Freshpet vs Hill's Science Diet
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., and Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition (owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet averages 9.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.3 for Freshpet. Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Freshpet does not.
Freshpet and Hill's Science Diet compared
| Attribute | Freshpet |
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Freshpet, Inc. | Hill's Pet Nutrition |
| Parent company | Independent | Colgate-Palmolive Company |
| Founded | 2006 | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Topeka, Kansas, USA |
ManufacturingWhether a brand makes its own food in-house or has it produced by an outside contract manufacturer or co-packer. |
In-house | In-house |
| Made in | United States | United States |
| Manufacturing region | Pennsylvania; Texas | Kansas |
| Products listed | 43 | 74 |
| 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 | Yes |
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. |
Yes | Yes |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science. How scoring works . |
8.3 (avg of 43) | 9.6 (avg of 74) |
Recalls on recordWe track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here. |
None | 2 |
| Where to buy |
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Freshpet vs Hill's Science Diet: how they compare
Scores
Hill's Science Diet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 9.6 out of 10 across 74 scored foods, compared with 8.3 across 43 for Freshpet. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science.
Who makes them
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., an independent maker, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, founded in 2006. Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, founded in 1907.
Standards and range
Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Freshpet does not. Both are accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition. KibbleLab lists 43 Freshpet foods and 74 Hill's Science Diet foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Freshpet or Hill's Science Diet?
Hill's Science Diet scores higher: it averages 9.6 out of 10 across 74 scored foods, compared with 8.3 for Freshpet. Scores reflect published veterinary science.
Who makes Freshpet and Hill's Science Diet?
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc. Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Hill's Science Diet has 74 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 43 for Freshpet.
Where is each brand based?
Freshpet is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA. Hill's Science Diet is based in Topeka, Kansas, USA.
Do Freshpet and Hill's Science Diet meet WSAVA criteria?
Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Freshpet does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.
Are Freshpet or Hill's Science Diet PSC Accredited?
Both Freshpet and Hill's Science Diet are PSC Accredited businesses. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact.
Have Freshpet or Hill's Science Diet been recalled?
Freshpet has no recalls on record in the KibbleLab database; Hill's Science Diet has 2 recalls. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
See the full profiles: Freshpet and Hill's Science Diet .
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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 filings, and a filing may name the parent company rather than the brand. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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.