About Vitakraft Sunseed

In 1837 a small trading company was founded in the idyllic village of Heiligenrode, near Bremen, Germany. Stemming from a familial love of and interest in nature and animals, this company grew from generation to generation to become one of the first major pet food manufacturers in Germany… the company we now call Vitakraft.

High quality coupled with an innovative and wide range of products adapted to the specific dietary needs of household pets quickly opened the market in Germany, throughout Europe, and overseas. Today, 175 years later, Vitakraft is a dynamic group of companies, operating successfully in Europe, North and South America and Asia. Skilled and committed staff from more than 20 countries work for the well-being of pets, and thus help to develop the trust that the Vitakraft brand inspires in millions of pet owners worldwide.

It is this enduring passion for animals and commitment to their well being that continues to shape our company style and objectives.

Seeding The Human-Animal Bond - The Story of Vitakraft Sunseed

Located in the grain belt of rural Ohio, Vitakraft Sunseed makes products for birds, small animals, dogs, cats, and other companion animals that are as rich in nutrition and natural goodness as the farmlands that surround it. The company‘s history is actually the story of two businesses more than 4,000 miles apart in distance, but remarkably close in their shared dedication to the human-animal bond and mission to provide the highest quality pet foods, treats and accessories.

This tradition of excellence dates back to Germany nearly 175 years ago, when one of the companies, Vitakraft, was founded as a small rural family business in 1837. Amazingly, the firm has remained under the ownership of the Wuehrmann family for five generations -- and continues to do so to this very day! This familial pride is a big reason why Vitakraft became known for its attention to detail and quality, even as it grew into a market leader throughout Europe. In 1929, the company introduced its first pet foods under the Vitakraft brand with the then-very-advanced idea that all companion animal species should be fed diets scientifically formulated for their specific nutritional needs to enhance their health and well-being.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Sunseed shared a similar philosophy when it was launched 30 years ago to develop top quality foods, treats and housing for birds, small animals and other pets. Utilizing the expertise of its own team of research scientists and veterinarians, Sunseed came out with innovative products like Sunscription Vita Prima diets, which contain Omega 3 and 6 acids for healthier coats and feathers and Spirulina to boost the immune system, and Sunaturals, a line of natural foods free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. With its superior quality and advanced formulations, Sunseed – like its European counterpart Vitakraft -- quickly became a highly trusted name among pet owners.

So it was only “natural” that these two like-minded companies with rural roots and forward-looking vision should merge their businesses, forming Vitakraft Sunseed Inc. in 2008. Operating out of Sunseed‘s Weston, Ohio facility, the combined company now sells more than 500 products, including bird and small animal foods, treats, supplements and accessories; dog, cat and horse treats; reptile supplements and pond products. By offering a wide selection, the company believes it can help ensure that every type of pet gets the proper care and nutrition.

In 2009 Vitakraft Sunseed underwent a major expansion to meet the growing demand for its products, adding 24,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space to bring its total facility to 120,000 sq. ft. With the knowledge, expertise and resources of both companies behind it, this growth should be only the beginning: Vitakraft Sunseed remains committed to finding new breakthroughs that will give pet owners better, healthier ways to feed, nourish and care for their animal companions.

Visit the Vitakraft Sunseed website for more information: http://www.sunseed.com/ [external link]