Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult
Small breed owners who want size-specific veterinary-formulated nutrition
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 Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult
Small breed owners who want size-specific veterinary-formulated nutrition
Royal Canin's size-specific approach is their differentiator — the formula is tailored for small breed metabolism, jaw size, and nutritional requirements. The science backing is strong. However, at ~$39/day it's the most expensive option in this comparison for a 50 lb dog, and the ingredient list includes by-products that don't match the premium price.
Strengths
- Size-specific formulation tailored for small breed nutritional needs
- Veterinary-developed with precise nutrient profiles for breed size
- Convenient 3 oz pouch format designed for small dog portion sizes
Limitations
- Extremely expensive at ~$39/day for a 50 lb dog due to small pouch format
- Contains by-products and unnamed protein sources despite premium positioning
- Low ingredient transparency — sourcing and processing details are minimal
