Wellness vs Merrick Cat Food (2026)
Quick Verdict
| Category | Wellness | Merrick |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Very Good | Very Good |
| Price | ~$55–$65/11 lb dry; $2.50/can | ~$50–$65/12 lb dry; $2.50/can |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Clean ingredients, LID, minimal recalls | High protein, deboned meat first, USA-made |
Brand Overview
Wellness (WellPet) has been a natural cat food pioneer since 1997. CORE grain-free for high protein, Complete Health for balanced nutrition, and Simple LID for allergy-prone cats.
Merrick (Nestlé Purina since 2015) is known for high-protein grain-free cat formulas with deboned meat as first ingredient. Made in Hereford, Texas.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Wellness CORE Indoor | Merrick Purrfect Bistro |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 38% | 37% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 16% | 17% |
| Calories (kcal/cup) | ~342 | ~356 |
Pros and Cons
Wellness
Pros
- Minimal recall history
- CORE grain-free 38% protein
- Simple LID excellent for allergy cats
- Chelated minerals for absorption
- No artificial additives
Cons
- WellPet private equity ownership
- Grain-free DCM advisory applies
Merrick
Pros
- Deboned meat always first ingredient
- 37% protein grain-free
- USA-made in Texas
- Excellent palatability for cats
Cons
- Purina ownership since 2015
- Grain-free DCM advisory
Best For
Choose Wellness if: Clean ingredients, minimal recalls, and LID options for sensitive cats.
Choose Merrick if: Deboned meat first and USA manufacturing are priorities.
FAQ
Is Wellness or Merrick better for indoor cats? Both have indoor formulas. Wellness CORE Indoor has slightly more fiber for hairball control. Merrick’s higher fat is good for maintaining weight in less active cats.
Which is better for picky cats? Merrick’s higher fat content tends to be more palatable for picky eaters. Both brands are generally well-accepted by cats.
Does Wellness have wet cat food? Yes—Wellness Complete Health pâté and shredded wet foods are excellent. Wet food is generally recommended for cats due to their low thirst drive.
Has Merrick cat food been recalled? No recalls for Merrick cat food specifically since the Purina acquisition.
Is grain-free safe for cats? The FDA DCM investigation focused on dogs; cats have different metabolic pathways. The grain-free advisory is less of a concern for cats than dogs, but consult your vet.
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