1. Meow Mix – “Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow”
If there’s one jingle that refuses to leave your brain, it’s the unforgettable Meow Mix song. Simple, catchy, and absolutely impossible to ignore, this commercial featured an orange tabby “singing” the words “Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow” to a bouncy tune. The cat’s mouth moved in perfect sync, as if it was actually singing, and somehow, that made it even more endearing. No matter how old you were when you first heard it, chances are the melody stuck with you for life.
This jingle was so iconic that it became part of pop culture, referenced in movies, TV shows, and even remixed into dance versions. People couldn’t help but hum it, whether they owned a cat or not. It was lighthearted, fun, and a marketing genius move that cemented Meow Mix as a household name. The brand even brought it back multiple times in new commercials, proving that some tunes never get old. If you ever catch yourself randomly singing “Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow,” don’t worry—you’re not alone.
2. Purina Cat Chow – “Chow, Chow, Chow”
Purina Cat Chow knew exactly what they were doing when they came up with their jingle. The commercial featured a lively, upbeat song with the words “Chow, Chow, Chow” repeated like a happy little chant. It was one of those tunes that you didn’t just listen to—you felt it. Whether you had a cat running to its food bowl or not, the jingle made you want to sing along.
It was short, sweet, and to the point, which made it incredibly effective. Kids, parents, and even non-pet owners found themselves unknowingly repeating it throughout the day. That’s the power of a great jingle—it gets stuck in your head without asking permission. Purina understood the assignment and created a melody that still lingers in the minds of those who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Even today, if someone casually says “chow,” there’s a good chance the old tune starts playing in your mind.
3. Alpo – “Real Meat, Real Good”
Alpo was all about giving dogs the best, and they made sure their jingle reinforced that message. The commercial featured a deep, confident voice singing about the benefits of “real meat” in Alpo dog food. It wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration that dogs deserved nothing but the best. The words “Real Meat, Real Good” became an unforgettable slogan, sticking with dog lovers for years.
The melody was strong, almost anthem-like, making it stand out from other jingles that relied on a softer, playful tone. Alpo commercials often featured big, happy dogs munching away, making every pet owner feel like they were giving their furry friend something truly special. It was a no-nonsense approach to marketing, and it worked. Even decades later, just hearing the phrase “Real Meat, Real Good” brings back memories of watching TV in the living room while your dog wagged its tail at the sound of dinner being poured into a bowl.
4. Gaines Burgers – “Burger for Your Dog”
Back in the day, Gaines Burgers were a revolutionary concept—soft, meaty burger-shaped dog food that didn’t need refrigeration. And their jingle made sure you remembered that. The commercial featured a cheerful, bouncy tune that proudly proclaimed, “It’s a burger for your dog!” It was catchy, fun, and had a way of making kids and adults alike sing along without realizing it.
The simplicity of the song was what made it brilliant. It took an easy-to-remember phrase and turned it into an earworm that refused to leave. If you grew up in the ‘70s or ‘80s, you probably still remember the visuals of a happy pup chomping down on a burger-like patty. Gaines Burgers may not be as common today, but their jingle lives on in the memories of anyone who spent time watching TV with their family pet curled up nearby.
5. Kibbles ‘n Bits – “I Want My Kibbles ‘n Bits”
Energetic, fast-paced, and downright addictive—this jingle had everything a great commercial song needed. The famous line “I want my Kibbles ‘n Bits, Kibbles ‘n Bits!” was sung in an excited, almost desperate tone, capturing just how much dogs loved the brand’s food. It made it seem like dogs everywhere were practically begging for Kibbles ‘n Bits, and if you had a pup at home, you might have felt the same way.
What made this jingle stand out was its playfulness. The commercial often showed dogs running around, eagerly anticipating their meal, reinforcing the excitement behind the song. It was impossible not to smile when you heard it. Whether you had a dog or not, the jingle had a way of sticking in your mind like glue. Even now, if someone says “I want my,” you might instinctively finish the sentence with “Kibbles ‘n Bits!”
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6. Chuck Wagon – “The Dog Food That Comes to You”
Chuck Wagon commercials were legendary for their tiny, animated covered wagon that would roll across the floor, leading excited dogs to their food bowls. But the jingle was just as unforgettable. With a country-western twang, the song playfully sang about “The dog food that comes to you,” making it feel like something special was happening every time you poured a scoop into your pup’s dish.
This jingle was perfect because it matched the brand’s fun, adventurous spirit. It painted a picture of excitement, like dinner time was a mini Wild West event for your furry friend. The combination of the clever animation and the catchy tune made Chuck Wagon one of the most memorable pet food commercials of its time. Even if you haven’t seen the ad in years, the moment you hear the words “Chuck Wagon,” your brain might automatically start humming the jingle.
7. Kal Kan – “Dogs Know the Secret”
Kal Kan had a jingle that leaned into the idea that dogs had insider knowledge on what made their food special. The catchy tune revolved around the phrase, “Dogs know the secret,” making it feel like pet owners were missing out on something only their furry friends understood. It created curiosity and made people wonder—what exactly made Kal Kan so irresistible to dogs?
The melody was smooth, almost soothing, but it carried a sense of mystery. The commercial often featured happy, healthy dogs wagging their tails as they enjoyed their meal, reinforcing the idea that they were in on something great. It wasn’t just about selling dog food; it was about making pet owners feel like they were giving their dogs access to a well-kept secret. Even today, if someone mentions “dogs know the secret,” it might trigger that little tune in the back of your mind.
8. Puss ’n Boots – “The Cat’s Meow”
Puss ’n Boots was a lesser-known cat food brand, but its jingle was surprisingly sticky. The phrase “It’s the cat’s meow” played over and over in an upbeat, jazzy tune that gave the brand a fun personality. It took a classic idiom and turned it into an earworm, making sure you remembered it long after the commercial ended.
The visuals always featured fluffy, satisfied kitties licking their whiskers, which made the message even stronger. If a cat food commercial could make you smile, it had done its job well. Even if Puss ’n Boots isn’t as popular today, its jingle is one of those hidden gems that ‘70s and ‘80s kids can still hum without thinking. It was playful, simple, and, most importantly, effective.
9. Pedigree – “Top Breeders Recommend It”
Pedigree took a different approach with their jingle by making it sound almost official. The song’s main hook was a bold statement: “Top breeders recommend it,” giving dog owners a sense of confidence in their purchase. It was more than just a catchy tune—it was a stamp of approval from the experts.
The melody was smooth and straightforward, designed to make you feel like you were making a responsible choice for your pup. The commercial usually featured show dogs or professional breeders talking about the food, reinforcing the idea that Pedigree was the best of the best. While it wasn’t as bouncy or playful as other pet food jingles, it had a lasting impact. Even years later, the phrase “top breeders recommend it” still brings back memories of those classic ads.
10. 9Lives – “Morris the Cat’s Theme”
If you grew up in the ‘70s or ‘80s, you probably remember Morris the Cat, the sassy, sarcastic feline who starred in 9Lives commercials. His theme song was smooth and confident, much like Morris himself. It wasn’t overly flashy, but it had just the right amount of charm to make it stick.
Morris was one of the most recognizable advertising mascots, and his jingle played right into his cool, no-nonsense personality. The commercials made it seem like 9Lives was the only acceptable food for a cat with high standards. It was a perfect blend of humor, branding, and catchiness. Even today, Morris remains an iconic part of pet food advertising history, and his theme song still lingers in the minds of those who watched him in action.
11. Gravy Train – “Just Add Water”
Gravy Train had a simple, yet incredibly effective jingle that focused on what made the brand special. The song excitedly reminded pet owners to “Just add water” to turn dry dog food into a flavorful, meaty gravy. It was a game-changer at the time, and the jingle made sure you remembered how easy it was to make mealtime better for your pup.
The commercial always featured delicious-looking shots of dog food transforming into a rich, tasty sauce, making even humans a little jealous. The jingle was short but powerful, and once you heard it, you never forgot it. Every time you saw Gravy Train at the store, you probably hummed the tune in your head. That’s the magic of a great ad—turning a simple feature into something unforgettable.
12. Little Friskies – “Cats Choose It”
Little Friskies kept things simple with their jingle, but that didn’t make it any less memorable. The song revolved around the phrase, “Cats choose it,” reinforcing the idea that felines had a natural preference for this brand. The melody was light and cheerful, making it easy for viewers to remember.
The visuals always featured bright-eyed cats happily devouring their meals, driving the message home. It was effective because it spoke directly to cat owners—after all, if your cat could choose its own food, wouldn’t you want to give them what they loved most? The jingle may have been straightforward, but its impact lasted for years. Even today, old-school pet lovers can probably still hum a few notes from the classic tune.
