Merrick describes their foods as “Whole Health Made Right,” but is this brand the right choice for your cat? In this unbiased review of Merrick cat food, we will analyze its key features, explore its history, assess its sourcing and manufacturing practices, discuss its product offerings, evaluate customer reviews, and provide insights on its cost and overall quality.
Introducing Merrick Cat Food
Merrick cat food is known for its commitment to retaining the natural goodness and nutritional integrity of whole food ingredients. Founded in 1988 by the Merrick family, the company initially focused on producing all-natural dog treats. It wasn’t until 25 years later that Merrick introduced its first line of cat food. Today, Merrick operates as an independent business under the ownership of Nestlé Purina.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Merrick on What Matters
To assess the quality of Merrick cat food, we have evaluated the brand using the Cats.com standard. This standard considers species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Based on our analysis, Merrick cat food receives a C+ grade, with a rating of 38 out of 60.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Merrick upholds five promises regarding its ingredients and manufacturing practices:
- Partnering with local growers: Merrick prioritizes sourcing ingredients from the United States, supporting local communities and ensuring ingredient freshness. Notably, no ingredients are sourced from China.
- Nutritious, whole foods: Merrick avoids artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives in pursuit of a more natural approach to nutrition.
- Balanced nutrition: Merrick combines 30% to 80% protein from meat, poultry, and fish with vegetables, whole grains, and fruit to provide a well-rounded diet for cats.
- Health you can see: Merrick claims to feature industry-leading levels of healthy fats, highly digestible meat proteins, and beneficial supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Certified kitchens: All Merrick foods are prepared in company-owned kitchens in Hereford, Texas. These kitchens are certified by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 and the USDA National Organic Program.
Recall History
Merrick cat food has experienced several recalls in the past:
- In 2018, beef-based dog treats were recalled due to potentially elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones.
- In 2011, Merrick’s Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. Additionally, Doggie Wishbone treats were recalled in the same year for the same reason.
- In 2010, Merrick treats faced a recall due to possible salmonella contamination.
Merrick Cat Food Offerings
Merrick cat food offers a diverse range of options, including dry food, wet food, raw mixers, and treats. The brand divides its offerings into three lines: Purrfect Bistro, Limited Ingredient Diet, and Backcountry.
- Purrfect Bistro: This original line includes both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes designed for different life stages and needs. Purrfect Bistro offers economically priced options.
- Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): The LID line caters to cats with food sensitivities and allergies. Each recipe features a single source of animal protein, including novel options like duck and turkey. Currently, only the canned food options are available.
- Backcountry: The Backcountry line offers all-natural, grain-free foods, some of which are infused with freeze-dried raw meat. Backcountry wet foods are exclusively sold in 3-ounce pouches.
Customer Reviews
Merrick cat food generally receives positive reviews from customers. On popular platforms like Amazon and Chewy, the brand’s products have achieved an average rating of four to five stars. Customers appreciate Merrick’s high-quality ingredients and report that their cats enjoy eating the food.
While positive reviews dominate, it’s important to note that some negative experiences have been reported. A recurring complaint involves the presence of foreign objects in the food, such as plastic pieces or unidentified substances. Although these incidents have been isolated, they highlight the need for careful inspection when feeding your cat Merrick products.
Pricing of Merrick Cat Food
Merrick cat food ranges from moderately priced to expensive. For a 10-pound cat, the cost per day varies depending on the product line:
- Purrfect Bistro (canned food): Approximately $2.79 per day.
- Limited Ingredient Diet (canned food): Around $3.00 per day.
- Backcountry (wet food): Approximately $4.19 per day.
The most economical option is the dry food from the Purrfect Bistro line, costing about $0.41 per day for a 10-pound cat.
Conclusion
Merrick cat food is a suitable choice for pet owners seeking a brand that offers a balance between price and ingredient quality. While it may not be the absolute best option, Merrick’s commitment to whole food ingredients and nutrient-rich recipes places it on par with other reputable brands like Wellness, Fromm, and Wysong.
For optimal results with Merrick, we recommend selecting wet food options from their Backcountry line. These recipes are free of carrageenan and have lower carbohydrate content compared to those in the Purrfect Bistro and Limited Ingredient lines.
To purchase Merrick cat food, you can visit pet product retailers, farm and ranch stores, or conveniently order online from trusted platforms such as Petco, Chewy, Amazon, PetFlow, and Doctors Foster & Smith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Merrick cat food suitable for cats with food sensitivities?
A: Yes, Merrick offers a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) line specifically designed for cats with food sensitivities and allergies. These recipes feature a single source of animal protein, including novel options like duck and turkey.
Q: Where are Merrick cat food ingredients sourced?
A: Merrick prioritizes partnering with local growers in the United States to source its ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting local communities. Merrick does not source any ingredients from China.
Q: Are there any recalls associated with Merrick cat food?
A: Yes, Merrick cat food and treats have had several recalls in the past due to concerns such as potential salmonella contamination. However, it’s important to note that no recent recalls have been reported.
Q: Can I purchase Merrick cat food online?
A: Yes, Merrick cat food is available for purchase online through platforms such as Petco, Chewy, Amazon, PetFlow, and Doctors Foster & Smith.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this review is based on our research and personal opinions. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist before making any changes to your cat’s diet.