Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entree
Vet-recommended feeding programs that pair with Hill's dry food
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 Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entree
Vet-recommended feeding programs that pair with Hill's dry food
Hill's Science Diet wet food follows the same formula as their dry — strong nutritional science, precise formulation, but ingredient quality that doesn't match the price. By-product meal at ~$11/day is a hard sell when competitors offer named-protein formulas for similar money. Best used in combination with Hill's dry food on vet recommendation.
Strengths
- Developed by veterinary nutritionists with feeding trial validation
- Precise nutrient balance optimized for adult dog maintenance
- Good safety record for wet food lines over the past 5+ years
Limitations
- Contains chicken by-product meal — not a premium protein source
- Premium pricing (~$11/day) for ingredient quality that trails competitors
- Minimal sourcing transparency on ingredient origins
