Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Chicken
Budget-conscious owners who need affordable wet food supplementation
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Merrick Grain Free wet food delivers on ingredient quality — deboned chicken first, no by-products, made in the USA. The grain-free formulation suits dogs with grain sensitivities, though the FDA DCM investigation is worth monitoring. At ~$9/day, you pay for genuine quality. Nestlé Purina ownership is a consideration for brand-conscious buyers.
Strengths
- Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient — real meat, not meal or by-products
- Grain-free with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA with strong ingredient labeling and sourcing claims
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$9/day puts it above most mid-range competitors
- Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
- Now owned by Nestlé Purina — corporate ownership may concern some buyers
When to Choose Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Chicken
Budget-conscious owners who need affordable wet food supplementation
Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner is the most affordable wet dog food option available. It meets AAFCO standards for complete nutrition, but the ingredient quality reflects the price — by-products, unnamed proteins, and artificial additives. A functional budget choice for supplementing dry food, not a premium daily diet.
Strengths
- Lowest daily feeding cost in this comparison at ~$4/day — highly accessible
- Widely available at grocery stores, big box retailers, and online
- AAFCO-compliant complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
Limitations
- Contains meat by-products and unnamed protein sources as primary ingredients
- Added artificial colors and preservatives in the formula
- Minimal ingredient transparency — vague sourcing and protein quality
