J.M. Smucker Co., owner of Kibbles ‘n Bits, Meow Mix, and other pet brands, announced that it will buy the maker of Rachael Ray-branded dog food, Nutrish. Orrville, Ohio-based Smucker said it will pay about $1.9 billion for Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, Nutrish’s parent company. The company’s other pet-food brands include Better Than! and Dad’s. Ray has a licensing agreement with Ainsworth, which will continue with Smucker after the deal is completed, which is expected to happen in the coming months. Nutrish promotes itself as using high-quality ingredients to satisfy a growing number of pet owners seeking greater nutrition for their companions.
