Del Monte Foods and Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. have signed a merger agreement. As part of the agreement, Natural Balance Pet Foods, makers of super-premium dog and cat food, will join Del Monte’s pet products portfolio.

The merger includes the equity interest held by private-equity firm VMG Partners.

“Natural Balance will continue to offer pet parents super-premium, high quality formulas that they have come to know and expect, and we look forward to continuing to nurture our valued relationships with our customers and other partners,” said Joey Herrick, president and founder, Natural Balance.