Merrick vs Purina Pro Plan Cat Food (2026)
Quick Verdict
| Category | Merrick | Purina Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Very Good | High |
| Price | ~$20–$35/12 lb | ~$18–$32/7 lb |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | High protein, deboned meat first, USA-made | Probiotics, vet-grade, prescription line |
Overview
Merrick cat food (Nestlé Purina since 2015) uses deboned meat first with 35%+ protein in grain-free formulas. Purina Pro Plan delivers 40% protein with live probiotics and vet recommendation.
Ingredient Comparison
Merrick: Deboned chicken first, chicken meal. Grain-free with sweet potato and peas. No corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives. USA-made.
Purina Pro Plan: Chicken first. Live Lactobacillus probiotics. Corn gluten meal secondary.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Merrick | Purina Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 35% | 40% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 17% | 17% |
Pros and Cons
Merrick
Pros
- Deboned meat always first
- 35% protein
- USA-made
- No corn, wheat, soy
Cons
- Purina ownership
- Lower protein than Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan
Pros
- 40% protein
- Live probiotics
- Vet-recommended
- Prescription diet line
Cons
- Contains corn derivatives
Best For
Choose Merrick if: High-protein USA-made whole food with deboned meat first.
Choose Purina Pro Plan if: Maximum protein with live probiotics and vet-grade research backing.
Alternatives
- [Wellness vs Purina Pro Plan Cat](/compare/wellness-vs-purina-pro-plan-cat)
- [Merrick vs Purina Pro Plan](/compare/merrick-vs-purina-pro-plan)
FAQ
Which has higher protein?
Pro Plan at 40% vs Merrick at 35%.
Is Merrick cat food grain-free?
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free is the main line. They also have Complete Care with grains.
Has Merrick cat food been recalled?
No recalls for Merrick cat food since the Purina acquisition.
Is Pro Plan or Merrick better for kittens?
Pro Plan Kitten with live probiotics is generally preferred. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Kitten is also AAFCO-approved.
Which is more affordable?
Merrick is slightly more affordable per pound in most lines.
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