Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato
Dogs with food sensitivities who need a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
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
When to Choose Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato
Dogs with food sensitivities who need a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein
Canidae PURE takes a less-is-more approach with just 8 key ingredients. Real salmon first provides excellent omega-3s for coat and skin health. The limited ingredient design is ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Clean safety record and no artificial anything. A solid choice for sensitive stomachs.
Strengths
- Limited ingredient formula with just 8 key ingredients — ideal for sensitive dogs
- Real salmon as the #1 protein source provides omega-3 fatty acids for coat health
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives — clean and simple formula
Limitations
- Limited ingredient approach means less nutritional diversity than multi-protein formulas
- Grain-free formula falls under FDA DCM investigation concerns
- Salmon-based formulas tend to have stronger odor than chicken-based options
