Merrick Cat Food Review
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Why Should You Trust This Review?
- I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
- I have volunteered at cat shelters for over 15 years
- I frequently confirm information with veterinarians
- I did 12 hours of research on this cat food
About Merrick Cat Food
Merrick is a US-based pet food producer that began with dog treats but then added dog food and, eventually, cat food to its product line.
Now it is owned by Nestle Purina. Merrick promises to use natural ingredients, source most ingredients from the USA, and produce high-quality and nutritious foods for pets. The company has stayed true to its local roots by operating from the very same founding kitchen in Hereford, Texas. This ensures that the kitchen is a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 facility.
Merrick produces specialist lines for seniors cats and kittens, as well as for adult cats with selections of both dry and wet foods. They also offer grain-free and special diet foods for cats with special dietary requirements. They claim their products contain the ideal combination of protein and healthy fats to help maintain optimal weight and increased energy” as well as ideal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and top levels of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
Merrick Cat Food Sourcing And Manufacturing
| Parent Company/ Owned by | Nestle Purina PetCare |
| Company Net Worth | 11.2 Billion |
| Dry Food Manufactured | St Louis, Missouri |
| Wet Food Manufactured | St Louis, Missouri |
| Number of Recipes | 40 |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
Recall History
Merrick food and treats have been recalled several times. Here is a brief summary of Merrick’s recall history.
In 2010 Merrick treats were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
In January of 2011, Merrick’s Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. That summer, the company announced a recall of their Doggie Wishbone treats, again due to potential salmonella contamination.
In May of 2018, several beef-based dog treats were recalled due to potentially elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones.
Top 5 Recipes Reviewed And Analyzed
#1 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 38% Min
- Crude Fat 17% Min
- Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
- Moisture 11% Max
- Taurine 0.2% Min
Ingredients
Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Potato Protein, Natural Flavor, Tapioca, Ground Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Inulin (from chicory root), Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Taurine, Minerals((Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
To better understand the Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food recipe, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Deboned Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It can help strengthen the immune system and promote brain health as well as aid in controlling arthritis pain and fighting off high cholesterol.
Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.
Turkey meal is a good source of high-quality protein because it contains more protein than fresh turkey. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed.
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent natural energy source. They are good for promoting muscle tone, clear eyesight, and healthy bones but can be hard for some cats to digest.
Peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.
#2 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 38% Min
- Crude Fat 17% Min
- Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
- Moisture 11% Max
- Taurine 0.2% Min
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Potato Protein, Natural Flavor, Tapioca, Ground Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Inulin (from chicory root), Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Taurine, Minerals((Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
To get a better understanding of this Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Deboned chicken is the clean flesh without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken and exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Deboned chicken is highly digestible, an excellent source of amino acids and a good quality protein.
Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.
Turkey meal is a good source of high-quality protein because it contains more protein than fresh turkey. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed.
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent natural energy source. They are good for promoting muscle tone, clear eyesight, and healthy bones but can be hard for some cats to digest.
Peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.
#3 Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Morsels in Gravy Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts Cat Food Pouches
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 9% Min
- Crude Fat 3% Min
- Crude Fiber 1.2% Max
- Moisture 81% Max
- Taurine 0.1% Min
Ingredients
Deboned Rabbit, Lamb Broth, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Deboned Lamb, Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Sodium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Rosemary Extract
Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Morsels in Gravy Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts Cat Food.
Deboned rabbit is flesh and skin with no bones. It is relatively low in fat and contains less fat per pound than popular red meats and it contains the full range of amino acids that a cat requires.
Lamb broth is a rich source of high-quality protein, but it is also an outstanding source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Beef broth is rich in minerals that help build and strengthen bones. It also contains many other healthy nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
Beef liver is high in vitamin A, folic acid, iron, and zinc. Liver is the most nutrient dense organ meat, and it is a powerful source of vitamin A.
Deboned lamb is the flesh and skin with or without bone, excluding the head, feet and entrails of a lamb. Often a more fatty option, it is a good source of protein.
#4 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 10.0% Min
- Crude Fat 5% Min
- Crude Fiber 1% Max
- Moisture 78% Max
- Taurine 0.1% Min
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Sodium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Agar-Agar, Ground Flaxseed, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Vitamin D3 Supplement), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Potassium Iodide)
To get a better understanding of this Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pate Canned Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.
Deboned chicken is the clean flesh without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken and exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Deboned chicken is highly digestible, an excellent source of amino acids and a good quality protein.
Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.
Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.
Natural flavor can mean several things and qualifies as being extracted from a natural source. This might mean it came from meals or by-products.
Dried egg product contain essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, promoting strong and healthy skin, coat, bones and brain function.
#5 Merrick Purrfect Bistro Kitten Dinner Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein 9% Min
- Crude Fat 4% Min
- Crude Fiber 1.4% Max
- Moisture 78% Max
- Taurine 0.02% Min
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Salmon, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Calcium Carbonate, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Sodium Phosphate, Dried Cranberries, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Agar-Agar, Ground Flaxseed, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Vitamin D3 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Potassium Iodide)
Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Merrick Purrfect Bistro Kitten Dinner Grain-Free Canned Cat Food.
Deboned chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.
Chicken broth is rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen. These components can help improve your cat’s digestion and overall immunity.
Chicken liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.
Deboned Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It can help strengthen the immune system and promote brain health as well as aid in controlling arthritis pain and fighting off high cholesterol.
Natural flavor can mean several things and qualifies as being extracted from a natural source. This might mean it came from meals or by-products.
Is Merrick Good Cat Food?
Looking at the ingredients Merrick is high quality cat food and offers natural, species appropriate recipes. The carbohydrates are below average while the protein levels exceed other quality dry cat foods on the market today.
Merrick offers both grain and grain free recipes for your cat with several protein sources. There are some recipes that do include peas and potato which are not necessary in a cats diet and are often used in replacement of grains. This would be Merrick’s one downfall as a whole, but several of the cat food recipes do not include them.
Where Is Merrick Cat Food Sold?
Merrick cat foods are available in most pet store chains and pet food specialty stores, although recipes may vary. You can also purchase Merrick online through Chewy, Amazon and various pet food retailers.
