What s better IAMS or Pedigree

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Iams vs Pedigree Dog Food: 2024 Comparison

Despite what many owners tend to believe, feeding your dog high-quality nutrition doesnt need to cost a fortune. Many of the brands available at your local supermarket or general store offer everything that your four-legged family members need to live a happy, healthy life.

Two brands youll find almost everywhere that dog food is sold are Iams and Pedigree. But just like no two premium brands are identical, the same is true for the worlds more budget-friendly dog food products.

Weve done the research to review and compare Iams and Pedigree, from each companys best-selling products to its recall history. Heres what you need to know before picking up your dogs next bag of kibble.

A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Iams

Though the nitty-gritty differences between Iams and Pedigree dog foods arent as blatant as some other comparisons, Iams does ultimately win this battle. Iams utilizes higher-quality ingredients and offers more balanced nutrition, though these benefits do come at a slightly higher price.

The winner of our comparison:

About Iams

The Iams Company was started in 1946 by an animal nutritionist, offering dry dog food as its first product. In 1999, Iams was bought by Procter & Gamble, the worlds largest manufacturer of consumer goods. In 2014, Procter & Gamble sold the brand to Mars, Incorporated, which also owns pet food labels like Royal Canin, Greenies, and our comparison brand, Pedigree.

Where is it made?

Iams operates three different factories within the United States and one factory in the Netherlands. All dog food distributed within the United States is manufactured at one of the companys U.S. locations.

Recall history

Since 2007, Iams products have been recalled seven times, with four of these recalls affecting dog food formulas.

In 2007, several varieties of Iams dog food were affected by the nationwide pet food recall for melamine contamination.

In 2011, multiple lots of Iams dry dog food were recalled because of the presence of aflatoxin, a type of mold toxin.

In 2013, several types of Iams dog food were recalled because of salmonella contamination. During the same year, dog treats from multiple lots were recalled due to possible mold growth.

A Quick Look at Iams Dog Food

Formulas are high in protein
Often uses meat as the first ingredient
Made in the U.S.A.
Available at most pet food retailers
More affordable than premium brands

Company has a recall history
Some dogs dislike Iams formulas

About Pedigree

Pedigrees history technically started in 1934, when Mars purchased a dog food factory in England. However, the Pedigree name wouldnt come into existence until several decades later, in 1972. Today, Pedigree is considered a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated.

Where is it made?

While Pedigree is an international brand name with factories located abroad, all product sold in the United States is manufactured in one of Mars, Incorporateds U.S. factories.

Recall history

In 2008, Pedigree recalled a single lot of dry dog food because it was discovered that it might be contaminated with salmonella. The same year, Pedigree issued another recall for dry dog food manufactured in its Pennsylvania factory, also because of potential salmonella contamination.

In 2012, three types of dog food were recalled due to small pieces of plastic being found in the production line.

In 2014, select varieties of dog food were recalled because of metal fragments potentially contaminating the bags.

A Quick Look at Pedigree Dog Food

In operation for almost a century
Made in the U.S.A.
Extremely affordable
Found in most supermarkets and pet food retailers
Wide range of dog food products

Corn is often the first ingredient
Company has a recall history

The 3 Most Popular Iams Dog Food Recipes

Iams offers many specialized formulas based on age, weight, breed size, and other unique nutritional needs. For our comparison, lets review three of the most popular products currently sold under the Iams name:

1. Iams ProActive Health High Protein (Real Chicken and Turkey)

As more dog owners discover the importance of animal protein in canine diets, more pet food brands are stepping up to the plate with high-protein formulas. The Iams ProActive Health High Protein with Real Chicken and Turkey is one of the brands highest-rated and most popular recipes currently available. This food lists chicken as the first ingredient, while also containing plenty of other animal-based protein and fat sources.

If youre curious about what other dog owners think of this high-protein formula, you can find the Amazon reviews here.

High in animal protein
Contains protein and fat from chicken, turkey, and egg
Made in the U.S.A.
Available at most pet supply retailers
Easy to digest

May be too calorie rich for inactive dogs
More expensive than competitors

2. Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult (Real Chicken)

If you struggle to keep your dog at a healthy weight, the ProActive Health Mature Adult formula is a low-calorie option to try. This dog food relies on animal protein, fiber, probiotics, and L-carnitine to maintain lean body mass and support your dogs metabolism. Of course, it also has fewer calories than the brands standard formulas.

You can read the Amazon reviews for this formula hereto learn what other dogs and their owners think.

Specifically formulated for senior dogs
Made in the U.S.A.
Contains L-carnitine for metabolic support
Probiotics and fiber may improve digestion
Chicken is the first ingredient

Some dogs dislike the taste
High fiber content may not agree with all dogs

3. Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks (Real Chicken)

Whether your dog is a smaller breed or just has trouble chewing normal kibble, the ProActive Health Adult Minichunks formula might be a good solution. This Iams recipe includes everything found in its other ProActive Health products, just with a smaller kibble. Chicken is the first ingredient for plenty of meat-based protein, and the inclusion of L-carnitine helps maintain a strong metabolism.

To learn what other owners think of this Minichunks formula, youll find the Amazon reviews here.

Ideal for smaller dog breeds
Supports an active lifestyle and healthy weight
Chicken is the first ingredient
Made in the U.S.A.
Includes seven heart-supporting nutrients

Corn is the second ingredient
Some dogs experienced digestive issues

The 3 Most Popular Pedigree Dog Food Recipes

With almost a century of manufacturing under its belt, Pedigree has a huge catalog of dog food formulas currently on the market. We reviewed the three most popular:

1. Pedigree High Protein With Red Meat (Beef & Lamb Flavor)

As the name suggests, the Pedigree High Protein line is packed with around 25% more protein than its standard Adult Complete Nutrition formulas. It also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support a strong and healthy pup.

All in all, this formula does meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs with a higher concentration of protein than the brands original recipes. However, its important to point out that most of this protein seems to come from corn and low-quality meat meal.

For feedback from other owners who have tried this dog food, you can read the Amazon reviews here.

More protein than other formulas
Made in the U.S.A.
Kibble pieces are designed to clean teeth
Affordable and widely available
No added sugar or high fructose corn syrup

Corn is the first ingredient
Protein mostly comes from plant sources

2. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner (Chicken & Rice)

The Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Chicken & Rice is one of the brands most popular wet food formulas. This recipe contains chicken byproducts and chicken as the first ingredients, so you know your dog is getting a decent serving of animal protein with each can.

If you want to learn what other dogs and their owners think about this canned food, you can find the Amazon reviews here.

Top ingredients are meat based
Made in the U.S.A.
High in moisture
Use as a meal or a kibble mix-in

Chicken byproducts is the first ingredient
Contains artificial colorants

3. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition (Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor)

The Adult Complete Nutrition formula comes in several different varieties, with Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor as one of the best-selling. This formula offers balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds with whole grains, omega fatty acids, and protein. However, its also high in carbohydrates and relies heavily on corn as a source of protein.

You can see what other customers have to say about this dry food formula by checking out the Amazon reviews here.

Balanced nutrition for most adult dogs
Made in the U.S.A.
Contains whole grains
Kibble texture helps maintain dental health
Available at most pet food retailers

Corn is the first ingredient
High in carbohydrates

Iams vs. Pedigree Comparison

Nutrition

Looking at each brands best-selling formulas, we see that Iams products boast better nutritional breakdowns. With more protein and fat than the Pedigree formulas, the Iams recipes are likely to be more satiating and provide more well-rounded nutrition to the average dog.

Ingredient quality

After reviewing the most popular formulas from each brand, Iams definitely takes the lead in ingredients. While its true that both brands use questionable ingredients, such as corn, these items are almost always much further down on Iams ingredients lists compared to Pedigrees.

Pricing

While pricing for both Iams and Pedigree varies greatly from product to product and retailer to retailer, Iams almost always costs a bit more. Since Iams tends to use higher-quality ingredients in more concentrated amounts, this difference in pricing makes sense. However, dog owners on a tight budget should still take this into account.

Availability

Both brands are widely available at most supermarkets and pet supply stores, as well as online. Since Iams and Pedigree are both owned by Mars, Incorporated, its rare to see one brand for sale without the other.

Brand reputation

Both brands reputations are middle of the road. Each has experienced four dog food recalls in recent years and since 2014, has been owned by the same parent company, Mars, Incorporated.

Iams vs Pedigree Dog Food Conclusion

If you have the freedom to choose between Iams and Pedigree for your dog, Iams products will almost always be the more balanced and reliable option. While Iams does tend to cost a bit more than Pedigree, this is definitely a case where you get what you pay for.

With that said, Iams is far from the be-all, end-all of dog food. These formulas are an excellent choice if you dont have access to a specialized pet supply store or are on a tight budget, but you can find numerous premium dog food formulas on the market for just a little more money than youd spend on a bag of Iams.

Ultimately, what matters most is finding a dog food formula that meets the needs of both you and your dog.

See also:

Iams vs. Pedigree

In this comparison article for Iams vs Pedigree, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Iams and Pedigree, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.

Throughout this Pedigree vs Iams comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Iams Review Page or Pedigree Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Pedigree vs. Iams

According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.

Iams Dog Food vs. Pedigree Dog Food

Dry Dog Food	Iams	Pedigree
Crude Protein	27.6%	25.8%
Crude Fat	14.9%	11.7%
Crude Fiber	5.2%	4.4%

Wet/Canned Dog Food	Iams	Pedigree
Crude Protein	40.9%	41.2%
Crude Fat	23.4%	22.3%
Crude Fiber	5.4%	6.1%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.

There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude protein content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Pedigree and Iams also provide roughly the same amount of crude protein.

Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.

There is a small difference between the fat content of Iams and Pedigree. We can see that Iams guarantees about 3.16% more fat than Pedigree. For wet dog foods, Iams and Pedigree provide roughly the same amount of fat.

Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Pedigree and Iams also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

Iams Pet Food Ingredients vs. Pedigree Pet Food Ingredients

Iams and Pedigree both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:

Liver

Liver is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous animal ingredients are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!

Beet Pulp

Beet pulp is the by-product which remains once sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. The primary contribution of beet pulp is dietary fiber.

We'd also like to note that beet pulp is fairly controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that beet pulp can promote intestinal health and regulate blood sugar. However, opponents claim that beet pulp is an inexpensive filler.

Iron Oxide

Iron oxide is an FDA approved natural food coloring agent. It's commonly found in rusting metal and provides a reddish-brown color.

We believe food colorants are unnecessary ingredients in pet food. Other than potential harm, food colorants do not provide any nutritional value. These type of ingredients are used only to make the food look appealing to humans.

Pea Protein

Pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.

Brewers Rice

Brewer's rice is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. The fragments do not contain the same nutrition profile of the whole kernel and therefore brewer's rice is a lower quality grain. Brewer's rice is typically regarded as an inexpensive and low quality filler.

Wheat Gluten

Wheat gluten is the main protein of wheat. Although wheat gluten is mostly protein, wheat gluten is considered controversial because it significantly boosts the protein content of the product. This is undesirable because plant based protein does not provide the same amino acid profile as meat based protein.

Caramel Color

Caramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.

Vegetable Oil

Specific vegetable oils are typically positive ingredients; however, this ingredient does not specify which vegetable(s) were used to produce the oil.

Without this information, it is impossible for us to make any specific statements. With any fat source, it is important to know the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, a property which cannot be determined with this ingredient. Thus, we have marked vegetable oil as a controversial ingredient.

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is a by-product from the production of various corn products (corn starch, corn syrup, etc). It's very high in protein (nearly 60% protein) and therefore can significant boost the protein content of the product. Because plant based proteins such as corn gluten meal are inferior to meat based proteins (lack many essential amino acids), they are not suitable substitutes.

Meat By-Products

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

Powdered Cellulose

Powdered cellulose is produced from minuscule pieces of wood pulp and plant fibers. Other than its fiber content, powdered cellulose lacks any nutritional contribution.

Chicken By-Products

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of the chicken which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

Like other meat by-products, chicken by-products are considered controversial, mainly because they are inexpensive ingredients which consumers have equated with slaughterhouse waste. However, manufactures and many experts claim that animal by-products are unjustly criticized. Proponents state that "named" by-products, such as chicken by-products, supply many important nutrients required by pets.

Dried Tomato Pomace

Dried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.

Chicken By-Product Meal

Chicken by-product meal is produced by cooking chicken by-products using a process called rendering. By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of chickens which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

Ground Whole Grain Corn

Ground whole grain corn contains the entire corn kernel (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.

Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.

In regards to digestibility, the claims of "highly digestible" are only true if corn is processed into a meal or flour and subsequently cooked. In regards to the protein contribution, we must note that corn is a plant based protein which does not contain all of the necessary amino acids required by pets to sustain life. Therefore substituting corn for meat is an unsuitable substitution and actually degrades the overall protein quality of the product.

Finally, we'll discuss the claims about vitamins and minerals in corn. Although corn does provide many vitamins and minerals, it not necessarily an exceptional ingredient in this regards. There are many other ingredients which are more complete and biologically appropriate. Therefore the usage of corn as the primary ingredient in pet food should certainly warrant further questioning.

Poultry By-Product Meal

Poultry by-product meal is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous ingredients such as poultry by-product meal are typically low-quality ingredients in comparison to named protein by-product meals (e.g. chicken by-product meal, turkey by-product meal, duck by-product meal).

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Iams.

Caramel

Caramel is a widely used natural food colorant. The concentrated form of caramel is typically listed as caramel color and has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.

Corn Meal

Corn meal is another name for ground corn. Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.

Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.

Corn Grits

Corn grits are made from ground corn. Corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.

Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.

Fish Digest

Fish digest is the result of undecomposed fish tissue after hydrolysis, a chemical reaction. It is typically used as flavoring to improve taste. Fish digest is considered by many as an undesirable low-quality ingredient.

Ground Corn

Ground corn is a cereal grain which provides a modest amount of vitamins, minerals, and plant based protein. It also happens to be one of the most controversial ingredients in pet food.

Proponents of corn claim that corn is highly digestible and an excellent source of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Opponents however believe that positive claims in regards to corn are either half-truths or completely false, we'll discuss a few of the opposing arguments.

Feeding Oatmeal

According to AAFCO, feeding oatmeal "is obtained in the manufacture of rolled oat groats or rolled oats". It contains "broken oat groats, oat groat chips, and floury portions of the oat groats." In other words, feeding oatmeal is an inexpensive by-products of rolled oat processing.

Poultry Giblets

Poultry giblets includes the heart, liver, gizzards, and other internal organs of poultry. Organs are nutritiously dense ingredients which provide high quality protein and fat. However, this particular ingredient is considered an anonymous meat ingredient because the type of poultry is not specified. In order words, "named" giblets such as chicken giblets or turkey giblets are preferred over poultry giblets.

Dried Meat By-Products

By-products are defined by AAFCO as the "non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals." Thus, dried meat by-products contain nearly all parts of the animal which are typically not consumed by humans. These parts include the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, blood, intestine, bone, etc.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the meat source is not identified. Anonymous ingredients such as dried meat by-products are typically very low quality additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the animal source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

Animal Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Poultry Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Poultry fat is a by-product of poultry tissue rendering. Poultry fat is a controversial ingredient because the specific protein is not specified. Such ingredients are typically low-quality in comparison to named poultry fats (e.g. chicken fat, turkey fat).

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Pedigree.

Animal Liver

Animal liver is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous animal ingredients are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!

Animal Plasma

Animal plasma can be a nutritious addition to pet food, however, the source should be specified. In this case, the animal source is not specified and therefore we cannot determine which animal was used to obtain the plasma.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.

Meat And Bone Meal

Meat and bone meal is produced by cooking meat and bone using a process called rendering. The rendering process dramatically reduces the natural moisture of meat and thereby results in a highly condensed protein source.

This ingredient is marked controversial because the source animal for the meat is not specified. These type of anonymous ingredient are typically very low quality and certainly inexpensive additions. The most unpleasing property of this ingredient is that the meat source can contain any mammal, even dogs & cats.

Ground Whole Grain Wheat

Ground whole grain wheat contains the entire grain of wheat (the germ, bran, and endosperm). Wheat is the second most-produced cereal grain in the world (corn is the first). Although wheat is a controversial ingredient, it is not necessarily undesirable because it provides dietary fiber and many other nutrients. However, wheat contains a notable amount of plant based protein, which is inferior to meat based protein and therefore an undesirable substitution.

Wheat is also one of the most common ingredients to cause food allergies or intolerance. However, grains such as wheat are typically low offenders in comparison to certain protein sources (such as beef).

We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.

Iams and Pedigree both use the following harmful ingredients in many of their products:

Blue 2

Blue 2 is an artificial dye which can increase the likelihood of tumors according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Like other dyes, blue 2 does not provide any nutritional value.

Red 40

Red 40 is the most widely used artificial dye in consumer goods. Studies have shown that red 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice, cause allergy-like reactions and trigger hyperactivity in children.

Yellow 5

Yellow 5 is an artificial dye which may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. Like other dyes, yellow 5 does not provide any nutritional value.

Yellow 6

Yellow 6 is an artificial food dye which may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. According to the Center For Science In The Public Interest, yellow 6 can cause adrenal tumors in animals.

Added Color

The ingredient "added color" is ambiguous and may include various artificial dyes. Most artificial dyes have been linked to various chronic diseases.

Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Iams.

Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex

Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."

Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Pedigree.

Bha

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an artificial preservative and possible cancer-causing agent. Studies have show that BHA can be linked to various tumors in laboratory animals.

Bht

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an artificial preservative and possible cancer-causing agent. BHT is banned in several countries, but the FDA has classified BHT as "generally recognized as safe."

Red 3

Red 3 is an artificial dye which the FDA has confirmed can cause cancer in laboratory animals.

Animal Fat (Preserved With Bha/Bht)

Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA/BHT, both artificial preservatives and possible carcinogens according to the World Health Organization.

Animal Fat (Preserved With Bha And Citric Acid)

Animal fat is a by-product of tissue rendering. The source animal is not specific and therefore we cannot be certain that the source does not include diseased animals or even euthanized dogs and cats. What's more, this ingredient is preserved with BHA, an artificial preservative and possible carcinogen according to the World Health Organization.

Product Safety: Recall History of Iams & Pedigree?

Iams has been recalled 2 times.

Aug. 14, 2013: Salmonella
July 30, 2010: Salmonella

Pedigree has been recalled 2 times.

Aug. 31, 2014: Metal fragments
Aug. 26, 2014: Presence of a foreign material

Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?

Dry Dog Food	Iams	Pedigree
Per Pound	$1.52	$0.97
Per Calorie	$0.0009	$0.0006

Wet Dog Food	Iams	Pedigree
Per Pound	$1.90	$2.18
Per Calorie	$0.0038	$0.0048

The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.

If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Iams or Pedigree, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.

Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Iams or Pedigree will depend on your shopping habits.

Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Iams and Pedigree. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.

Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!

Where To Buy Iams Pet Foods

You can purchase Iams pet foods from the following stores:

33 Recipes In-Stock Today

15 Recipes In-Stock Today

24 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Pedigree Pet Foods

You can purchase Pedigree pet food products from these retailers:

38 Recipes In-Stock Today

3 Recipes In-Stock Today

33 Recipes In-Stock Today

Type Of Pet Foods Available

Product	Iams	Pedigree
Dry Dog Food	24 Recipes	9 Recipes
Wet Dog Food	8 Recipes	32 Recipes
Dog Treats	None	None
Dry Cat Food	13 Recipes	None
Wet Cat Food	13 Recipes	None
Cat Treats	2 Treats	None