The origins of Inaba date back to 1805, when Yoshizo Inaba established a seafood business in Japan, harvesting and selling fresh tuna and bonito. During the Edo and Meiji periods, the company expanded its seafood processing expertise and developed a reputation for high-quality marine products.

Major milestones include:

• 1805 – Founded as a seafood trading and processing business in Japan.

• 1948 – Official establishment of Inaba Foods as a canned seafood manufacturer.

• 1958 – Entered the pet food industry, becoming one of Japan’s early premium pet food producers.

• 1989 – Introduced the CIAO brand for premium cat food.

• 2006 – Expanded manufacturing operations to Thailand, now one of its major production hubs.

• 2012 – Launched CIAO Churu, the world’s first stick-style creamy cat treat, which became a global bestseller. [2]

Inaba manufactures a wide variety of pet foods and treats for cats and dogs.

Cat Products

• Churu Creamy Treats

• CIAO Wet Food

• Broths

• Bisques

• Grilled Fillets

• Pudding-style meals

• Tuna and chicken recipes

• Functional treats for hydration and nutrition

Dog Products

• Creamy dog treats

• Grilled chicken fillets

• Wet food pouches

• Meal toppers

• Jerky and snacks

The company also continues to produce canned seafood and ready-to-eat foods for human consumption in selected markets. [3]

Inaba emphasizes strict quality control throughout production.

Key practices include:

• Human-grade quality ingredients (although products are intended for pets).

• Responsibly sourced, dolphin-safe tuna.

• Farm-raised chickens from closely supervised farms.

• No artificial preservatives or artificial colors in many products.

• Grain-free formulations for numerous treats.

• Production in company-owned facilities rather than outsourced factories.

• FDA-registered facilities for products sold in North America. [4]

CIAO Churu is Inaba’s most recognizable product worldwide.

It is:

• A creamy puree packaged in single-serve tubes.

• Designed to be hand-fed or used as a food topper.

• High in moisture to help support hydration.

• Low in calories compared with many traditional cat treats.

• Popular for administering medication or encouraging picky cats to eat.

Since its launch in 2012, Churu has become one of the best-selling cat treats globally. [5]

Although founded in Japan, Inaba products are now sold throughout:

• Japan

• North America

• Europe

• Southeast Asia

• Australia

• China

• South Korea

• Many other international markets

The company operates major manufacturing facilities in Thailand, which serves as a global export hub while maintaining Japanese quality standards. [6]

Inaba’s philosophy centers on:

• Premium-quality ingredients.

• Food safety.

• Continuous innovation.

• Strengthening the relationship between pets and owners.

• Respect for Japanese craftsmanship.

Its long-standing corporate motto is:

“Never Imitating – Never Imitated.” [7]

The company has received several industry recognitions, including:

• World Brand Awards – Brand of the Year (CIAO) in the pet food category.

• Recognition by Euromonitor as the world’s No. 1 brand of cat wet treats, according to the company’s published information. [8]

Inaba is widely regarded as one of Japan’s leading premium pet food brands. It is especially known for:

• Excellent palatability for cats.

• High moisture content in wet foods and treats.

• Seafood expertise developed over two centuries.

• Consistent manufacturing standards.

• Strong popularity among veterinarians, breeders, and cat owners, particularly for its Churu treats. While Churu products are intended as treats rather than complete meals, Inaba also offers complete and balanced wet food lines for daily feeding. [9]

1. About us – inaba-foods

2. Learn About Us | Inaba

3. Inaba Petfood Corporation｜Product

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5. About Us – inaba

6. Inaba Petfood Corporation｜Product

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