Introduction:
Merrick cat food has been gaining a lot of attention in the pet food world. Many cat owners love its promise of high-quality nutrition to keep their cats healthy and happy. But does it truly live up to the hype?
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into Merritt cat food. We’ll examine its ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality. We’ll also explore the different formulas Merrick cat food offers, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. By the end of this review, you’ll be equipped to decide if Merrick cat food is the right fit for your cat’s unique needs.
We rate Merrick cat food 38 out of 60, which gives it a C+ grade.
Merrick: Company Profile
Merrick Cat Food has been a favorite among cat owners since it first started in 1988. What began as a small family-run operation on a Texas ranch has grown into a well-known pet food brand. The Merrick family’s focus on using natural ingredients and their commitment to animal health has been key to their success.
In recent years, Merrick has expanded its range of products to meet various cat needs. Their formulas are made with high-quality proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals to promote overall health. They offer options like grain-free recipes and specialized diets, providing a variety of choices to fit different dietary needs and preferences.
Now part of the Nestlé Purina family, Merrick stays true to its original values. Nestlé Purina has promised that Merrick will continue to operate independently, maintaining its unique approach to pet nutrition.
Merrick Ingredient and Production Process
Merritt Cat Food is more than just a brand; it’s a promise of quality and care. Founded in 1988, Merrick has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality pet food.
Their commitment to using wholesome, natural ingredients shines through. By sourcing most of its ingredients from local growers in the United States, Merrick ensures freshness and supports local communities. They avoid artificial additives, sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, focusing on delivering balanced nutrition with quality proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
To solidify their commitment to quality, Merrick has made five key promises:
- Local Sourcing: Partnering with local growers for fresh ingredients.
- Natural Ingredients: Avoiding artificial additives and preservatives.
- Balanced Nutrition: Providing a well-rounded mix of proteins, vegetables, and grains.
- Optimal Health: Delivering high levels of healthy fats and essential nutrients.
- Quality Assurance: Manufacturing in certified, company-owned kitchens.
By adhering to these principles, Merrick aims to give cat owners peace of mind, knowing they’re providing their feline friends with a nutritious and wholesome diet.
Merrick Cat Food Recall Overview:
While Merritt Pet Care has a strong reputation for quality, it’s important to note that, like any other pet food company, they have faced product recalls in the past.
Here’s a brief overview of Merritt’s recall history:
2018:
A recall was issued for certain beef-based dog treats due to potentially elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones.
2011:
Merrick’s Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
Later that year, Doggie Wishbone treats were also recalled for the same reason.
2010:
A recall was initiated for certain treats due to possible salmonella contamination.
It’s crucial to stay informed about any product recalls and to monitor your pet’s health closely. If you have any concerns about your pet’s well-being, consult with your veterinarian.
What Cat Food Products Does Merrick Provide?
Merrick is a cat food company dedicated to using natural ingredients and minimal processing to keep their food nutritious. They steer clear of artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives. Their main goal is to help cat owners feed their pets food that promotes overall health and happiness.
Merrick has a variety of cat food options, including dry food, wet food, raw mixers, and treats, divided into three main lines:
Purrfect Bistro: This original line offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes tailored for different life stages and needs. It’s also the most budget-friendly option among the three lines.
Limited Ingredient Diet (LID): Designed for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, this line features recipes with a single source of animal protein, like duck or turkey. Currently, only canned food options are available in this line.
Backcountry: This line consists of all-natural, grain-free foods, some containing freeze-dried raw meat. The wet food comes in convenient 3-ounce pouches.
By focusing on natural ingredients and minimal processing, Merrick aims to offer high-quality food options that support the well-being of cats.
Top 3 Merrick Cat Food Recipes – Our Reviews
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté Canned Food | Wet | $0.53 per ounce | B |
| Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe | Dry | $5.48 per pound | B- |
| Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe | Wet | $0.48 per ounce | B- |
#1 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté Canned Food
This wet cat food from Merrick is a grain-free pâté primarily made with chicken and chicken liver. It’s a good source of protein, mainly coming from these animal-based ingredients.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Chicken and Chicken Liver: These are excellent protein sources that cats love.
- Dried Egg Product: This adds to the protein content.
- Dried Cranberries: These may help keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy.
- Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal: While it provides some protein, it’s not as beneficial as animal-based sources.
- Salmon Oil: This healthy fat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your cat’s skin and coat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Quality Protein: Made with a single, high-quality animal protein source. |
Higher Carb Content: Compared to some other wet foods, this one has a slightly higher carbohydrate content. |
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Omega-3 Boost: Contains salmon oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. | |
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Carrageenan-Free: Recently reformulated to remove this potentially harmful ingredient. | |
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Hydration Helper: High moisture content helps keep your cat hydrated. | |
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Natural Ingredients: Free from artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives. |
A Note on Ingredients:
Merrick recently improved this food by removing carrageenan, a potentially harmful ingredient. They replaced it with agar agar, a seaweed-based thickener that’s generally considered safer. However, some cat owners have reported digestive issues with agar agar.
Overall, this is a decent choice for your cat. It’s high in protein, has a moderate amount of fat, and isn’t too high in carbohydrates. Each 5.5-ounce can contain about 177 calories or 32 calories per ounce.
#2 Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
Protein Powerhouse:
- This food primarily relies on chicken as its main protein source.
- It also includes a variety of other animal-based proteins, like salmon meal, to provide a well-rounded diet.
- However, due to the multiple protein sources, it might not be the best choice for cats with food allergies.
Fat and Omega-3s:
- The salmon meal in this food is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your cat’s skin and coat health.
- While the overall fat content is decent, it could be a bit higher for optimal health. Aim for a fat content closer to 20% for most cats.
Plant-Based Ingredients:
- This recipe includes several plant-based ingredients like potatoes and peas.
- While these can provide some nutrients, they’re not as beneficial as animal-based sources.
- The inclusion of potato protein also contributes to the higher carbohydrate content.
Hydration is Key:
- Remember, dry food alone doesn’t provide enough moisture for your cat.
- Be sure to supplement with plenty of fresh water to keep your feline friend hydrated.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
The top three ingredients are high-quality animal proteins. |
Like all dry food, it doesn't provide the moisture your cat needs. |
|
The primary added fat comes from animal sources. |
It has a high overall carbohydrate content. |
|
Includes freeze-dried pieces of animal protein for added nutrition. |
Contains several starchy ingredients and plant-based proteins. |
|
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. |
Overall, this is a decent protein-packed dry food. However, its higher carbohydrate content and slightly lower fat content might not be ideal for all cats.
- A calorie count: Each kilogram of this food contains 3,588 calories, or about 395 calories per cup.
#3 Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe
This grain-free pâté is primarily made with fresh turkey and turkey liver, making turkey the main protein source.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
- Turkey and Turkey Liver: These are excellent protein sources that cats love.
- Pea Protein: While it adds protein, animal-based protein is generally more beneficial for cats.
- Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal: This plant-based protein source is less ideal than animal-based sources.
- Flaxseed Oil: While it provides omega-3 fatty acids, animal-based fats are often preferred.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Uses a single animal protein source, great for cats with sensitivities |
Includes a concentrated plant-based protein |
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Simplified ingredient list for a cleaner diet |
Contains more carbohydrates compared to some other wet food options |
|
High moisture content helps keep your cat well-hydrated | |
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No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives |
A Note on Ingredients and Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited Ingredients: This formula is designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs, with a limited number of ingredients.
- Plant-Based Ingredients: Some cats may have difficulty digesting plant-based ingredients like alfalfa meal.
- Guar Gum: This thickener can sometimes cause digestive upset in certain cats.
Overall, this is a decent choice for cats with sensitivities. It’s high in protein, has moderate fat, and isn’t too high in carbohydrates. Each 5.5-ounce can contain about 157 calories or 28.5 calories per ounce.
Merrick Cat Food Review for Customers:
Most people who’ve tried Merrick cat food really like it! On websites like Amazon and Chewy, it often gets four or five stars. Cat owners generally agree that it’s a good quality food and their cats seem to enjoy it.
However, if you look at Consumer Affairs, you’ll find some negative reviews. A few people have complained about finding strange things in their cat food, like plastic pieces or unidentified objects. These incidents happened a few years ago, in 2010, 2015, and 2016
Merrick Cat Food Positive Reviews:
My picky cat loves this pâté! It’s smooth, creamy, and has a chicken flavor that’s hard for her to resist. Since switching to this food, her coat looks shinier, and she has more energy. Plus, it’s easy to serve and clean up, making mealtime simple. ~ Sara reviewing Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté
This raw-infused food has been a game-changer for my cat’s health! Her coat is shinier, her energy levels are through the roof, and she’s more active than ever. The unique texture and real meat pieces make it a truly satisfying meal. I highly recommend it for cats who love a more primal diet. ~ Henry reviewing Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
My cat has a sensitive stomach, and this limited-ingredient diet has been a game-changer. It’s gentle on her digestion and has helped with her frequent tummy troubles. The straightforward recipe with real turkey as the main ingredient makes me feel confident in what I’m feeding her. And the best part? She enjoys the taste. ~James reviewing Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe
Merrick Cat Food Negative Reviews:
My cat likes the taste, but the price is a concern. It’s pretty expensive for canned food, especially given the small size of the cans. I wish it were more affordable, as it’s tough to keep up with for long-term feeding ~ Sara reviewing Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté
While my cat seems to enjoy the taste, I’m a bit hesitant about the raw ingredients. I worry about potential foodborne illnesses and the cleanliness of the raw meat. Additionally, the strong odor can be overwhelming for some pet owners. ~ Henry reviewing Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
This food works well for cats with sensitivities, but it’s a bit plain compared to other Merrick options. My cat tends to lose interest quickly, so I often have to mix it with other foods to keep her eating. It would be great if Merrick offered more flavor options in this range ~James reviewing Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe
Personal Perspective:
Merrick cat food has become a popular choice among cat owners, offering a variety of foods made with high-quality ingredients. Many cat parents rave about how their cats love the taste how their fur looks shinier and their energy levels are higher. However, every cat is unique, so it’s important to choose a food that suits your cat’s individual needs. If you’re considering Merrick cat food, give it a try and see how your cat reacts.
Merrick Cat Food Pricing Guide:
Merrick offers a variety of cat food options, catering to different budgets.
Canned Food Options:
- Purrfect Bistro: This is the most affordable choice. If you have a 10-pound cat, feeding them Purrfect Bistro canned food would cost about $2.79 per day.
- Limited Ingredient Diet: This option is a bit pricier than Purrfect Bistro, costing around $3.00 per day for a 10-pound cat.
- Backcountry: This is Merrick’s premium line and the most expensive choice. Feeding your cat Backcountry canned food would be approximately $4.19 per day.
Dry Food Options:
- Purrfect Bistro: Among Merrick’s dry foods, this is the most budget-friendly. Feeding your 10-pound cat Purrfect Bistro dry food would cost about $0.41 per day.
Keep in mind that these are just estimates; actual costs may vary based on your cat’s specific needs, portion sizes, and local prices.
Is Merrick Cat Food Good?
Merrick can be a great choice for many cats, but it’s important to pick the right type of food for your specific cat. Think about their age, breed, and any special dietary needs they might have. As always, it’s best to chat with your vet to make sure you’re choosing the best food for your furry friend. Merrick appears to be comparable with Mouser, young again, and Rachael ray
To get the most out of Merrick cat food, consider choosing wet foods from the Backcountry line. These foods are free of additives like carrageenan and have lower carbohydrate levels compared to the Purrfect Bistro and Limited Ingredient lines. This can be beneficial for cats with specific dietary needs or those looking for a more natural diet.
FAQ’s About Merrick Cat Food:
Q1: Is Merrick a Good Brand of Cat Food?
Ans: Yes, Merrick is generally regarded as an excellent cat food option. They make use of high-quality ingredients and provide a variety of formulas to meet a variety of dietary requirements. Many people who own cats have had good experiences, especially with cats whose stomachs are sensitive or who can’t eat certain foods. Just remember to choose the formula that best meets the requirements of your cat.
Q2: Is Purina the owner of Merrick Cat Food?
Ans: No, Merrick is a free organization and isn’t claimed by Purina.
Q3: What is the most nutritious cat food available?
Ans: Your pet’s specific requirements will determine the healthiest cat food. Look for foods that start with high-quality animal protein, don’t have many carbs, and have important vitamins and minerals in them. Always consult your veterinarian for individualized recommendations.
Q4: Which Cat Food Brand Is Best?
Ans: Merrick, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo are just a few of the well-known brands of cat food. Your cat’s particular requirements and preferences will determine which brand is best for them. To find the best option for your pet, carefully read the labels and compare the ingredients.
Adeel, Your Cat-Loving Companion!
I’ve been a cat person for 4 years and love sharing tips and tricks for keeping cats happy and healthy. Join me at catglo.com for advice on cat litter, food, and more! Let’s make your cat’s life perfect together