LogoPet-1.png
BestForPets is reader-supported. Your purchases via our links may earn us an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our Affiliate Disclaimer

The 11 Best Merrick Cat Foods

Merrick is a pet food manufacturer established in the United States that began with dog treats before expanding into dog food and, subsequently, cat food.

Nestle Purina now owns the company, which pledges to employ natural ingredients, obtain the majority of the components in its foods from the United States, and make high-quality and healthy pet foods.

Merrick manufactures specific lines for geriatric cats and kittens, as well as adult cats, with a selection of both dry and wet diets.

They also have grain-free and diet foods available for cats with unique nutritional needs. All formulas are high in omega fatty acids, which help your cat's coat stay healthy and appealing.

The meal is appropriate for all life phases, purebred breeds, and moggies, and it is made using natural, locally sourced ingredients.

Although several of the recipes contain filler components such as pea protein and alfalfa meal, there are no dangerous or toxic substances, and the food is of acceptable quality for the price.

Let's learn more about the Merrick in this best Merrick cat foods from BestForPets (bestforpets.org)! 

Reviews

Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food by Merrick
 

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry Cat Food‘s major ingredients are salmon and sweet potato.

The cuisine is high in omega fatty acids and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken meal, turkey meal, and dried egg product are also at the top of the list.

The food has 38% protein and 29% carbohydrates, which means it is about average in terms of protein, fat, and fiber but above average in terms of carbohydrate content.

Although this meal has no grains, making it safe for delicate stomachs and allergic cats, it does contain deboned fish and dried egg, both of which are allergens and may induce adverse reactions in your cat.

The food is relatively pricey, yet there are no fillers among the top half-dozen ingredients, implying that it is of good quality.

Pros

  • Ingredients derived from nature
  • There are few fillers.
  • Excellent source of protein

Cons

  • High carbohydrate content
  • Allergens are present.

 

Wet Cat Food Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Pate
 

Merrick’s Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Pate Wet Cat Food comes in a can. Chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, chicken broth, and natural taste are the main ingredients.

Because this is wet food, it has significantly more moisture than dry food, which can help keep your cat hydrated.

Among the other ingredients listed is salmon oil, which is a good source of omega-3 and has a higher bioavailability than plant-based fatty acids.

Cats enjoy the pate consistency since it is easy to digest and incredibly appetizing. Despite being grain-free, this dish contains egg and chicken, both of which are known allergies.

The contents also include carrageenan, so if you are avoiding feeding this potentially problematic ingredient, you should avoid this pate.

Pros

  • Grain-free eating plan
  • Ingredients derived from nature
  • Salmon oil is present.
  • Protein accounts for half of the dry ingredients.

Cons

  • Egg and chicken allergies are present.
  • Carrageenan is present.

 

Merrick Backcountry Meal Mixer Freeze Dried Cat Food
 

Merrick Backcountry Freeze Dried Meal Mixer Cat Food has 40% protein, the majority of which comes from the main ingredients salmon, whitefish, and chicken broth.

Dried potato and dried peas, which are prominent on the ingredient list, provide some protein.

The food can be provided as a complete meal on its own, as a topping for dry food, or as a mixer with dry food.

This freeze-dried food, like all Merrick recipes, is prepared from natural ingredients and does not include grain or gluten.

The protein content is considerable, and depending on your cat’s dietary needs, it may be best provided in combination to lower-protein food.

Some cats may find the kibble too difficult to break down, and it does not soften when wet.

Pros

  • Food that is freeze-dried
  • Made with all-natural ingredients
  • Meat is the primary source of protein.

Cons

  • Knuckle that is tough to soften

 

Canned Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Cat Food
 

The predominant protein source in this wet cat food appears to be chicken.

Purrfect Bistro wet cat food is a grain-free paté composed mostly of chicken and chicken liver, with dry egg product added as a protein supplement.

Aside from these animal-based nutrients, the food also contains a few plant-based elements, such as dried cranberries and organic dehydrated alfalfa meal.

Although cranberries may benefit urinary tract health in cats, alfalfa is commonly utilized as a plant-based protein source in pet food.

It is a significantly less biologically useful source than the previously mentioned animal nutrients. Salmon oil is the principal source of added fat in this cat food.

This is not just a nutritious animal fat, but it is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat’s skin and coat health. Merrick recently updated this wet meal, substituting carrageenan with agar agar.

Merrick is taking steps to remove carrageenan, which is a potentially carcinogenic chemical that may also contribute to inflammation. Agar agar is a thickening made from seaweed.

Although it does not have the same negative reputation as carrageenan, some cat owners claim that agar agar contributes to GI problems in their cats.

Overall, this meat-based canned food has a high protein content, a moderate fat content, and a moderate carbohydrate load.

Each 5.5 ounce can contains 177 calories, or roughly 32 calories per ounce.

Pros

  • Made with a single high-quality animal protein source
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon oil.
  • Carrageenan was removed from the recipe.
  • Moisture-rich to help your cat stay hydrated
  • Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not used.

Cons

  • Carbohydrate content is higher than in some wet foods.

 

Recipe for Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird
 

The primary protein source in this recipe appears to be chicken.

Three animal-based proteins top the list for this dry food dish, which is supplemented by four other animal protein sources.

However, because this recipe is a multi-protein composition, it may not be the ideal choice for cats with food allergies.

The salmon meal in this recipe is high in omega-3 fatty acids, but the overall fat content is modest.

Cats need at least 9% crude fat in their diets, and this recipe includes roughly 16% fat on a dry matter basis, although we like fat level closer to 20% for healthy cats.

Though the majority of the principal ingredients in this dry food are animal-based, the list also includes many starchy plant elements.

Potatoes and peas are among the top five ingredients, while the eighth is a rich form of plant protein: potato protein.

It should come as no surprise that the overall carb level of this recipe is far higher than that of the wet feeds tested, but it is slightly lower than that of many low-cost cat foods.

Remember that no dry food has the moisture your cat requires, therefore supplement your cat’s moisture intake in other ways to keep him adequately hydrated.

Overall, this meat-based dry snack is rich in protein, low in fat, and high in carbohydrates. The food contains 3,588 calories per kilogram, or around 395 calories per cup.

Pros

  • High-quality animal proteins are among the top three constituents.
  • Animal fat is the most common source of added fat.
  • Contains freeze-dried chunks of animal protein
  • Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not used.

Cons

  • No dry food delivers the moisture that your cat requires.
  • Carbohydrate content is high overall.
  • Contains a variety of starchy components as well as plant proteins.

 

Merrick Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet Real Turkey Recipe Canned Food
 

The predominant protein source in this recipe appears to be turkey. This recipe for a grain-free paté-style canned food is comprised mostly of fresh turkey and turkey liver.

Pea protein is the primary source of supplemental protein, however organic dried alfalfa meal is likely to contribute as well.

Unfortunately, plant-based protein is far less biologically beneficial for cats than animal protein. We’d also want to see an animal-based fat source replace the flaxseed oil in this dish.

Despite a few items we could do without, this recipe delivers on its promise of being a limited ingredient formula.

Aside from supplements, it is manufactured from a single source of animal protein and comprises only a few ingredients.

This may make it a highly digestible option for cats, while plant elements can be difficult for some cats to assimilate.

This recipe, like the previous wet food formula, is free of carrageenan. Guar gum, a starchy component that has been linked to stomach distress in certain cats, thickens it.

Overall, this meat-based canned food has a high protein content, a moderate fat content, and a moderate carbohydrate load.

Each 5.5 ounce can contains 157 calories, or roughly 28.5 calories per ounce.

Pros

  • Made with a single animal protein source
  • The major ingredients are listed in a limited number.
  • Moisture-rich to help your cat stay hydrated
  • Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not used.

Cons

  • This product is a concentrated amount of plant protein.
  • Carbohydrate content is higher than in some wet foods.

 

MERRICK Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon Recipe
 

  • Food Type: Dry
  • Deboned fish, salmon meal, potatoes, peas, and potato protein are the first five ingredients.
  • 32% protein, 13% fat, 4% fiber, and 11% moisture are guaranteed.
  • Calories in a Cup: 354 kcal
  • Price per pound or ounce: $3.08

Cats who have sensitive stomachs or food allergies may benefit from a simplified diet with fewer ingredients.

The Limited Ingredient Diet range includes a single source of premium animal protein and a short list of core components designed specifically for this purpose.

The top two ingredients and only animal protein sources in this mix are fresh salmon and salmon meal.

Having said that, potato protein is on the list, as are potatoes and peas, both of which supply some plant-based protein.

Overall, the carb level of this recipe is substantially higher than that of the preceding formula. It’s more than 30%, which is far higher than we recommend.

Apart from the high carbohydrate level, we’d prefer to see an animal source of fat as the major alternative rather than sunflower oil. However, fresh salmon may contain omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Minced Grammy’s Pot Pie MERRICK
 

  • Food Type: Wet
  • Deboned chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, deboned duck, and peas are the first five ingredients.
  • Analysis guaranteed: 10% protein, 5% fat, 1.2% fiber, 81% moisture
  • 170 kcal/can = 170 calories per cup (5.5 oz.)
  • Price per pound/ounce: $0.33

Though the Purrfect Bistro dry food formula we just evaluated has a high carbohydrate content, this wet food formula had an extremely low carbohydrate content. The carbohydrate content is predicted to be between 1% and 2%.

Fresh chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe, followed by chicken broth, chicken liver, and deboned duck.

Plant protein concentrates are not available, though peas may give a tiny quantity of plant-based protein.

Aside from that, the only carbohydrates to mention are dried potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cranberries.

We like how this meal is high in animal protein, low in carbohydrates, and includes fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce the need for synthetic supplements.

 

Backcountry Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Cuts by MERRICK
 

  • Food Type: Wet
  • Deboned chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, chicken liver, and deboned turkey are the first five ingredients.
  • Analysis guaranteed: 9% protein, 3% fat, 1.2% fiber, 81% moisture
  • Calories in a Cup: 79 kcal per pouch (3 oz.)
  • Price per pound/ounce: $0.45

Backcountry wet foods, which are packaged in pouches rather than cans, are ideal for use as meal toppers as well as meals.

These recipes are high in animal protein and natural flavor, with an estimated carbohydrate level of less than 5%.

This recipe calls for fresh chicken as the main component, but it also includes turkey and egg whites.

Other important constituents include salmon oil, which serves as the primary source of healthy fat, and chelated mineral supplements, which are bonded to protein molecules to improve absorption.

Overall, this is a pretty good recipe. However, it is more expensive than the previous formula, so we understand if you prefer it as a meal supplement rather than a main diet.

Merrick Cat Food Evaluation

Who manufactures Merrick and where is it manufactured?

Merrick began in 1988, when inventor Garth Merrick began producing homemade dog treats for his dog.

The company has grown into cat food, but they remain committed to their original objective and the five-star promise:

  • Merrick uses fresh meat in combination with whole fruits and veggies. They don’t utilize any fillers, sweeteners, or other artificial ingredients.
  • Higher Quality Ingredients – Because Merrick buys directly from farmers, they can ensure the greatest quality from their suppliers. Because there are fewer steps between the farm and your cat’s bowl, the food stays fresher.
  • Merrick attempts to deliver the ideal combination of protein and fat, as well as omega fatty acids and other components, to guarantee that your cat not only feels good but also looks fantastic.
  • Crafted in Our Hereford Kitchen – Garth Merrick began his business by creating dog treats from his kitchen in Hereford, England. Today, the company still operates out of the same kitchen.
  • Merrick Gives Back – The fifth mission of the company is to give back and help safeguard the wellbeing of pets. They collaborate with local and national organizations to protect the welfare of dogs and cats.

Merrick was purchased by Nestle Purina in 2015, although the company stated that no changes will be made to the production or management of the pet food line.

Merrick is best suited to which types of cats?

Merrick produces dog chow using only natural ingredients and no artificial additives. They have dry and wet food, as well as varieties for senior cats, kittens, and cats with sensitive stomachs.

There are foods that are appropriate for all cats and cat owners.

Merrick Cat Food’s Primary Ingredients

Merrick manufactures a variety of foods, and each brand and dish has its own set of components. However, a review of the ingredients reveals the following major elements, as well as several that may be controversial:

Nutrient Sources

Different recipes call for different types of meat as a protein source. Because of the few components used in this dish, you can quickly recognize the main meat. Chicken was one of the most often used ingredients we discovered.

Filler Foods

Merrick contains a few low-quality fillers. These are chosen not only because they include protein, but also because they are derived from lower quality vegetables or other sources rather than meat protein.

They lack the high-quality amino acids found in higher-quality foods. We discovered fillers such as pea protein, which was present in almost all of the recipes, and dried alfalfa meal.

Fillers are not toxic, but they might be replaced with higher-quality foods that provide your cat with more nutritional value.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is found in some recipes. Carrageenan is a food ingredient that is found in both human and cat meals.

It is a seaweed extract that functions as a binding agent. Some kinds of carrageenan contain recognized carcinogens and inflammatory agents, while they are not always present in all Merrick recipes.

Recipes Made Without Grains

Cats would not have eaten wheat if they had lived in the wild.

Grain-free meals have been known to induce gastrointestinal upset and to be an allergy for some cats, but the vast majority of felines show no negative side effects after consuming this type of food.

Grains like corn and barley are utilized in a variety of cuisines, particularly dry dishes, since they add bulk and fiber.

Even if your cat can tolerate grains, this sort of component is inferior to meat or even vegetable ingredients. Merrick’s recipes do not appear to use any grain-based ingredients.

Foods with Few Ingredients

It is widely believed that the more prevalent a protein source, the more probable a cat or other animal will develop an allergic reaction to it.

Beef, lamb, shellfish, dairy, and corn are the most prevalent allergies in cat food.

You can choose limited ingredient food if your cat is known to have allergens, if you are trying to eliminate known allergens as part of an elimination diet, or if you want to avoid feeding these common proteins to your pets.

A single protein and a single carbohydrate should be present in a restricted ingredient food.

If your cat does not exhibit allergic symptoms, it suggests they are not allergic to the protein or carbohydrate in that meal.

You can either maintain feeding this novel protein or try another and keep trying foods until you figure out what your cat is allergic to.

Merrick’s cat food range includes various few ingredient diets, and the majority of their recipes use a single protein source to make the components easy to identify.

Fatty Acids Omega-3

Merrick’s diets contain a lot of fish oil and other omega fatty acid supplements. These supplements give omega-3 and omega-6 necessary fatty acids to your cat.

Because of its high EPA and DHA concentration, fish oil can aid with joint pain. It can also help prevent heart and renal disease, as well as boost cognitive function and coat and skin health.

Carrageenan

Unfortunately, one Merrick recipe contains carrageenan, a highly contentious substance.

Following human testing, it was discovered to have a recognized carcinogen that raises the risk of cancer.

It also has a chemical that has been linked to gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Some owners and professionals advise against feeding carrageenan-containing foods to their cats.

If you want to avoid this drug, look at the contents before you buy. Carrageenan is not included in limited ingredient lines.

Merrick Cat Food: A Quick Look

Pros

  • Only natural substances are used.
  • The majority of the ingredients are obtained in the United States.
  • Omega-3 fatty acid-rich
  • Grain-free products
  • Prebiotics and probiotics are found in foods.

Cons

  • Carrageenan is found in some foods.
  • Most recipes include pea protein.

History of Recalls

Merrick Pet Foods has had multiple recall letters, but all of them have been for dog treats and dog food. There has never been a recall of their cat food.

What Other Users Have to Say

See what others are saying about Merrick’s cat food line.

“I have long regarded Merrick one of the better choices in the pet food field,” says ConsciousCat.

“Their cat chow is full with necessary fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, as well as very important pro and prebiotics for optimal digestive wellness,” says MyPetNeedsThat.

Conclusion

Merrick employs natural ingredients, sources the bulk of its food in the United States, and offers a wide range of dry and wet diets, including limited ingredient foods and alternatives for cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.

The top five ingredients, which make up the majority of the food in most situations, are high quality and meat-based protein sources.

The ingredients also include natural sources of omega fatty acids, as well as prebiotics and probiotics to promote optimal gut health.

After looking at each product and testing it, we came to the conclusion that items Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food by Merrick and Wet Cat Food Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Pate are the most useful and trustworthy. 

Although there are some contentious substances in the food, such as cheap fillers like pea protein and, less commonly, carrageenan, the ingredients list is generally regarded as excellent quality, making this a good meal for your cats.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that this best Merrick cat foods has benefited you in your search for the top option for your pet!

FAQs

How Much Is Merrick Cat Food?

Merrick cat food is reasonably priced to pricey.

Can food from the Purrfect Bistro brand costs roughly $2.79 per day for a 10-pound cat.

The Backcountry line is the most expensive of the Limited Ingredient Diet wet feeds, costing roughly $3.00 per day. Backcountry wet food would cost roughly $4.19 per day to feed to your cat.

Merrick’s dry food in the Purrfect Bistro range is the most cost-effective alternative. A 10-pound cat would cost roughly $0.41 each day.

Is Merrick a Good Choice Overall?

Merrick cat food is a good option. It is neither the greatest nor the worst food available on the market.

Merrick appears to be equivalent to Wellness, Fromm, and Wysong in terms of pricing and ingredient quality. Choose wet foods from the Backcountry line to get the most out of Merrick.

They are carrageenan-free and have a lower carbohydrate content than the Purrfect Bistro and Limited Ingredient brands.

Where Can I Buy Merrick Cat Food?

Merrick is available in pet supply stores as well as farm and ranch stores. Merrick cat food is available online at Petco, Chewy, Amazon, PetFlow, and Doctors Foster & Smith.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Comment

0.0
Rated 0 out of 5
0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Related articles