Ethical Alternatives to Pedigree
Pedigree, owned by Mars Inc., is one of the world’s most recognizable dog food brands, focusing on nutrition and welfare. However, the brand faces ethical scrutiny due to Mars Inc.’s ongoing animal testing on dogs and cats for pet food research, as well as limited transparency on sustainability. This page examines those concerns and presents criteria for choosing more ethically aligned alternatives.
Categories compared: Pet Care
Why shoppers look for alternatives to Pedigree
- Mars Inc. conducts animal testing on dogs and cats for pet food research, with no public deadline to end the practice.
- Pedigree’s parent company has only limited sustainability transparency; while FSC packaging exists in Europe and limited RSPO palm oil is used, comprehensive environmental reporting is lacking.
- The brand sells in mainland China, where animal testing regulations may differ from EU or US standards, raising concerns for some shoppers.
- No third-party certification (e.g., B Corp, Leaping Bunny) covers Pedigree’s entire supply chain or animal testing policy.
Top-scoring alternatives to Pedigree
A truly organic, non-toxic dog shampoo that sets the gold standard for safety and environmental purity in pet grooming.
A multi-use, fair-trade organic soap that is gentle enough for pets yet effective at removing grime and odors.
A truly organic, non-toxic grooming solution that sets the gold standard for pet safety and environmental responsibility.
The gold standard for ethical personal and pet care. Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap is biodegradable, fair trade, and highly concentrated for multi-purpose use.
A legendary multi-use soap that is widely recommended by groomers for pets due to its organic, fair-trade ingredients and complete lack of synthetic detergents.
A soothing, organic balm for dry paws and noses, crafted with Fair Trade ingredients and a legacy of social activism.
An ultra-clean, soothing balm for cracked paws and dry noses. Crafted with Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients, this multi-purpose balm is safe for pets who lick their paws and is produced under world-class fair trade standards.
A versatile, highly ethical organic soap perfect for pet bathing. Using fair-trade ingredients and regenerative farming practices, it provides a gentle, effective clean without synthetic detergents.
A versatile, fair-trade certified organic soap that is gentle enough for pets and tough on dirt, formulated with nourishing sugar and calming lavender.
An industry-leading organic dog shampoo that sets the standard for ingredient purity and environmental safety. 4Legger avoids all synthetic chemicals, focusing on a true saponified oil base that is safe for sensitive skin and the planet.
A fully sweatshop-free, chemical-free pet bed handcrafted from organic European hemp, ideal for pets with chemical sensitivities or allergies.
A truly organic grooming solution that avoids the 'natural' marketing trap, using only USDA-certified whole-plant ingredients to soothe skin without synthetic chemicals.
What Pedigree is rated on
Pedigree is rated primarily on its parent company’s animal testing policy and sustainability practices. Mars Inc. has publicly stated it conducts animal testing on dogs and cats for pet food research, with a goal to reduce and replace it — but has set no deadline for elimination. The company uses some certified sustainable palm oil (RSPO) and FSC-certified packaging in Europe, but these measures are limited to selective products and regions. No comprehensive, third-party ethical certification covers the entire Pedigree brand.
How the alternatives were picked
Ethical alternatives to Pedigree were selected based on three core criteria: (1) No animal testing — the brand or its parent company must have a published policy ending animal testing on pets, ideally with a fixed timeline or third-party verification (e.g., Leaping Bunny, PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies for pet food); (2) Transparent sustainability — clear reporting on packaging, ingredients sourcing, and environmental impact, with certifications like B Corp, FSC, or RSPO across the product line; (3) Ingredient and sourcing ethics — brands that prioritize high-quality, traceable ingredients and avoid controversial markets (e.g., mainland China) where animal testing laws differ. We do not endorse any specific brand; instead, we provide these criteria for you to evaluate.
What to check on the label
When comparing alternatives to Pedigree, look for: 1. Animal testing policy — search the parent company’s website for a clear statement on whether they test on dogs or cats. 2. Certifications — check for Leaping Bunny, B Corp, or PETA certification for cruelty-free status; note that pet food certifications are less common, so transparency matters. 3. Palm oil and packaging — look for RSPO-certified palm oil and FSC or recycled packaging claims. 4. Country of sale — brands that avoid mainland China may reduce risks tied to animal testing requirements. 5. Ingredient sourcing — prioritize brands that list specific, named proteins and grains, and avoid vague terms like “meat meal” when possible.
Frequently asked about Pedigree alternatives
Does Pedigree directly test on animals?+
Mars Inc., Pedigree's parent company, conducts animal testing on dogs and cats for pet food research. The company states it aims to reduce and replace this practice, but has not set a public deadline to stop.
Are there any certifications that cover Pedigree's ethics?+
No comprehensive third-party ethical certification (like B Corp, Leaping Bunny, or PETA) currently covers Pedigree brand-wide. Selected packaging in Europe has FSC certification, and Mars Inc. uses limited RSPO palm oil, but these are partial measures.
Why does selling in mainland China matter for ethics?+
Mainland China has different animal testing regulations that may require post-market animal testing for certain pet food products, even if the brand does not test elsewhere. This can conflict with a brand's cruelty-free claims.
What should I look for in a Pedigree alternative?+
Prioritize brands that have a published, time-bound policy to end animal testing, third-party certifications (Leaping Bunny, B Corp, or PETA), transparent sustainability reporting, and ingredient sourcing from countries with animal welfare laws aligned with your values.