Taste of the Wild vs Merrick Dog Food (2026): Which Is Better?
Deciding between Taste of the Wild and Merrick depends on your dog’s age, health, activity level, and your budget. This guide covers ingredient quality, pricing, nutritional profiles, and real-world performance so you can make the right call.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Taste of the Wild | Merrick |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Very Good | Very Good |
| Price (avg. 25–30 lb bag) | ~$52–$60/28 lb | ~$60–$70/25 lb |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Budget-conscious grain-free, active dogs | High-protein, whole food ingredients |
Brand Overview
Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild is produced by Diamond Pet Foods and launched in 2007. It’s designed to mimic ancestral canine diets with protein sources like bison, venison, and salmon. It’s one of the best-value grain-free brands on the market and is available at independent pet retailers and online.
Merrick
Merrick is a Texas-based brand founded in 1988, now owned by Nestlé Purina (acquired 2015). Known for high-protein recipes with deboned meat as the first ingredient and a grain-free philosophy across most lines, Merrick focuses on whole-food, restaurant-grade ingredients.
Product Lineup & Pricing
| Product Line | Taste of the Wild | Merrick |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Dry | High Prairie (~$52/28 lb) | Grain-Free Real Chicken (~$62/25 lb) |
| Limited Ingredient | Prey LID (~$70/25 lb) | Limited Ingredients (~$68/22 lb) |
| Wet Food | Pacific Stream (~$2.00/can) | Backcountry Pâté (~$2.50/can) |
| Puppy | Ancient Grains Puppy (~$50/28 lb) | Puppy Grain-Free (~$62/22 lb) |
| Raw/Freeze-Dried | Boosters available | Backcountry Raw Infused (~$75/20 lb) |
Ingredient Analysis
Taste of the Wild
Primary proteins include bison, buffalo, salmon, and venison. Sweet potato and peas provide carbohydrates. Roasted meats add palatability. No corn, wheat, filler grains. Produced in USA and offshore facilities—some consumers prefer USA-only sourcing.
Merrick
First ingredient is always deboned chicken, beef, or salmon. Secondary proteins include chicken meal or beef meal. Fruits and vegetables (blueberries, sweet potatoes, apples) add antioxidants. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Grain-free lines use peas and legumes as carb base.
Nutritional Comparison (Adult Maintenance)
| Nutrient | Taste of the Wild | Merrick |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 32% | 34% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 18% | 17% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4% | 3.5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% | 10% |
| Calories (kcal/cup) | ~370 | ~360 |
Pros and Cons
Taste of the Wild
Pros
- Excellent price for a grain-free brand
- Novel protein options (venison, bison, salmon)
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Good protein and fat percentages for active dogs
Cons
- Owned by Diamond Pet Foods (several past recalls)
- Some international ingredient sourcing
- Limited wet food variety
Merrick
Pros
- Very high protein content (34%+)
- Deboned meat always first ingredient
- Backcountry raw-infused line adds variety
- Made in USA with locally sourced ingredients in most lines
Cons
- More expensive than Taste of the Wild
- Owned by Nestlé Purina since 2015
- Grain-free lines carry standard DCM advisory caveats
Best For
Choose Taste of the Wild if: You want a grain-free diet at a budget-friendly price with novel protein sources like bison or venison.
Choose Merrick if: You prioritize very high protein content, deboned meat first, and USA-made whole-food ingredients.
Alternatives to Consider
- [Taste of the Wild vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/taste-of-the-wild-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Merrick vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/merrick-vs-purina-pro-plan)
- [Canidae vs Taste of the Wild](/compare/canidae-vs-taste-of-the-wild)
- [Full Taste of the Wild Review](/reviews/taste-of-the-wild-dog-food)
- [Full Merrick Review](/reviews/merrick-dog-food)
FAQ
Is Taste of the Wild made by Diamond Pet Foods?
Yes. Taste of the Wild is produced by Diamond Pet Foods, which has had several recalls in the past (most recently in 2012 for Salmonella). The brand itself has maintained a clean record since, but the parent company’s recall history is worth knowing.
Has Merrick been recalled?
Merrick had a voluntary recall in 2010 for potential Listeria contamination. Since being acquired by Purina in 2015, there have been no notable recalls.
Which has more protein—Taste of the Wild or Merrick?
Merrick edges ahead slightly at 34% vs. Taste of the Wild’s 32% protein in comparable adult formulas, though the difference is minor.
Are both brands grain-free?
Most formulas from both brands are grain-free. Taste of the Wild also offers Ancient Grains lines if you prefer whole grains. Merrick’s grain-free is the primary lineup.
Which is better for puppies?
Both have solid puppy formulas. Merrick Puppy Grain-Free is slightly higher protein; Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Puppy is a more cost-effective option.
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