Two Top Pet Food Manufacturers Merge to form Ethos Pet Brands

Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. and Canidae Pet Food Company have merged to create a new parent company, Ethos Pet Brands.The move will leverage both companies' shared passion for improving the well-being and lives of pets through simple nutrition, responsibly sourced ingredients, and protein-rich products.

"Ethos," the original and long-standing name of Canidae's manufacturing facility in Brownwood, TX, reflects both companies' character, honesty, and integrity while representing their commitment to providing high-quality nutrition and premium ingredients.

Natural Balance, known for its Limited Ingredient recipes and Original Ultra product lines for dogs and cats, and Canidae's Pure, Goodness, and All Life Stages products developed for dogs and cats of all ages, provide complementary yet differentiated comprehensive food solutions sold through the pet specialty, independent and ecommerce channels. The Brownwood facility, opened in 2012, will now manufacture products for both brands.

"Ethos Pet Brands marks the collaboration between two exceptional companies recognized for their best-in-class offerings for pet parents and their beloved pets," said Greg Shearson, chairman of the board, Ethos Pet Brands. "The Ethos Pet Brands leadership team was thoughtfully assembled and represents deep experience in the pet specialty space. I am confident they will build upon this strong foundation and guide this new company into a promising future."

Natural Balance and Canidae first announced plans to merge in March 2023. Natural Balance has a 30-year history of developing premium products with high-quality, protein-forward ingredients spanning dog food, cat food, and treats.

For the past 25 years, Canidae has offered dog and cat food products focusing on goodness for pets and the planet through regenerative agriculture and sustainable operations.

As part of the transaction, L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm and majority shareholder of Canidae, and Nexus Capital Management, an alternative asset investment company and majority shareholder of Natural Balance, each contributed new growth capital to support the successful integration and strategic long-term expansion of the combined company.