The Mars family, widely known for their dominance in the confectionery industry, has significantly expanded their empire into veterinary medicine and pet care. Their venture into this space, which includes veterinary services, pet food, and health products, has made them a leading figure in the animal health industry. From owning some of the most reputable veterinary clinic chains to producing popular pet food brands, Mars has established a comprehensive and profitable ecosystem that addresses the holistic needs of pets worldwide.
Mars’ Entrance into Veterinary Medicine: Building an Empire
Mars began expanding into the veterinary sector over two decades ago, diversifying beyond its confectionery roots. One of their most notable acquisitions in this space was Banfield Pet Hospital in 1994. Banfield operates over 1,000 veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and is known for offering preventive care through its “Optimum Wellness Plans.” This marked Mars’ first major step into the veterinary world.
Following this, the Mars family made a series of strategic acquisitions that further solidified their presence in veterinary care. In 2017, Mars acquired VCA Inc., one of the largest veterinary chains in North America, for nearly $9.1 billion. This acquisition added more than 1,000 animal hospitals across the U.S. and Canada to Mars’ portfolio. Mars also owns BluePearl Veterinary Partners, which specializes in emergency and specialty veterinary services, and Pet Partners, another network of veterinary clinics. These brands have positioned Mars as a dominant player in routine and specialized veterinary care.
A Commitment to Pet Health: Mars Petcare
The veterinary services sector is just one part of Mars’ broader interest in animal health. The Mars family also owns Mars Petcare, one of the largest pet care divisions in the world. Mars Petcare operates in over 50 countries and employs tens of thousands of associates globally. Their operations extend beyond clinics and hospitals, encompassing nutrition, technology, and services that aim to enhance pet health and well-being.
A key feature of Mars Petcare is their commitment to research and development. Through the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars has made significant contributions to understanding pet nutrition and health, investing in innovative solutions that help improve the lives of pets globally. The Institute conducts studies on pet food, nutrition, and health, influencing the formulation of Mars’ extensive line of pet food products.
Veterinary Products and Services: Comprehensive Offerings
Mars’ veterinary holdings provide a wide range of services, from routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and emergency care. Their facilities, especially BluePearl and VCA, offer specialized treatments such as oncology, neurology, and cardiology, making them a trusted resource for pet owners seeking expert care.
Beyond clinical services, Mars’ commitment to pet health extends into digital solutions. They offer tech-driven services like Whistle, a pet tracker device that monitors a pet’s activity and health, and Antech Diagnostics, which provides veterinary diagnostic laboratory services. These services complement the clinical side of their business, providing pet owners with tools to monitor their pets’ health outside of the hospital setting.
Mars has also developed a robust portfolio of veterinary products, particularly in diagnostics. Antech Diagnostics is one of the leading providers of veterinary laboratory diagnostics, offering services ranging from routine blood tests to advanced genetic testing. Through these offerings, Mars ensures that preventive and advanced veterinary care is accessible to millions of pet owners.
Dog Food Brands Owned by Mars
Mars’ influence in the pet food industry is as substantial as its veterinary presence. The company owns various popular dog food brands, catering to different market segments, from premium to budget-friendly options. These brands include:
- Pedigree: One of the most well-known and long-standing dog food brands, Pedigree offers a wide range of dry and wet foods that cater to different sizes, breeds, and nutritional needs. Pedigree is often marketed as an affordable yet balanced option for dog owners.
- Royal Canin: A premium brand that delivers tailored nutrition for different breeds, sizes, and life stages. Royal Canin has a strong veterinary recommendation and is often used for pets with specific dietary requirements or health conditions.
- Eukanuba: Known for its high-performance formulas, Eukanuba targets active and working dogs. It focuses on providing optimal nutrition to support athleticism, muscle health, and joint care.
- Iams is another leading dog food brand that offers products catering to various life stages, from puppies to seniors. Iams is well-regarded for its balanced nutrition and is widely available in grocery stores and pet specialty shops.
- Nutro: This brand emphasizes natural ingredients and offers both grain-free and limited-ingredient diets. It is marketed as a high-quality, holistic option for health-conscious pet owners.
- Cesar: A brand specializing in gourmet-style wet foods for small dogs. Cesar is popular for its wide variety of flavors and convenient packaging, often marketed as a treat or supplementary food for small breeds.
- Greenies: While primarily known for dental chews, Greenies also offers other products supporting dog health, particularly dental hygiene. These chews reduce plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to overall oral health.
The Ethical and Economic Impact of Mars’ Petcare Holdings
While Mars’ extensive involvement in veterinary services and pet nutrition is widely regarded as a positive development for pet health, it also raises questions about corporate influence in the veterinary industry. As Mars controls veterinary clinics and pet food brands, there are concerns about potential conflicts of interest. For example, the pet foods recommended in Mars-owned clinics might naturally favor Mars’ own brands, which could limit consumer choice.
On the other hand, Mars’ deep investment in veterinary medicine and pet care has undoubtedly driven advancements in both fields. By combining veterinary expertise with a robust product offering, Mars has created an ecosystem that delivers comprehensive care to pets, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments and high-quality nutrition.
Moreover, Mars’ global scale allows them to invest significantly in research and development. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is a prime example of how Mars uses its resources to advance pet nutrition and health, funding studies that influence industry standards and contribute to the well-being of millions of pets worldwide.
Conclusion: A Dominant Force in Animal Health
The Mars family has transformed the landscape of veterinary medicine and pet care, emerging as a dominant force that spans veterinary services, pet food, and diagnostic products. Their commitment to research and innovation ensures that pets receive the best care possible through tailored nutrition, advanced diagnostics, or expert veterinary services.
From owning leading veterinary hospital chains like Banfield, VCA, and BluePearl to producing top-tier dog food brands such as Pedigree, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba, Mars has created a vast and interconnected network that supports pets at every stage of life. Despite concerns about corporate influence, the Mars family’s investments have undeniably enhanced the quality of care available to pets worldwide, making them a central player in the global pet industry.
