Iams vs Wellness
Iams is made by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and Wellness by Wellness Pet Company (owned by Clearlake Capital Group), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Wellness averages 8.2 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Wellness does not.
Iams and Wellness compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Iams Company | Wellness Pet Company |
| Parent company | Mars, Incorporated | Clearlake Capital Group |
| Founded | 1946 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Mason, Ohio, United States | Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA |
| Products listed | 48 | 259 |
| 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. |
Yes | 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 . |
8.1 (avg of 48) | 8.2 (avg of 259) |
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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Iams vs Wellness: how they compare
Scores
Wellness scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.2 out of 10 across 259 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
Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946. Wellness is made by Wellness Pet Company, owned by Clearlake Capital Group, based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA, founded in 2021.
Standards and range
Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Wellness does not. Wellness is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Iams is not. KibbleLab lists 48 Iams foods and 259 Wellness foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Iams or Wellness?
Wellness scores higher: it averages 8.2 out of 10 across 259 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Iams. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Iams and Wellness?
Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. Wellness is made by Wellness Pet Company, which is owned by Clearlake Capital Group.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Wellness has 259 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 48 for Iams.
Where is each brand based?
Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States. Wellness is based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA.
Do Iams and Wellness meet WSAVA criteria?
Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Wellness does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.
Are Iams or Wellness PSC Accredited?
Wellness 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 Iams or Wellness been recalled?
Neither Iams nor Wellness 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.