Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Pate
Owners who want a no-by-product formula at a mainstream price point
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 Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Pate
Owners who want a no-by-product formula at a mainstream price point
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Pate delivers on its core promise — real meat first with no by-products, no artificial anything, at a price that doesn't break the bank. The clean safety record is a plus. It's a solid mid-range option that avoids the worst ingredients without charging premium prices.
Strengths
- Real chicken or beef is always the #1 ingredient — no by-products
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors in any recipe
- Clean safety record with no recalls in brand history
Limitations
- Contains some grain fillers that premium brands avoid
- Smooth pate texture may not appeal to dogs who prefer chunks or stew
- Ingredient sourcing transparency is limited beyond "no by-products" claim
