Ask Our Vet
DR. GARY FOUNDED BEST BREED TO MAKE PETS HEALTHIER, AND PET PARENTS HAPPIER.
What Dr. Gary observed in his patients in 1994 changed everything — for his practice, for his formulas, and for the pets who needed better.
1979-1984
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
"Studying companion nutrition under renowned nutritionists, Dr. Gary
develops a deep understanding of how food shapes pet health."
1987
A Veterinarian Refusing to Accept the Status Quo
Early in his career in Northwest Ohio, Dr. Gary Cotton, DVM began noticing a pattern in his clinic. Digestive issues. Chronic skin problems. Mobility challenges. Patient after patient facing the same conditions — many caused by improper nutrition, or that could be meaningfully improved through better nutrition.
“The nutritional standards of the day were not addressing these issues — in fact, in some cases they were making them worse."
1987-1992
Simple Diet Changes. Remarkable Results.
Dr. Gary began prescribing dietary changes for his patients — adding fish oil, fresh meat, eggs, glucosamine, vegetables. The results were undeniable. Pets that had been itching for years stopped. Ears cleared up. Energy returned. Owners who had resigned themselves to watching their pets suffer were finally witnessing them thrive again.
"Just changing the nutrition of some of our most difficult patients — seeing them in four weeks be happy and running with their owners. That's what makes this venture so rewarding."
1993
If the Ingredients Were the Answer — Why Not optimize the Diet?
After years of modifying existing diets and observing the results, Dr. Gary arrived at a straightforward conclusion: he could build a better food from the inside out.
"A pet food is only as good as the ingredients and process used to make it..”
“COMMON SENSE NUTRITION”
His commitment was simple — ignore the marketing trends and cost-cutting shortcuts relied on by large pet food conglomerates, and focus solely on making the healthiest food possible.
Every ingredient would earn its place, serving a specific nutritional purpose.
No by-product meals. No cheap fillers. No artificial additives. No exceptions.
1994
One Formula. Two Transformations.
Dr. Gary developed one of Best Breed's first diets specifically for German breeds, who he saw commonly presenting with sensitive digestive systems and loose stools. The improvement was significant. But what struck Dr. Gary most wasn't just the physical change in the dogs. It was watching their owners transform — from resigned and helpless to relieved and joyful.
“Nutrition didn't just heal the pet. It gave the owner their companion back.”
1996
New Launches: The Feline Formula is Born
As results grew, so did the formulas. The Cat Recipe launches to address GI health and hairball control — becoming one of Best Breed's most impactful products. The Working Dog Diet follows, built for high-energy and underweight dogs, with a uniquely high caloric density that sets it apart from anything else on the market.
1996-2011
More Recipes, Formulated for a Purpose
As Best Breed grew through an old-school, hands-on approach grounded in real results, the need for additional recipes naturally followed. Dr. Gary expanded the line to address a wider range of life stages, breed needs, and health challenges – including functional diets such as our Working Dog Diet, Large Breed Diet, and Senior Dog Diet – always guided by the same Common Sense Nutrition philosophy.
2011
One Pet at a Time. Across the Country.
Partnerships with Frontier Distributing in Michigan and K&W Distributing in Ohio mark a turning point. Best Breed products reach hundreds of U.S. stores and grow internationally — built not through advertising, but through results, organic word of mouth, and the trust of breeders, veterinarians, and pet parents who saw the difference firsthand.
2024 & BEYOND
30 Years. Same Philosophy. Same Family.
Three decades later, Best Breed remains exactly what Dr. Gary built — independent and family-owned with uncompromising nutritional standards and integrity.
“Gary built Best Breed around a simple belief – make the best food you can for the holistic health of the animal. More than 30 years later, we are proud to carry that legacy forward."
Family-Owned & Independent
No private equity.
No shortcuts. Just integrity.
Made in Ohio, USA
The majority of our recipes are made in Ohio.
Breed-Specific Formulas
Nutrition tailored to your pet's
unique biology and heritage.
Never on Recall List
30+ years of safety, consistency, and quality control.
EU-Approved Ingredient Standards
A higher bar than U.S. requirements demand.
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