Canidae Dog Food Company and Natural Balance pet food brand have announced a merger, creating a leading specialty pet food platform. This partnership combines two complementary brands with a shared commitment to high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. The merger promises innovation and growth, benefiting pets and pet owners alike.
Canidae and Natural Balance: A Shared Vision for Pet Food
Both Canidae and Natural Balance boast decades of experience in the pet food industry. Natural Balance, established in 1989, is known for its premium, protein-forward dog and cat food and treats. Canidae, founded in 1996, focuses on sustainable practices and regenerative agriculture in its pet food production.
The merger leverages the strengths of both companies: Canidae’s commitment to sustainability and Natural Balance’s focus on simple, high-quality nutrition. This synergy allows the combined company to offer a wider range of products, including Canidae’s Pure, Goodness, and All Life Stages lines, and Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient and Original Ultra products.
Investment and Growth: A Look at Canidae and Natural Balance History
L Catterton, a major investor in Canidae, and Nexus Capital Management, a majority shareholder in Natural Balance, are contributing new capital to support the merger and future expansion. This investment underscores the potential of the combined company to become a dominant force in the specialty pet food market.
Natural Balance, initially founded by actor Dick Van Patten, has seen several ownership changes over the years. After being acquired by J.M. Smucker in 2015, it was sold to Nexus Capital Management in 2020. Canidae, a privately held company, has maintained a consistent focus on sustainable practices, even launching its own ingredient growing operation in Kansas in 2021.
Leadership Perspectives on the Future of the Combined Company
Leadership from both Canidae and Natural Balance expressed enthusiasm about the merger. They emphasized the shared values and complementary strengths of the two brands, highlighting the potential for innovation, streamlined manufacturing, and expanded partnerships with retailers.
The merger is expected to benefit from increased scale and a talented workforce, enabling the combined company to deliver high-quality, premium pet food products to a broader market. The focus remains on providing pets with optimal nutrition through responsibly sourced ingredients and limited ingredient formulas.
A New Chapter for Canidae and Natural Balance
The merger of Canidae dog food company and Natural Balance marks a significant development in the pet food industry. By combining their expertise and resources, these two companies are poised to create a powerful new force in the market, offering pet owners a wider selection of premium, sustainable, and nutritious pet food options. This strategic partnership promises a bright future for both brands and the pets they serve.
