Who Owns Pedigree?

• Parent Company: Mars, Incorporated
• Ownership Type: Wholly owned
• Acquisition Year: 1974
• Company Type: Publicly Traded

• Founded: 1957
• Founders: Kal Kan Foods
• Acquired by Mars, Incorporated: 1974

• Founded: 1911
• Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Revenue: approximately $50 billion (FY2024, estimated)
• Employees: Over 150,000

Visit Mars, Incorporated website

• Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
• Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, Various international locations

Pedigree operates under Mars Petcare's comprehensive sustainability framework, which addresses environmental responsibility, animal welfare, and ethical business practices across the pet food manufacturing sector. As part of Mars' extensive pet care portfolio, Pedigree benefits from the company's global sustainability initiatives and commitments to creating a better world for pets.

Climate Action and Net Zero Commitment: Mars has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 against a 2015 baseline, with a 50% reduction target by 2030. As of 2024, Mars has achieved a 16.4% decrease in GHGs across its full value chain from the 2015 baseline. This commitment extends to Pedigree manufacturing operations, which are progressively transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing energy efficiency upgrades to reduce carbon emissions.

Regenerative Agriculture Initiative: Mars is actively working to scale climate-smart agriculture in its value chain, with a goal of delivering more than one million acres of regenerative agriculture practices by 2030 globally. In 2024, Mars announced partnerships to transition 150,000 acres to regenerative agriculture practices in North America, specifically supporting wheat, corn, and rice farmers who supply ingredients for Pedigree and other Mars Petcare brands. These partnerships include collaborations with ADM, The Andersons, Inc., Riceland Foods, and Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, focusing on practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and extended crop rotations.

Sustainable Packaging Innovation: Mars is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to redesign packaging across its pet food portfolio, including Pedigree, with the goal of creating packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. The company aims to develop packaging that fits with existing recycling infrastructure in markets where Pedigree operates, making it easier for consumers to recycle packaging materials. Mars has also increased its use of post-consumer recycled content in pet food packaging.

Water Stewardship: Mars has implemented a comprehensive Water Stewardship Strategy that includes a 36% reduction in the gap to sustainable water use in its value chain since 2015. This initiative extends to Pedigree manufacturing facilities, which have implemented water efficiency projects and improved water management practices, particularly in high-risk watersheds where manufacturing operations are located.

Responsible Sourcing and Animal Welfare: Pedigree ingredients are sourced through Mars' responsible sourcing programs, which include supplier codes of conduct and regular audits to ensure compliance with labor standards, workplace safety, and environmental regulations. Mars works with agricultural suppliers to promote sustainable farming practices and improve supply chain transparency. The company maintains comprehensive animal welfare standards for all ingredients used in Pedigree products.

Community Engagement and Pet Homelessness: Mars Petcare is dedicated to ending pet homelessness through various initiatives including the PEDIGREE Foundation, established in 2008. The foundation has awarded more than 5,700 grants and over $9 million to U.S. organizations working to increase dog adoption rates. Pedigree's adoption portal WeR4HappyTails helps connect potential adopters with shelter dogs, streamlining the adoption process and providing digital solutions to help rescued dogs find forever homes.

Veterinary Health Partnerships: Pedigree partners with veterinary organizations and animal welfare groups to promote pet health and proper nutrition education. The brand supports initiatives that improve the health and adoptability of shelter dogs through proper nutrition programs and veterinary care support.

Pedigree has received significant recognition for its innovative marketing campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and commitment to animal welfare. The brand's ability to combine commercial success with social impact has been acknowledged by major industry organizations and award programs.

FMCG Asia Awards 2024 Excellence Award: Mars Petcare Philippines received the prestigious Excellence Award - Philippines title at the FMCG Asia Awards 2024 for the success of its PEDIGREE 6 Weeks Challenge campaign. This innovative program improved the health and adoptability of long-term shelter dogs through proper nutrition, care, and veterinary support. The campaign demonstrated how Pedigree's complete and balanced nutrition could transform shelter dogs' physical condition over a six-week period, accelerating their adoption potential.

Data-Driven Animal Welfare Innovation: The PEDIGREE 6 Weeks Challenge set a new standard for data-driven storytelling in animal welfare marketing. The campaign included weekly monitoring by veterinarians, with clear health parameters tracked throughout the rehabilitation process. This scientific approach provided measurable evidence of how proper nutrition can transform a dog's physical condition, positioning Pedigree as both a leader in pet nutrition and a brand that deeply cares about animal welfare.

Digital Adoption Platform Recognition: Pedigree's WeR4HappyTails adoption portal has been acknowledged as an innovative digital solution that streamlines the adoption process and helps rescued dogs find forever homes more quickly. The platform's integration with social media storytelling has increased engagement and adoption interest, demonstrating how technology can enhance traditional animal welfare efforts.

Social Impact Leadership: Mars Petcare's broader commitment to ending pet homelessness through programs like BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ and the PEDIGREE Foundation has received recognition from animal welfare organizations and industry groups. The foundation's grant-making program has supported numerous organizations working to increase dog adoption rates and improve animal welfare standards.

Veterinary Partnership Excellence: Pedigree's partnerships with veterinary organizations and animal welfare groups have been acknowledged for their effectiveness in promoting proper pet nutrition education and supporting shelter animal health initiatives. These partnerships demonstrate the brand's commitment to scientific approaches to animal nutrition and welfare.

Marketing Innovation: The PEDIGREE 6 Weeks Challenge campaign has been recognized within the marketing industry for its innovative approach to brand storytelling that combines product benefits with meaningful social impact. The campaign's success in improving dogs' health while connecting them to potential adopters has been cited as an example of purpose-driven marketing that creates both commercial and social value.

Pedigree has maintained a strong safety record throughout its history, though the brand has faced occasional product recalls related to manufacturing quality control issues. These incidents have been addressed promptly through standard food safety protocols and consumer notification procedures, demonstrating Mars Petcare's commitment to product safety and consumer protection.

Metal Contamination Recall (2024): Mars Petcare US voluntarily recalled 315 bags of PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food in the 44 lb. bag size due to the potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag. The affected products had a Best By Date of March 4, 2025 and Lot Code 410B2TXT02. The recall was limited to products sold at Walmart stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. No reports of pet injury or illness were connected to this incident. Mars Petcare worked with Walmart to ensure the affected products were removed from inventory and provided consumer care support for returns and inquiries.

Product Safety and Quality Control: Following the metal contamination recall, Mars Petcare implemented enhanced quality control measures and inspection protocols to prevent similar incidents. The company strengthened its manufacturing process monitoring and improved packaging integrity systems across all Pedigree production facilities. These enhanced controls include more rigorous metal detection systems and improved supplier quality assurance programs.

Nutritional Content Debates: Like many mass-market pet food brands, Pedigree has faced scrutiny from pet health advocates regarding ingredient quality and nutritional formulations. However, these concerns have not resulted in specific regulatory actions or recalls, representing ongoing industry discussions about pet food nutrition standards rather than brand-specific safety issues.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing: Pedigree has not faced significant manufacturing or supply chain controversies. The brand's production facilities have maintained compliance with food safety regulations and labor standards throughout its operational history under Mars Petcare ownership. The company's manufacturing processes undergo regular audits and quality assurance inspections.

Environmental Impact Considerations: As a packaged pet food product, Pedigree faces general industry scrutiny regarding packaging waste and environmental impact, though the brand has not been specifically targeted in environmental campaigns beyond the broader pet food industry context. Mars Petcare's sustainability initiatives, including regenerative agriculture partnerships and packaging redesign efforts, address these broader environmental concerns.

Animal Welfare Commitment: Pedigree has maintained a strong reputation for animal welfare support through its various initiatives and partnerships. The brand's commitment to ending pet homelessness and supporting shelter animals has been consistently positive, with no significant controversies related to animal treatment or welfare practices.