Iams and Pedigree are both mainstream dog food brands owned by Mars, Inc. While they share a parent company, they target different market segments with different quality levels. Here's how they compare.
Brand Overview
Iams
- Founded: 1946
- Position: Premium mainstream
- Parent Company: Mars, Inc.
- Price Point: $ - $$
- Target: Quality-conscious, value-seeking owners
- Philosophy: Tailored nutrition science
Pedigree
- Founded: 1957
- Position: Economy/mainstream
- Parent Company: Mars, Inc.
- Price Point: $
- Target: Budget-conscious owners
- Philosophy: Affordable complete nutrition
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Iams | Pedigree |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Price (30 lb) | $35-45 | $25-35 |
| First Ingredient | Chicken | Corn/Chicken |
| Quality Level | Premium mainstream | Economy |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
Ingredient Quality
Iams
- First ingredient: Real chicken (in most formulas)
- Quality protein sources
- Prebiotic fiber
- No corn as first ingredient
- Omega fatty acids
- L-carnitine in some formulas
Pedigree
- First ingredient: Often ground whole grain corn
- Meat and bone meal
- Adequate but basic nutrition
- More filler ingredients
- Meets AAFCO minimums
- Economy-focused formulation
The Quality Difference
Protein Sources
- Iams: Named meats (chicken, lamb) as primary protein
- Pedigree: Often uses "meat and bone meal" and corn for protein
Ingredient Order
- Iams: Meat first, then grains
- Pedigree: Often grain first, then meat ingredients
This is the key difference—Iams prioritizes meat; Pedigree prioritizes cost-effectiveness.
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Iams: 25-27%
- Pedigree: 21-23%
- Iams provides more protein
Fat Content
- Iams: 14-16%
- Pedigree: 10-14%
- Iams provides more fat
Overall Quality
Iams meets higher nutritional standards; Pedigree meets minimums.
Price Comparison
Per 30 lb Bag
- Iams ProActive Health: $35-45
- Pedigree Adult: $25-35
Pedigree is approximately 25-35% cheaper.
Cost Per Day (50 lb dog)
- Iams: ~$1.20-1.50/day
- Pedigree: ~$0.85-1.20/day
Product Lines
Iams
- ProActive Health (core)
- Healthy Weight
- Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Large/Small Breed
- Puppy/Adult/Mature
Pedigree
- Complete Nutrition (core)
- Healthy Weight
- Small Dog
- Puppy/Adult
- More limited options
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Iams If:
- Quality matters more than lowest price
- You want real meat as first ingredient
- Your dog needs better nutrition
- Willing to pay modest premium
- Your dog has any specific needs
Choose Pedigree If:
- Budget is the primary concern
- Feeding multiple dogs
- Your dog is healthy and not picky
- Adequate nutrition is sufficient
- Cost-per-serving matters most
The Honest Assessment
Iams Advantages
- Better ingredient quality
- More meat-focused
- More specialized options
- Better for long-term health
Pedigree Reality
- Meets basic nutritional needs
- Many dogs do fine on it
- Cost-effective for tight budgets
- Not "bad"—just not premium
When Budget Forces the Choice
If Pedigree is what you can afford, it provides complete nutrition. A dog fed Pedigree is better than a dog not fed at all. However, if you can afford the modest Iams upgrade, it's worth it.
Upgrading From Pedigree
If budget allows, consider stepping up:
- Pedigree → Iams: Modest upgrade, better ingredients
- Pedigree → Purina ONE: Similar price to Iams, quality option
- Pedigree → Pro Plan/Eukanuba: Premium upgrade
Our Verdict
Iams Is Clearly Better Quality
- Better ingredients
- More meat protein
- More specialized formulas
- Worth the modest premium
Pedigree Serves a Purpose
- Budget-friendly
- Complete nutrition (meets minimums)
- Accessible to all budgets
- Not a bad choice—just not premium
The Recommendation
If you can afford Iams, choose it. The quality difference is real and worth ~$10-15 more per bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pedigree bad for dogs?
No, it's not bad—it meets AAFCO nutritional standards. It's just economy-level quality with more grain fillers. Many dogs live healthy lives on Pedigree, but better options exist if affordable.
Why is Pedigree so much cheaper?
Pedigree uses more corn and grain, less meat, and simpler formulations. This reduces costs but also reduces quality. You get what you pay for.
My dog prefers Pedigree. Is that okay?
Dogs often prefer what they're used to. If your dog is healthy and thriving, Pedigree can work. But taste preference shouldn't override nutritional quality if budget allows better options.
Can I mix Iams and Pedigree?
Yes, if transitioning or managing budget. Mixing provides some quality improvement over Pedigree alone.
Are they really that different if both are Mars brands?
Yes. Same parent company doesn't mean same quality. Mars positions these brands for different markets and price points intentionally.