I and love and you Welcomes Bobby Flay as Chief Culinary Officer After Acquiring Made by Nacho

I and love and you Expands its Horizons with Made by Nacho

In a significant move within the pet food industry, "I and love and you," renowned as the leading independent pet food brand in the natural channel, has announced its acquisition of "Made by Nacho." This culinary-driven cat food company, co-founded by the illustrious chef and media personality Bobby Flay, alongside CPG entrepreneur Elly Truesdell, is poised to transform the premium pet food market.

The combination of these two brands not only reinforces I and love and you's standing within the rapidly expanding premium cat category but also enhances their product offerings and distribution capabilities. Bobby Flay, who has made a name for himself beyond the culinary world, now steps into the role of Chief Culinary Officer, Investor, and Board Member, intending to elevate both cat and dog diets to unprecedented heights.

The Growing Demand for Premium Cat Products

The American Pet Products Association has seen cat-owning households swell by 23% year-over-year as of June 2025, profoundly impacting the pet care market. This surge in consumer interest emphasizes the need for high-quality, premium cat products — a gap that Made by Nacho fills effectively. CEO Michael Meyer expresses confidence in the union, stating, "Our brands share core founding values around taste, quality, nutrition, and clean ingredients. With the unique offerings from both brands, we are naturally positioned to resonate with multi-pet households."

Flay shared his enthusiasm about this acquisition, explaining, "Made by Nacho broke new ground in the world of cat food, giving both cats and their parents the attention they deserve. By teaming up with I and love and you, I’ll use my culinary skills to reimagine diets for dogs and expand our menu offerings for cats."

Unique Offering in a Competitive Market

The union of I and love and you and Made by Nacho creates a powerful force in the clean-label cat food market, a segment that is increasingly gaining traction in pet food sales. With over 30,000 retail locations nationwide carrying their products — including major retailers like Walmart, Sprouts, and PetSmart, alongside online giants like Amazon and Chewy — the combined brand aims for even greater consumer visibility and availability.

In fact, just in March 2026, Made by Nacho celebrated its expansion to Walmart's shelves nationwide, featuring a range of beloved cat products such as their newly launched Freeze-Dried Minnows. This strategic placement highlights the commitment both brands have towards reaching pet owners across varied shopping channels, reinforcing the omnichannel approach they collectively embody.

A Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Founded in 2010, I and love and you prides itself on providing accessible pet food options that match the growing demand for natural products. Their impressive portfolio encompasses over 100 unique options for both cats and dogs, emphasizing real meat as the primary ingredient, paired with selections rich in superfoods and free from fillers. This commitment to quality has consistently ranked them among the top 10% of pet brands within Amazon's marketplace.

Meanwhile, Made by Nacho differentiates itself with its ultra-premium offerings that focus on texture, aroma, and flavor, reflecting Flay’s culinary expertise. The product range includes crunchy kibble, bone broth-infused wet food, and treats, ensuring something for even the most discerning feline palates.

Looking Ahead

As the newly combined entity establishes its footprint with a headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, both I and love and you and Made by Nacho will maintain their distinct identities, ensuring brand loyalty while delighting pets everywhere with innovative, high-quality food options. This partnership not only enhances I and love and you’s position in the market but reaffirms its commitment to providing wholesome, gourmet choices that cater to the growing desire for premium pet nutrition.

Ultimately, the collaboration between these brands illustrates the evolving landscape of pet care, characterized by a clear consumer demand for quality and innovation. With Bobby Flay's culinary creativity driving this mission forward, pet parents can expect an exciting array of new products designed to nourish and delight their furry companions.