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 Orijen Original
Owners who want the absolute best ingredient quality regardless of cost
Orijen is widely considered the gold standard of commercial dog food. 85% animal ingredients, WholePrey ratios with organs and cartilage, zero recalls ever. The ingredient list reads like a butcher shop menu. The only real barriers are the ~$2.13/day price and the grain-free DCM concern.
Strengths
- Zero recalls in brand history — impeccable safety record alongside sister brand ACANA
- 85% animal ingredients from fresh/raw free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish
- WholePrey ratios include organs and cartilage — mimics natural ancestral diet
Limitations
- Most expensive option at ~$2.13/day — ultra-premium pricing
- Very high protein content (38%+) may be too rich for sedentary dogs
- Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
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
