Freshpet vs Iams
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., and Iams by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Freshpet averages 8.3 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Freshpet does not.
Freshpet and Iams compared
| Attribute | Freshpet |
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Freshpet, Inc. | Iams Company |
| Parent company | Independent | Mars, Incorporated |
| Founded | 2006 | 1946 |
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Mason, Ohio, United States |
| Products listed | 43 | 48 |
| 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 | No |
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 . |
8.3 (avg of 43) | 8.1 (avg of 48) |
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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Freshpet vs Iams: how they compare
Scores
Freshpet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 43 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
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc., an independent maker, based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, founded in 2006. 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 Freshpet does not. Freshpet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Iams is not. KibbleLab lists 43 Freshpet foods and 48 Iams foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Freshpet or Iams?
Freshpet scores higher: it averages 8.3 out of 10 across 43 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Freshpet and Iams?
Freshpet is made by Freshpet, Inc. Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Iams has 48 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 43 for Freshpet.
Where is each brand based?
Freshpet is based in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA. Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States.
Do Freshpet and Iams meet WSAVA criteria?
Iams 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 Iams 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 Freshpet or Iams been recalled?
Neither Freshpet nor Iams 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.