Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro
Active and working dogs that need high-protein nutrition at a budget price
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 Victor Purpose Nutra Pro
Active and working dogs that need high-protein nutrition at a budget price
Victor Nutra Pro packs an impressive 38% protein at under $0.70/day — one of the best value-to-nutrition ratios available. The 2023 recall of a related product (Hi-Pro Plus) is a blemish on the safety record, though the Nutra Pro formula itself was not directly involved. Strong choice for active dogs.
Strengths
- High-protein formula (38% crude protein) ideal for active and working dogs
- Excellent value at ~$0.69/day with superior nutritional density
- Proprietary VPRO blend with prebiotics, probiotics, and mineral complexes
Limitations
- Sep/Oct 2023 recall of Victor Hi-Pro Plus line raises safety concerns
- Contains grain ingredients that some owners prefer to avoid
- Less widely available in retail stores compared to major brands
