iams meet WSAVA criteria?

Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; FirstMate does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Have FirstMate or Iams been recalled?

Neither FirstMate nor Iams 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: FirstMate and Iams .

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.