Pedigree vs Tartar Shield
Pedigree is made by Mars Petcare (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and Tartar Shield by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc. On KibbleLab, Tartar Shield averages 7.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.6 for Pedigree. Pedigree makes food for dogs, while Tartar Shield covers cats and dogs.
Pedigree and Tartar Shield compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mars Petcare | Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc. |
| Parent company | Mars, Incorporated | Independent |
| Founded | 1935 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ) | Noblesville, Indiana, USA |
| Products listed | 49 | 8 |
| Serves | 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 | 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 | 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 . |
6.6 (avg of 49) | 7.6 (avg of 8) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
1 | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Pedigree vs Tartar Shield: how they compare
Scores
Tartar Shield scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 7.6 out of 10 across 8 scored foods, compared with 6.6 across 49 for Pedigree. 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
Pedigree 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. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc., an independent maker, based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA, founded in 2002.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 49 Pedigree foods and 8 Tartar Shield foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Pedigree or Tartar Shield?
Tartar Shield scores higher: it averages 7.6 out of 10 across 8 scored foods, compared with 6.6 for Pedigree. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Pedigree and Tartar Shield?
Pedigree is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Pedigree has 49 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 8 for Tartar Shield.
Where is each brand based?
Pedigree is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ). Tartar Shield is based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA.
Have Pedigree or Tartar Shield been recalled?
Pedigree has 1 recall on record in the KibbleLab database; Tartar Shield has no recalls. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
See the full profiles: Pedigree and Tartar Shield .
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.