1. Alpo’s “Real Meat, Real Flavor”
Alpo’s commercials in the ’70s were known for featuring rugged spokesmen like Lorne Greene, who promised that Alpo was made with “real meat” that even dogs would prefer over table scraps. The iconic line, “It’s got the real beef dogs love to eat,” became unforgettable for pet owners who wanted the best for their dogs.
Why we remember it: The combination of a trusted celebrity face and the emphasis on real ingredients made Alpo’s commercials stand out, and their tagline stuck in viewers’ minds.
2. Meow Mix’s Iconic Jingle
Perhaps the most famous pet food commercial jingle of all time, the Meow Mix song featured a simple, repetitive “meow, meow, meow” melody that every cat owner can still hum to this day. It was playful, catchy, and instantly recognizable.
Why we remember it: The jingle was so infectious that it became ingrained in popular culture, with people often singing along to the “meow” chorus even long after the commercial aired.
3. “My Dog’s Better Than Your Dog” – Ken-L Ration
Ken-L Ration’s commercial featured a playful jingle that began with, “My dog’s better than your dog,” and ended with the declaration that it was because the dog ate Ken-L Ration. The catchy tune made it hard to forget and sparked playground debates over whose dog was truly better.
Why we remember it: The competitive yet fun nature of the jingle, combined with its simple melody, made it a standout in the ’70s pet food commercial lineup.
4. Gaines-Burgers “A Meal in Every Patty”
Gaines-Burgers revolutionized the pet food market with their hamburger-shaped dog food patties, and their commercials in the ’70s emphasized convenience. The phrase “A meal in every patty” became a hallmark of their advertising, appealing to busy pet owners.
Why we remember it: The visual of dog food shaped like a burger was unique, and the slogan was easy to remember, making it one of the most recognizable pet food ads of the decade.
5. Purina Dog Chow’s “Helps Build Strong Bodies”
Purina Dog Chow commercials often featured energetic dogs running through fields or jumping to catch frisbees, with the voiceover stating, “Dog Chow helps build strong bodies.” The message was simple: Purina was the fuel behind your dog’s energy and strength.
Why we remember it: The vivid imagery of healthy, active dogs paired with the promise of strength resonated with pet owners, embedding the tagline in our memories.
6. 9Lives with Morris the Cat
Morris the Cat, the finicky feline who only ate 9Lives, became a beloved mascot in the ’70s. His snooty yet charming personality made him a star, and the tagline “Morris knows what cats like” became a staple of the brand’s marketing.
Why we remember it: Morris’s picky attitude and signature preference for 9Lives made him an unforgettable character, and his commercials were some of the most popular cat food ads of the time.
7. Gravy Train’s “Just Add Water”
Gravy Train’s commercials in the ’70s highlighted the food’s unique selling point: it turned into a rich, meaty gravy when water was added. The tagline “Just add water” made it clear that this was no ordinary dry kibble—it was a meal dogs couldn’t resist.
Why we remember it: The visual transformation of the dry food into gravy made the product memorable, and the easy-to-recall slogan made it stick.
8. Kal Kan’s “Recommended by Top Breeders”
Kal Kan’s commercials proudly declared that their food was “recommended by top breeders,” positioning it as the choice of professionals. The association with expertise and high-quality nutrition made pet owners feel they were choosing the best for their dogs.
Why we remember it: The endorsement from breeders gave Kal Kan credibility, and the tagline reassured pet owners that they were feeding their dogs like champions.
9. Chuck Wagon’s “Chase the Wagon”
Chuck Wagon commercials featured a tiny red wagon bursting through kitchen walls, with dogs chasing after it in pursuit of their tasty meal. The catchphrase “Chase the wagon!” became an iconic part of the ad, symbolizing how irresistible the food was to dogs.
Why we remember it: The whimsical imagery of the runaway wagon, combined with the dog’s excitement, made the commercial fun and unforgettable.
10. Kibbles ‘n Bits “Two Kinds of Crunch”
Kibbles ‘n Bits introduced the idea of variety in texture with their two-part food: crunchy kibble mixed with chewy bits. Their commercials emphasized that dogs loved the combination, with the tagline, “Kibbles ‘n Bits, Kibbles ‘n Bits, I’m gonna get me some Kibbles ‘n Bits!”
Why we remember it: The playful jingle and focus on a mix of textures made the commercial engaging, and the tagline was easy to repeat.
11. Friskies Buffet “The Cat’s Meow”
Friskies Buffet commercials portrayed cats being served a gourmet feast, positioning their food as the ultimate treat for picky eaters. The phrase “The cat’s meow” summed up the idea that Friskies was the finest option for cats who deserved the best.
Why we remember it: The luxurious imagery of cats dining on Friskies paired with the catchy phrase made it a memorable choice for cat owners.
12. Ralston Purina’s Chuckwagon
Another memorable Chuckwagon commercial involved a miniature cowboy chasing his chuck wagon through the kitchen, with the tagline, “Dogs love Chuckwagon.” The fun and fast-paced action scenes made it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why we remember it: The mix of animation and live action was innovative for the time, and the excitement of the chase made it a commercial that stuck with viewers.
13. Milk-Bone “Cleans Teeth, Freshens Breath”
Milk-Bone commercials in the ’70s highlighted how their treats not only made dogs happy but also helped clean their teeth and freshen their breath. The tagline “Cleans teeth, freshens breath” appealed to pet owners who wanted both a treat and a health benefit for their dogs.
Why we remember it: The dual promise of a tasty treat that also improved dental health made Milk-Bone a favorite, and the tagline became a reassuring reminder for dog owners.
