Merrick Pet Food markets itself with the slogan “Whole Health Made Right,” aiming to provide pets with nutritious and wholesome meals. But when it comes to your feline friend, you might be wondering, Is Merrick Cat Food Good enough to be their regular diet? As a content creator for foods.edu.vn and a pet food expert, I’ve conducted an in-depth, unbiased review of Merrick cat food to help you make an informed decision.
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To answer the question “is Merrick cat food good?”, we need to assess the brand across several critical factors. Our review will evaluate Merrick based on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experiences, and recall history, adhering to the Cats.com standard. This comprehensive analysis will provide a clear picture of whether Merrick cat food lives up to its claims and if it’s a suitable choice for your cat.
Our Rating of Merrick Cat Food:
- Species-Appropriateness: 6/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 7/10
- Price: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 7/10
- Recall History: 4/10
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Grade: C+
Merrick cat food earns an overall score of 6.3 out of 10, translating to a C+ grade. Let’s delve deeper into each aspect to understand why Merrick received this rating and determine if it aligns with your cat’s dietary needs and your expectations for cat food quality.
A Brief History of Merrick Cat Food
The story of Merrick Pet Food began in 1988 in Hereford, Texas, with the Merrick family’s passion for pets. Starting with dog treats, specifically a popular treat called “Flossie,” the brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients. Fueled by the success of their treats, Merrick expanded into the dog food market, establishing themselves as a brand focused on quality.
It wasn’t until 2013 that Merrick ventured into cat food, bringing their established philosophy of “whole health” to feline diets. This expansion aimed to cater to cat owners seeking natural and nutritious options for their pets, mirroring the success they had achieved in the dog food sector.
A significant change occurred in 2015 when Merrick Pet Care was acquired by Nestlé Purina, a global pet food conglomerate. Nestlé Purina assured that Merrick would continue to operate independently, maintaining its existing management and operational standards. This acquisition raised questions among loyal customers about potential changes in quality and sourcing, concerns that are common when smaller brands are bought by larger corporations.
Merrick’s Sourcing and Manufacturing: The “Five Promises”
To understand if Merrick cat food is good, examining their sourcing and manufacturing practices is crucial. Merrick emphasizes transparency and quality through what they call their “Five Promises”:
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Local Growers Partnership: Merrick pledges to collaborate with local farmers. As a US-based company, this commitment suggests a focus on sourcing ingredients primarily from within the United States, ensuring freshness and supporting local economies. Importantly, Merrick explicitly states they do not source any ingredients from China, which is a significant concern for many pet owners.
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Nutritious Whole Foods: Merrick states they use “nutritious, whole foods,” avoiding artificial additives, sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. This promise aligns with the growing demand for cleaner, more natural pet food options. The emphasis on “whole foods” suggests less processed ingredients, although the extent to which ingredients are truly “whole” requires closer inspection of individual product ingredient lists.
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Balanced Nutrition: Merrick commits to using 30% to 80% protein from meat, poultry, and fish, combined with vegetables, whole grains, and fruits for balanced nutrition. This protein percentage is commendable, as cats are obligate carnivores requiring high protein diets. The inclusion of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits adds fiber and micronutrients, though the specific types and quantities are important to consider for feline diets.
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Health You Can See: Merrick claims their foods contain “industry-leading” levels of healthy fats, highly digestible meat proteins, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. Healthy fats are essential for skin and coat health, while digestible proteins are vital for nutrient absorption. Glucosamine and chondroitin are beneficial for joint health, especially in senior cats. The term “industry-leading” is subjective and requires verification through ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis.
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Company-Owned Kitchens: All Merrick foods are produced in company-owned kitchens in Hereford, Texas. These kitchens are Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certified and USDA National Organic Program certified. SQF Level 3 certification is a globally recognized food safety standard, indicating a high level of quality control and safety in manufacturing processes. USDA National Organic Program certification applies to specific organic ingredients and products, ensuring adherence to organic standards.
While these “Five Promises” sound reassuring, a detailed look at Merrick’s recipes is necessary to assess if these promises translate into genuinely good cat food.
Merrick Cat Food Recall History: Safety Concerns?
An important aspect of determining if Merrick cat food is good and trustworthy is examining its recall history. Recalls can indicate potential issues with ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, or quality control. Merrick has faced several recalls throughout its history, which need to be considered:
2018 Recall
In May 2018, Merrick recalled several beef-based dog treats due to potentially elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones. While this recall pertained to dog treats and not cat food, it raises questions about quality control in their treat production.
2011 Recalls
In January 2011, Merrick’s Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats were recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. Later in the summer of the same year, the company announced another recall for their Doggie Wishbone treats, again due to potential Salmonella contamination. These recalls, although for dog treats, point to recurring issues with Salmonella contamination in their treat products.
2010 Recall
Merrick treats were recalled in 2010, also due to possible Salmonella contamination. This repeated occurrence of Salmonella-related recalls is concerning and suggests potential weaknesses in their contamination prevention protocols for treats.
While these recalls primarily involve dog treats and are dated, they contribute to a less-than-perfect recall history. For cat owners, this history might raise concerns about the brand’s overall safety and quality control, even though their cat food lines haven’t been subject to the same issues.
Types of Merrick Cat Food: Product Lines Overview
To fully assess if Merrick cat food is good, it’s essential to explore the variety of products they offer. Merrick provides a diverse range of cat food options, including dry food, wet food, raw mixers, and treats, categorized into three main lines: Purrfect Bistro, Limited Ingredient Diet, and Backcountry.
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Purrfect Bistro: This is Merrick’s original cat food line, featuring both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes designed for different life stages and specific nutritional needs. Purrfect Bistro is generally positioned as the most affordable among Merrick’s product lines, making it accessible to a broader range of cat owners.
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Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): The LID line is formulated for cats with food sensitivities and allergies. Recipes are crafted with a single source of animal protein, including novel proteins like duck and turkey, to minimize potential allergens. While Merrick lists dry food options in the LID line, currently, only the canned food varieties seem to be widely available. This line is crucial for cats with dietary restrictions, but limited availability in dry food might be a drawback for some owners.
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Backcountry: The Backcountry line emphasizes all-natural, grain-free formulas, some enhanced with freeze-dried raw meat pieces. This line aims to mimic a more ancestral, wild diet for cats. Backcountry wet foods are exclusively sold in 3-ounce pouches, which can be portion-controlled but might generate more packaging waste compared to larger cans. The inclusion of raw meat is a selling point for owners seeking less processed food, but it also typically comes at a higher price.
This product variety indicates Merrick’s attempt to cater to different cat needs and owner preferences. However, the quality and ingredient lists within each line can vary, so it’s important to evaluate individual recipes.
Top 3 Merrick Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
To provide a practical perspective on whether Merrick cat food is good, let’s examine three of their popular recipes in detail:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.49 per oz | B |
| Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe | Dry | $5.48 per lb | B- |
| Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe Canned Food | Wet | $0.48 per oz | B- |
#1 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Canned Cat Food
This Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate is a wet food formula with chicken as the primary protein source.
Ingredients Highlights:
- Pros: Features deboned chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg product as high-quality animal protein sources. Salmon oil provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The formula is grain-free and recently reformulated to remove carrageenan, replacing it with agar-agar.
- Cons: Contains organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, a plant-based ingredient that is less biologically valuable for cats than animal proteins. Some cats may experience digestive issues with agar-agar, though it’s generally considered safer than carrageenan.
Nutritional Analysis (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein: 45.45%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 15.91%
Caloric Content: 32 calories per ounce.
Overall Assessment: This recipe is a meat-based, high-protein wet food with moderate fat and carbohydrate content. The removal of carrageenan is a positive change. However, the inclusion of alfalfa meal and agar-agar are minor drawbacks. Overall, it’s a good quality wet food option within the Purrfect Bistro line.
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#2 Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
Alt text: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe Dry Cat Food bag, showcasing the product packaging with game bird imagery.
The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe is a dry food that incorporates freeze-dried raw meat pieces.
Ingredients Highlights:
- Pros: Top ingredients are high-quality animal proteins: deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Includes salmon meal and chicken fat as animal-based fat sources rich in omega-3s. Infused with freeze-dried duck and quail for added palatability and raw nutrition.
- Cons: Contains multiple plant-based ingredients like potatoes, peas, potato protein, and sweet potatoes, contributing to higher carbohydrate content. Organic dried alfalfa meal is also included, a less desirable plant protein source for cats. Being a multi-protein formula, it might not be suitable for cats with specific protein sensitivities.
Nutritional Analysis (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein: 47.19%
- Fat: 15.73%
- Fiber: 4.49%
- Carbs: 32.58%
Caloric Content: 395 calories per cup.
Overall Assessment: This dry food is high in protein, but has a lower fat content than ideal and a significantly higher carbohydrate content compared to wet food. While the inclusion of raw meat is a positive aspect, the high level of plant-based ingredients and carbohydrates are less species-appropriate for cats. Hydration is also a concern with dry food, requiring owners to ensure adequate water intake for their cats.
#3 Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe Canned Food
The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe Canned Food is designed for cats with sensitivities, featuring turkey as a single animal protein source.
Ingredients Highlights:
- Pros: Made with deboned turkey and turkey liver as primary animal protein sources. Limited ingredient list reduces potential allergens. Grain-free and carrageenan-free.
- Cons: Contains pea protein and organic dried alfalfa meal as plant-based protein sources, which are less biologically valuable for cats. Flaxseed oil is used as a fat source instead of animal-based fats. Thickened with guar gum, which can cause digestive upset in some sensitive cats.
Nutritional Analysis (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein: 40.91%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Fiber: 6.36%
- Carbs: 16.36%
Caloric Content: 28.5 calories per ounce.
Overall Assessment: This LID wet food is a decent option for cats with sensitivities due to its limited ingredient list and single animal protein source. However, the reliance on plant-based proteins and flaxseed oil is not ideal for obligate carnivores. While carrageenan-free, guar gum might still be problematic for some cats. It’s a reasonable choice within the LID line, but not without compromises.
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What Customers Are Saying About Merrick Cat Food
To further address the question “is Merrick cat food good?”, it’s important to consider real customer reviews. Merrick cat food generally receives positive feedback online, with average ratings of four to five stars on platforms like Amazon and Chewy. Many customers praise Merrick for its quality ingredients and palatability, noting that their cats enjoy eating it.
However, digging deeper into customer reviews, particularly on sites like Consumer Affairs, reveals some recurring negative experiences. Complaints about foreign objects in the food, such as plastic pieces and unidentified materials, appear in reviews from different years (2010, 2015, and 2016). While not widespread, these reports are concerning and suggest potential lapses in quality control.
Examples of Customer Reviews:
Positive Review:
“Also, this is one of the first times that the shipping department has sent me cans that didn’t get totally dented to the point of unhealthy and possibly toxic for the animals. I thank the supervisors for whatever they did for asking the shipping department to pack and ship the food more carefully.” – by Chris, reviewing Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Paté on Jan 18, 2025
Positive Review:
“Merrick, in almost all flavors, is well loved by both of our Cats!! Not keen on fish or duck. Love the Turkey, Chicken, and Beef the best!” – by Louise, reviewing Merrick Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food on October 13, 2024
Negative Review:
“I used to get this for my cat who is overweight. It still says here on the nutrition information that it is 93 calories however that is incorrect. I was wondering why this time my cat wasn’t losing any weight and I just checked calorie content on back on can, it is 183 per can that’s 90 calories more !!!! It isn’t right ! Chewy you need to change it on here. Very misleading” – by Krista, reviewing Merrick Limited Ingredient Chicken Paté on July 17, 2024
Negative Review:
“My cats love this product! Delivery was great…followed instructions on where to leave package. The problem was that every can in the plastic wrapped case was dented. Merrick is an expensive brand and I expect to receive 1st quality not dented seconds as that is what I have paid for. I have received orders with a few dented cans which can occur during shipping. First time that ALL of the cans were dented.” – by Jennifer, reviewing Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Paté on Feb 19, 2025
Customer reviews provide a mixed perspective. While many are satisfied with Merrick, issues like calorie mislabeling and dented cans, alongside more serious but less frequent complaints of foreign objects, should be considered.
Merrick Cat Food Price: Is It Affordable?
Price is always a factor when considering “is Merrick cat food good value for money?”. Merrick cat food is positioned in the mid-to-high price range.
For a 10-pound cat, daily feeding costs for Merrick Purrfect Bistro wet food are approximately $2.79. The Limited Ingredient Diet wet foods are slightly more expensive at around $3.00 per day, and the Backcountry wet food line is the most costly at about $4.19 per day.
Dry food from the Purrfect Bistro line is the most economical option, costing around $0.41 per day for a 10-pound cat.
Compared to budget brands, Merrick is significantly more expensive. However, when compared to premium brands focusing on similar ingredient quality, Merrick’s pricing is generally competitive. Whether it’s affordable depends on individual budgets and priorities regarding pet food quality.
Final Verdict: Is Merrick Cat Food a Good Choice?
So, is Merrick cat food good overall? Merrick cat food is a decent, mid-range option. It’s not the absolute best, nor is it among the worst on the market. It occupies a space comparable to brands like Wellness, Fromm, and Wysong in terms of ingredient quality and price.
Pros of Merrick Cat Food:
- High-quality animal protein sources are generally prioritized in their recipes.
- Grain-free options are available across different product lines.
- Wet foods are moisture-rich, supporting feline hydration.
- Recipes are generally free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- The company emphasizes sourcing from the USA and manufacturing in their own US-based kitchens.
Cons of Merrick Cat Food:
- Recall history, while mostly related to dog treats, is not perfect.
- Some recipes contain plant-based proteins and higher carbohydrate levels than ideal for obligate carnivores.
- Customer complaints about foreign objects in food, though infrequent, are concerning.
- Price can be a barrier for some pet owners, especially for the Backcountry line.
Recommendations:
To maximize the benefits of Merrick, opt for wet food options, particularly from the Backcountry line. These tend to have lower carbohydrate content and are carrageenan-free. For cats with sensitivities, the Limited Ingredient Diet wet food can be considered, but be mindful of the plant-based protein content.
Ultimately, “is Merrick cat food good?” depends on your specific criteria and your cat’s individual needs. It’s a reasonably good brand with strengths in ingredient quality and variety, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Carefully consider your cat’s dietary requirements, your budget, and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Where to Buy Merrick Cat Food
Merrick cat food is widely accessible and can be purchased at various pet product retailers, farm and ranch stores, and online. Major online retailers include:
- Chewy
- Amazon
- Petco
- PetFlow
- Doctors Foster & Smith
This broad availability makes it convenient to purchase Merrick cat food, regardless of your preferred shopping method.
