Merrick Cat Cat Food Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
Quick Verdict: 8.5/10 — High-protein USA-made cat food with deboned meat always first—excellent grain-free nutrition at reasonable pricing.
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Company Overview
Founded: 1988 | Parent Company: Merrick Pet Care (Nestlé Purina since 2015) | Price Range: ~$20–$35 per 12 lb bag
Merrick cat food offers the same high-protein, deboned-meat-first philosophy as their dog line. Made in Hereford, Texas. Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free is their flagship cat line with 35%+ protein and no corn, wheat, or soy. Also available: Purrfect Bistro Complete Care with grains for a balanced option.
Product Lineup
| Product | Size | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Purrfect Bistro GF Chicken (7 lb) | 7 lb | ~$22 |
| Purrfect Bistro GF Salmon (7 lb) | 7 lb | ~$24 |
| Complete Care Indoor (7 lb) | 7 lb | ~$20 |
| Wet Pâté (5.5 oz) | 24-pack | ~$52 |
| Kitten GF (7 lb) | 7 lb | ~$22 |
Ingredient Analysis
Primary Ingredients (Purrfect Bistro GF Chicken): Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, chicken fat. Deboned chicken always first. No corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives. USA-made.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 35% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 17% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 3.5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calories (kcal/cup) | ~356 |
Pros
- Deboned chicken always first
- 35% protein
- USA-made in Hereford Texas
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
- Competitive pricing (~$22/7 lb)
Cons
- Purina ownership since 2015
- Grain-free DCM advisory
- Limited wet food variety
Best For
Owners who want high-protein deboned-meat-first cat food at a reasonable price without brand-premium pricing.
Alternatives
- [Merrick vs Purina Pro Plan Cat](/compare/merrick-vs-purina-pro-plan-cat)
- [Wellness vs Merrick Cat](/compare/wellness-vs-merrick-cat)
FAQ
Is Merrick cat food good?
Yes—35% protein, deboned chicken first, USA-made. One of the best values in the premium cat food segment.
Has Merrick cat food been recalled?
No recalls since the Purina acquisition.
Is Merrick Purrfect Bistro grain-free?
Yes. Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free is their main dry cat line. Complete Care includes grains.
Does Merrick have wet cat food?
Yes—Merrick pâté and shredded wet formulas are available.
Is Merrick the same after Purina bought it?
Quality and formulations have remained consistent per customer reviews.
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