The subcategory · Brand rail

Pet Food brands,
by AI consensus.

Brand viewProduct view

This week’s race

Blue Buffalo leads; Orijen climbs 9 spots.

5/116/15Blue Buffalo#1 this wkPurina Pro Plan#2 this wkMerrick#3 this wkOrijen#4 this wk
100 brands tracked·6 buyer intents·Jun 15 snapshot·ChatGPT · Claude · Gemini · Perplexity analyzed

Power ranking

Who leads this sub.

#1
Blue Buffalo
Best rank in this scope, recent weeks Jan 1 · #1 · Jan 1 · #1 · Feb 1 · #1 · Mar 1 · #1 · Apr 1 · #1 · May 1 · #16-wk trend?
#2
Best rank in this scope, recent weeks Jan 1 · #5 · Jan 1 · #6 · Feb 1 · #4 · Mar 1 · #5 · Apr 1 · #7 · May 1 · #36-wk trend?
#3
Merrick
Best rank in this scope, recent weeks Jan 1 · #4 · Jan 1 · #4 · Feb 1 · #2 · Mar 1 · #3 · Apr 1 · #2 · May 1 · #26-wk trend?

This week?

Blue Buffalo stays on top for the sixth straight week in pet food rankings. Fromm made the biggest move upward, climbing fifteen places to number thirteen, while Iams jumped ten spots to sixteen. Wellness CORE fell hard, dropping from fifteenth to twenty-ninth, and Tiki Cat lost twelve positions down to twenty-five. Nulo and Diamond Naturals both entered the rankings this week at eighteen and twenty respectively, filling gaps left by brands in motion.

27 newcomers 6 climbers 19 dropsBlue Buffalo #1 · 6w streak

The questions?

These rankings answer 6 buyer questions. Open any one for the head-to-head.

The subcategory score is an aggregate. Each question has its own AI ranking, reviewer check and weekly movement — that's where the picks actually come from.

Act one

Where the machines rank them.

Three AI models rank every brand in this sub — who just arrived, the full board, the lineups each fields, and who owns each trait.

02

Full ranking

Every brand ranked.

Time machine?
June 15 · latest
Older snapshots are kept, not published — get in touch
sort:
#?BrandAI consensus?Last 3 months?Lineup?
#1Blue BuffaloBlue BuffaloFlagshipBlue Bits Natural Soft Dog Treats· #17ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#3Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #1 · May 18 · #1 · May 25 · #1 · Jun 1 · #1 · Jun 8 · #1 · Jun 15 · #112 productsbest #17
#2▲ 5Purina Pro PlanFlagshipAdult Large Breed Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula· #13ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#3Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #5 · May 18 · #6 · May 25 · #4 · Jun 1 · #5 · Jun 8 · #7 · Jun 15 · #312 productsbest #13
#3▼ 1MerrickMerrickFlagshipPower Bites Real Beef Recipe· #5ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #4–#5Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #4 · May 18 · #4 · May 25 · #2 · Jun 1 · #3 · Jun 8 · #2 · Jun 15 · #22 productsbest #5
#4▼ 1OrijenOrijenFlagshipOriginal Dry Dog Food· #1ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#6Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #15 · May 18 · #15 · May 25 · #12 · Jun 1 · #12 · Jun 8 · #5 · Jun 15 · #67 productsbest #1
#5▲ 1Hill's Science DietHill's Science DietFlagshipAdult 7+ Small & Toy Breed Senior Dog Food· #11ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#2Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #2 · May 18 · #3 · May 25 · #3 · Jun 1 · #2 · Jun 8 · #6 · Jun 15 · #415 productsbest #11
#6▼ 1WellnessWellnessFlagshipCORE Original Grain-Free Dry· #6ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #3–#5Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #3 · May 18 · #2 · May 25 · #7 · Jun 1 · #7 · Jun 8 · #3 · Jun 15 · #55 productsbest #6
#7▼ 3Royal CaninRoyal CaninFlagshipMedium Puppy Dry Dog Food· #2ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#3Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #6 · May 18 · #5 · May 25 · #5 · Jun 1 · #4 · Jun 8 · #4 · Jun 15 · #77 productsbest #2
#8▲ 2AcanaAcanaFlagshipAppalachian Ranch Grain-Free (Bio+ 2026)· #39ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #2–#10Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #33 · May 18 · #16 · May 25 · #24 · Jun 1 · #21 · Jun 8 · #10 · Jun 15 · #95 productsbest #39
#9▼ 1NutroNutroClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #6–#9Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #7 · May 18 · #7 · May 25 · #6 · Jun 1 · #19 · Jun 8 · #8 · Jun 15 · #8
#10▼ 1Taste of the WildTaste of the WildFlagshipHigh Prairie Puppy Formula· #7ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #3–#6Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #9 · May 18 · #11 · May 25 · #10 · Jun 1 · #11 · Jun 8 · #9 · Jun 15 · #105 productsbest #7
#11CanidaeCanidaeClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #6–#8Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #22 · May 18 · #20 · May 25 · #19 · Jun 1 · #20 · Jun 8 · #11 · Jun 15 · #11
#12InstinctInstinctFlagshipOriginal Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe· #8ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #4–#9Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #11 · May 18 · #9 · May 25 · #17 · Jun 1 · #28 · Jun 8 · #12 · Jun 15 · #122 productsbest #8
#13▲ 15Open FarmOpen FarmFlagshipGrain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipe with Ancient Grains not included, Grass-Fed Beef· #43ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #2–#16Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #59 · May 18 · #50 · May 25 · #56 · Jun 1 · #30 · Jun 8 · #25 · Jun 15 · #131 productbest #43
#14▲ 10NuloNuloClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #7–#16Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #21 · May 18 · #30 · May 25 · #27 · Jun 1 · #36 · Jun 8 · #31 · Jun 15 · #15
#15▼ 2FrommFrommFlagshipGold Puppy Dry Dog Food· #9ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #10–#13Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #10 · May 18 · #24 · May 25 · #16 · Jun 1 · #35 · Jun 8 · #13 · Jun 15 · #141 productbest #9
#16▼ 2VictorVictorClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #11–#17Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #27 · May 18 · #27 · May 25 · #26 · Jun 1 · #26 · Jun 8 · #14 · Jun 15 · #16
#17newStella & Chewy’sFlagshipSuperblends Freeze-Dried Meal Mixers (2026 Edition)· #73ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #3–#28Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #29 · May 18 · #22 · May 25 · #20 · Jun 1 · #22 · Jun 8 · #74 · Jun 15 · #242 productsbest #73
#18▼ 1IamsIamsFlagshipProActive Health Mature Adult 7+ with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food· #92ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #4–#22Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #28 · May 18 · #76 · May 25 · #29 · Jun 1 · #29 · Jun 8 · #17 · Jun 15 · #171 productbest #92
#19Diamond NaturalsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #9–#28Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #44 · May 18 · #40 · May 25 · #33 · Jun 1 · #31 · Jun 8 · #18 · Jun 15 · #19
#20▲ 5Zuke'sZuke'sFlagshipMini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Treats· #23ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#5Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #12 · May 18 · #10 · May 25 · #9 · Jun 1 · #9 · Jun 8 · #23 · Jun 15 · #183 productsbest #23
#21▼ 6Solid GoldSolid GoldClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #10–#19Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #13 · May 18 · #18 · May 25 · #30 · Jun 1 · #17 · Jun 8 · #15 · Jun 15 · #20
#22newFarminaFarminaClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #8–#30Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 18 · #67 · Jun 8 · #35 · Jun 15 · #21
#23newZignatureZignatureFlagshipTrout & Salmon Meal Formula· #10ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #4–#14Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #67 · May 18 · #46 · May 25 · #81 · Jun 1 · #70 · Jun 8 · #27 · Jun 15 · #222 productsbest #10
#24▼ 4Tiki CatTiki CatFlagshipAfter Dark Chicken & Quail Egg Recipe in Broth· #14ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#6Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #17 · May 18 · #14 · May 25 · #13 · Jun 1 · #13 · Jun 8 · #19 · Jun 15 · #233 productsbest #14
#25▼ 7Wellness COREWellness COREFlagshipGrain-Free Signature Selects Flaked Tuna & Salmon· #65ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #3–#22Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #20 · May 18 · #26 · May 25 · #8 · Jun 1 · #8 · Jun 8 · #24 · Jun 15 · #271 productbest #65
#26▼ 4WeruvaWeruvaFlagshipCats in the Kitchen Purr-Fect Pate Chicken & Salmon· #41ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #2–#8Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #14 · May 18 · #21 · May 25 · #18 · Jun 1 · #15 · Jun 8 · #20 · Jun 15 · #263 productsbest #41
#27newThe Honest KitchenThe Honest KitchenFlagshipWhole Food Clusters Grain Free Beef Recipe· #32ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #1–#30Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 25 · #87 · Jun 1 · #62 · Jun 8 · #42 · Jun 15 · #301 productbest #32
#28▼ 5EukanubaEukanubaFlagshipPuppy Dry Dog Food· #3ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #10–#21Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #48 · May 18 · #52 · May 25 · #85 · Jun 1 · #41 · Jun 8 · #21 · Jun 15 · #251 productbest #3
#29newPurina ONEPurina ONEClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #11–#20Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #84 · May 18 · #47 · May 25 · #59 · Jun 1 · #67 · Jun 8 · #39
#30▼ 14Natural BalanceNatural BalanceClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #8–#22Best rank in any intent here, recent weeks May 11 · #8 · May 18 · #8 · May 25 · #21 · Jun 1 · #6 · Jun 8 · #16
#31▼ 5GreeniesGreeniesFlagshipOriginal Dental Dog Chews, Regular Size· #46ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #2–#62 productsbest #46
#32newThe Farmer's DogThe Farmer's DogFlagshipFresh Dog Food Subscription· #21ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #1–#152 productsbest #21
#34newOllieOllieFlagshipTailored Senior Recipe with Advanced Joint Support· #54ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #2–#261 productbest #54
#35newMilk-BoneMilk-BoneFlagshipOriginal Dog Treats Biscuits· #47ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #2–#291 productbest #47
#36newZiwi PeakZiwi PeakClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #5–#27
#37▼ 16Earthborn HolisticEarthborn HolisticClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #16–#23
#38newJustFoodForDogsJustFoodForDogsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #6–#19
#39newBocce's BakeryBocce's BakeryClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #14–#18
#40newPurina Pro Plan Veterinary DietsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #6
#41▼ 11Fancy FeastClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #7–#29
#42newGo! SolutionsGo! SolutionsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #12
#43newSpot & TangoFlagshipUnKibble Beef Recipe· #96ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #4–#241 productbest #96
#44newHill's Prescription DietClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #7–#10
#45newFruitablesFruitablesClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #6–#26
#46newVital EssentialsVital EssentialsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #9–#11
#47newRocco & RoxieClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #9–#12
#48newNature's VarietyNature's VarietyClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #10–#13
#49newNom NomFlagshipFresh Dog Food· #42ClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #31 productbest #42
#50newPet BotanicsPet BotanicsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #8–#17
#51newSmallsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #11–#14
#52newFarmina N&DClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #12–#15
#53newRedbarnRedbarnClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #13–#20
#54newWellness Complete HealthClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #7–#26
#55newPrimalClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #13–#28
#56newCloud StarCloud StarClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #12–#28
#57newFussie CatFussie CatClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #6–#26
#58newStewartClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #12–#19
#59newFeline NaturalClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #6
#60newFull MoonFull MoonClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #11–#21
#61newPedigreePedigreeClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #16–#21
#62newAmerican JourneyAmerican JourneyClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #19–#27
#63▼ 36ShebaShebaClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #9–#24
#64newFriskiesClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #10
#65newNature's LogicNature's LogicClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #10
#66newNudgesClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #10
#67newPupfordClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #10
#68newCharlee BearClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #16–#20
#69newSmartBonesSmartBonesClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #16–#20
#70newKOHAKOHAClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity4/4 AIs · ranks #18–#28
#71newRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray NutrishClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #19–#24
#72newRaised RightClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #12
#73newJustFoodForCatsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #13
#74newWagClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #13
#75newSpot FarmsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #19–#21
#76newJinxClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #19–#27
#77newNature's RecipeClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #18–#23
#78newNow FreshNow FreshClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#79newBil-JacClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #15
#80newPurina Fancy FeastClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #15
#81newThree Dog BakeryClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #15
#82newWholeheartedWholeheartedClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #16–#26
#83newNutriSourceClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity3/4 AIs · ranks #20–#27
#84newBLUE HEALTHY GOURMETClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#85newHound & GatosClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#86newKohana CatClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#87newPlato Pet TreatsPlato Pet TreatsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#88newWhimzeesWhimzeesClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #17
#89newLotusLotusClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #18
#90newHalo HolisticClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #19–#25
#91newRAWZClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #19
#92newSteve's Real FoodClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #19
#93newApplawsClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #22–#23
#94newAnnamaetAnnamaetClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #23–#27
#95newCastor & PolluxClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #20
#96newPolkadogClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #20
#97newDave's Pet FoodClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity2/4 AIs · ranks #21–#29
#98newA Pup AboveClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #21
#99newEvanger'sClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #21
#100newFreshpetClaudeGPTGeminiPerplexity1/4 AIs · ranks #21

as of June 15 · vs June 16 · 6 intents?

Act three

How the models think.

Where each brand actually competes across the buyer questions, and the running ledger of what just moved in this sub.

04

Intent dominance

Where each brand actually competes.

BrandDry Dog FoodsWet Cat FoodsDog TreatsGrain-Free Dog FoodsPuppy FoodsSenior Dog Foods
Blue BuffaloBlue Buffalo#9#7#1#4#4#4
Purina Pro Plan#4#6#10#25#1#2
MerrickMerrick#7#9#5#5#7#7
OrijenOrijen#1#28#12#1#5#6
Hill's Science DietHill's Science Diet#3#4#23#2#1
WellnessWellness#11#8#3#9#8#9
Royal CaninRoyal Canin#5#3#3#3
AcanaAcana#2#3#9#12
#1–3#4–10#11+cell = brand rank in that intent · faint dot = not ranked here

as of June 15 · 6 intents?

05

Ledger?

What just moved in this sub.

  1. ▼ fall#27 → #63
  2. ▼ fall#21 → #37
  3. ▲ climb#28 → #13
  4. ▼ fall#16 → #30
  5. ✦ debutdebut at #17
  6. ▼ fall#30 → #41
  7. ▲ climb#24 → #14
  8. ✦ debutdebut at #22
  9. ✦ debutdebut at #23
  10. ▼ fall#18 → #25
  11. ▼ fall#15 → #21
  12. ▲ climb#7 → #2
  13. ▲ climb#25 → #20
  14. ▼ fall#23 → #28
  15. ▼ fall#26 → #31
  16. ▼ fall#20 → #24
  17. ▼ fall#22 → #26
  18. ▼ fall#4 → #7
  19. ✦ debutdebut at #27
  20. ▲ climb#10 → #8

about pet food

Pick by what you need 6 buying intents

interesting facts from pet food

The pet food brands split into clear lines. Purina and Mars own the grocery aisles. They make food cheap and steady. Hill's and Royal Canin pitch themselves to vets and owners who want science behind the bag. Orijen and Acana come from Canada with talk of fresh meat and regional sourcing. Open Farm and Stella & Chewy's court owners who read labels and distrust the big names. Each brand knows its buyer.

The choice comes down to trust and what you believe your animal needs. Some owners want proof from a vet. Some want a short ingredient list they recognize. Some want price that doesn't hurt. The brands know this and have built themselves to answer one question best.

The brand rail stops here. For the individual products inside this sub, switch to the product view.