ACANA Wholesome Grains Free-Run Poultry
Quality-focused owners who want traceable ingredients with a perfect safety record
Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose ACANA Wholesome Grains Free-Run Poultry
Quality-focused owners who want traceable ingredients with a perfect safety record
ACANA delivers premium ingredient quality with zero recalls ever — a rare combination. Free-run poultry with named sources and the wholesome grains formula addresses grain-free DCM concerns. At ~$1.60/day it costs more, but the ingredient quality and safety record justify the premium for many owners.
Strengths
- Zero recalls in brand history — flawless safety record
- Free-run chicken and turkey with named, traceable protein sources
- Wholesome grains option addresses DCM concerns while maintaining quality
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$1.60/day puts it out of reach for some budgets
- Smaller 22.5 lb bag means more frequent purchasing
- Rich formula may cause digestive adjustment for dogs switching from lower-protein foods
When to Choose Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Merrick puts deboned chicken — not chicken meal — as the first ingredient, which is a meaningful quality distinction. No corn, wheat, soy, and made in the USA with solid transparency. The Nestlé Purina ownership is a consideration for brand-conscious buyers, but the formula quality remains strong.
Strengths
- Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient — real meat, not meal
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives/colors/flavors
- Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients and clear labeling
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$1.50/day for the ingredient quality level
- Smaller 25 lb bag increases per-serving cost compared to larger formats
- Now owned by Nestlé Purina — corporate ownership may concern some buyers
