“The List” Explained: A SHINE Take on Pet Food Transparency

JANUARY 2026

Tags - In the News

At Shine, we believe pet food should be rooted in transparency, real ingredients, and trust you can actually trace. That’s why conversations like “The List” from Truth About Pet Food often resonate with pet parents who are trying to make more informed choices.

 

What “The List” Is

“The List” is a curated guide created by pet food advocate Susan Thixton that highlights brands she personally considers higher-trust based on her research into ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing practices. It is not a regulatory approval list or certification—it’s a consumer-driven selection based on disclosed standards and documentation.

Each year, brands are evaluated and narrowed down based on factors like:

  • Ingredient sourcing and quality standards
  • Manufacturing transparency and safety practices
  • Willingness to provide documentation and verification

Only a small number of companies make the final list, and inclusion is not paid or sponsored.

 

Evolving Pet Food with Science, Care, and Community

At Shine Pet Food, we are honored to have been included on “The List” for several years. It serves as encouragement to continue doing the work that matters most: staying transparent, sourcing with care, and never standing still when it comes to pet nutrition.

Our recipes and ingredients are continually evaluated and improved through close collaboration with our veterinary partner, Dr. Kim, and nutrition specialist Dr. Richard Freeman. Their expertise helps guide our commitment to creating balanced, thoughtfully formulated fresh, organic food for dogs and cats.

Just as importantly, we remain in ongoing conversation with our customers and pet parents. For over 15 years, that dialogue has shaped how we grow, refine, and deepen our understanding of what pets truly need to thrive.

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