Choosing pet food can feel like navigating a complex maze of ingredients, claims, and buzzwords. As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry family member, but how do you know which brand to trust? At Pets Etc., we believe in offering products from companies that share our commitment to quality, transparency, and genuine care. That's why we proudly offer Fromm Family Pet Food – a brand with a rich, family-driven legacy that stands out in the industry.

This article will explore what truly sets Fromm apart, from its fascinating history and meticulous preparation to its unwavering dedication to quality and safety. Discover why, for five generations and counting, "caring more matters" to the Fromm family.

A Proud Family Legacy: Five Generations of Pet Care

The story of Fromm Family Pet Food isn't just about kibble and cans; it's a testament to pioneering spirit, innovation, and an enduring family commitment rooted deeply in Wisconsin.

The Fromm and Nieman families, with their farming roots, immigrated to the United States in 1852, seeking opportunity and land. This agricultural heritage would profoundly influence their approach to food production. By 1904, four young Fromm brothers (Walter, Edward, John, and Henry) – aged 10 to 16 – formed "The Company" while sitting on their family's farmhouse porch in Hamburg, Wisconsin. Their ambitious mission? To produce the world's finest silver foxes and cultivate the best ginseng for East Asian markets. This early entrepreneurial zeal was mirrored by their relative, John F. Nieman, who ventured into banking and established the Cedarburg Cannery and the Old Milwaukee River Cannery in the early 1900s.

A pivotal moment in animal health occurred in 1924 when Edward Fromm proactively collaborated with Dr. Robert Green from the University of Minnesota. Together, they formed Fromm Laboratories in Grafton, Wisconsin, beginning groundbreaking work on vaccines. Their dedication led to a major milestone in 1939: the creation and marketing of the fox encephalitis, fox distemper, canine distemper, and feline distemper vaccines. This achievement, utilizing attenuated viruses developed through research with ferrets, significantly advanced dog, cat, and fox health worldwide.

Even as they pursued vaccine research, the family's interest in nutrition grew. In 1925, Fromm Bros., Nieman & Co. built its own food manufacturing plant in Mequon, Wisconsin. This allowed them to produce their own nutritionally geared recipes at a volume sustainable for their growth. This very plant continues to operate today as their primary research and development area for new foods and treats, also serving as the company's home base for various departments.

The 1940s marked another significant leap. With the expertise of biochemist Dr. Willard Roberts, Fromm embarked on research and development to create the world's first complete and balanced dry dog food. This wasn't just a guess; it utilized large-scale scientific feeding trials, involving over 50,000 foxes and dogs. By 1949, the first bag of "Fromm Complete Dog Meal" was sold, famously marketed with the tagline, "Fifty thousand foxes can't be wrong!"

Innovation continued through the decades. In the 1980s, Fromm pioneered the use of mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative in pet foods, a method now widely adopted across the industry. Their research concluded that tocopherols were as effective, or often better, than artificial preservatives at preventing oxidation and extending shelf life. The 1990s saw the launch of Fromm "New Formula," emphasizing protein quality over mere quantity, boasting higher digestibility than high-protein rivals. The company, officially renamed Fromm Family Foods, LLC in 1995, continued its trajectory of growth and specialized nutrition.

The 2000s and 2010s brought significant expansion, including the acquisition and transformation of a second dry food plant in Columbus, Wisconsin, in 2009, and a dog treat production facility in Germantown in 2018. In 2016, Fromm began producing canned pet food in their own family-owned-and-operated cannery in Eden, Wisconsin. Today, Fromm products are sold in over 80 countries, a testament to their continuous, self-funded growth and unwavering commitment to independent pet specialty retailers.

Why Fromm? The Pillars of Their Philosophy

"Because caring more matters." This isn't just a slogan for Fromm; it's the driving force behind their operations, extending from the top office to the factory floor. This dedication translates into several key pillars of their philosophy:

  • Premium Ingredients: Fromm's farming roots instill a deep understanding of quality ingredients. They meticulously select trusted suppliers who meet the same high standards they demand of themselves. Their recipes feature high-quality meats and fish, Wisconsin cheese, pre- and probiotics, farm-fresh produce, and whole grains.
  • Meticulous Preparation: Fromm believes in doing things the right way, which means they own and operate their own production facilities in Wisconsin. This gives them total control over every aspect of the process, ensuring exceptional standards of quality and safety. From ingredient sourcing and blending to in-house lab analysis and employee training, every detail is carefully managed.
  • Uncompromising Safety: The trust pet families place in their food is paramount to Fromm. They implement exhaustive systems and stringent safety measures at every stage of production. This includes:
    • HACCP Program Implementation (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points)
    • Strict Approved-Supplier Program
    • On-site raw ingredient testing
    • On-site in-process testing
    • Accredited third-party finished goods testing
    • Full traceability: Every package includes a unique batch code, allowing them to trace products back to the individual ingredient supplier.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Fromm stands firmly behind every product they make with a money-back guarantee, promising to "make it right" if you or your pet are not completely satisfied.
  • Community Outreach: Beyond pet food, Fromm actively strengthens local communities by supporting neighborhood pet shops and amazing causes like Dogs Inc. and Police K-9s.

Fromm at Pets Etc.: Providing Quality for Your Furry Family

At Pets Etc., our commitment to providing the best for your pets aligns perfectly with Fromm's philosophy. We proudly offer a wide range of Fromm Family Pet Food products, including their nutritious dry and wet foods for both dogs and cats, as well as their delicious treats. We choose to partner with brands like Fromm because their dedication to quality, safety, and transparency mirrors our own values.

Our knowledgeable staff understands that choosing the right food is a significant decision. That's why we're here to help you navigate Fromm's diverse product lines, answer your questions, and guide you toward the perfect formula for your pet's specific needs, age, and activity level.

A Legacy of Trust: Choosing Fromm for Your Pet

Fromm Family Pet Food is more than just a brand; it's a testament to a century-long legacy of innovation, integrity, and unwavering care for pets. By owning and operating their own facilities, meticulously sourcing ingredients, and prioritizing uncompromising safety, Fromm provides pet parents with peace of mind.

We invite you to visit Pets Etc. in Plainfield to explore our selection of Fromm Family Pet Food. Experience firsthand the difference a legacy of genuine care can make for your beloved furry family member.