Merrick vs Taste of The Wild: Which is Better?

Properly selected food is the basis of a dog’s well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition of the diet. A commercially prepared diet is easier to offer than a home-cooked diet, which often lacks nutrients. The food should be selected according to several criteria:

• Consistency – the feed is divided into dry and wet. Wet ones contain up to 70-80% moisture, while dry ones contain about  10% moisture and are more nutritionally dense pound for pound.
• Ingredients – for the dog’s diet preparation, manufacturers use a range of ingredients including proteins, bone meal, rice, wheat, and other cereals. The best types of food are prepared from meat, fish, offal, and vegetables.
• The energy value – the manufacturer must indicate it on the packaging. In low-quality products, it is up to 350 kcal per 100 g. The caloric content of a good diet is from 350 to 450 kcal per 100 g. The higher the caloric content, the smaller the portion size needed, so buying expensive and better-quality feed is economically feasible.

Classification by price is made in economy class, premium class, super-premium class, and holistic. In producing economy-class products, canned food or dry pellets ingredients such as poor-quality cuts of meat, fat,  bone meal, and may use soy.

Premium foods generally contain up to 30% of meat, fish, or offal and natural plant components. Compared to economy-class products, their quality and benefits for pets are much higher. Super premium-class and holistic contain natural meat, fish, and vegetable components, the percentage of synthetic additives is minimal, or they are absent. In addition, these foods often contain additional ‘super foods’ such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and beta-glucans.

Food categories can also be divided into prescription, specialized and conventional. Vets prescribe prescription diets for specific health conditions such as allergies, liver, or heart diseases. Specialized diets are selected for animals in certain categories: puppies, pregnant and nursing, sterilized, overweight, etc. There will be a range of options in each class division, and unwell dogs generally benefit from good quality food.

Merrick vs Taste of The Wild Comparison

To choose the best dry dog food, you need to focus on the composition, not on advertising. Poorer quality foods can have the most expensive ad campaigns! Here we will make a rating of dog food that you can trust. Also, in this article, we will describe the main criteria that will help you choose a diet that best meets the needs of your dog.

“We are lucky nowadays that there are a huge range of high quality, commercial food manufacturers making excellent dog food diets. So whether we are keen to feed grain-free, offer protein-rich food or buy from a sustainable company, there will be an option out there. Both ‘Merrick’ and ‘Taste of the Wild’ are superior products that will suit the majority of dogs.”

– DVM Linda Simon.

	Merrick	Taste of The Wild
Our rating	5	5
Primary Protein Source/ Primary Carbohydrate Source	Deboned Beef/Sweet Potato	Buffalo/Sweet Potato
First Five Ingredients Listed	Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes	Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Protein	34.0% min	32.0% min
Fat	15.0% min	18.0% min
Fiber	3.5% max	4.0% max
Moisture (max.)	11.0% max	10.0% max

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is an American company founded in 1988. They produce grain-free dry food in the “premium” class for cats and dogs. In 2015, the company was acquired by Nestle Purina PetCare Company. Manufacturers claim that all components of the feed are natural, without preservatives and artificial colors. Merrick has 6 production lines.

1. Grain-Free – a standard line of grain-free feed.
2. Merrick Backcountry – kibble with raw infused toppers.
3. Full Source – a formula enriched with useful vitamins and minerals.
4. Lil’ Plates –their smaller pups’ line.
5. Limited Ingredient Diet – for dogs that suffer from a sensitive digestive system.
6. Classic Healthy Grains – their standard grain inclusive line.

Taste of the Wild is a natural, and healthy pet food that is made exclusively from high-quality ingredients. The food lines are designed to promote your dog’s health, well-being, appearance, and physical condition. Many super-premium dog and puppy food lines offer a wide range of different flavors, which will undoubtedly please even the most fastidious and picky.

The manufacturer offers different food options for pets.

1. Pacific Stream – a line of hypoallergenic feed made based on fish protein. Suitable for dogs that are sensitive to certain ingredients. This is a universal food ideal for puppies and adults. It contains salmon meat.
2. Southwest Canyon is also a versatile line suitable for dogs of all ages.Wild boar and lamb are used as the source of protein.
3. Praire Puppy is the diet aimed at puppies. The ingredients used are suitable for stomachs that are not yet fully weaned from their mother’s milk. The lamb and deer meat used is often better tolerated than alternatives such as chicken and egg, to which some dogs are sensitive.
4. Wetlands – a diet for adult dogs, which includes meat of quail, wild ducks, turkey, chicken.

Assortment

Product	Merrick	Taste of the Wild
Dry dog food	38 recipes	16 recipes
Wet dog food	51 recipes	5 recipes
Treats for dogs	29 recipes	–

Merrick:      

Taste of The Wild:

History

Merrick      

Merrick was founded in the mid-80s. In the beginning, it was a family business. Garth Merrick was very fond of dogs and believed that proper nutrition was vital for them. The company’s goal is to produce the highest quality food and all kinds of treats for pets. Due to the responsible attitude to quality, the company quickly became popular. Due to the ongoing trend towards creating healthy pet foods, their popularity continues to grow.  In 2015, the company was acquired by Nestle Purina PetCare Company.^[1]

Taste of The Wild

The American brand Taste of the Wild is a manufacturer of dry food of a new type for cats and dogs. The brand was created in 2007. Taste of the Wild has five plants located in California, Missouri, Arkansas, and South Carolina.  These companies produce their own original formulas. The company produces its feed only at affordable prices. Their audience consists of buyers who want to buy premium food at a better price.^[3]

Food Ingredients

The packaging of each feed must list the ingredients that were used. According to United States standards, the ingredients on the package are listed in descending order. The product whose presence in the composition is more significant in weight is indicated in front, followed by elements whose mass fraction is less than at least 1%; at the end of the list are components whose content reaches only 0.1% per 1 kg of feed.

Since dogs belong to the family of predators and are omnivores, the basis of their diet should be protein. This can be beef, chicken, any other meat of animals or birds, as well as fish and egg.

Carbohydrates are mandatory in the diet of dogs. They provide the pet’s body with a long-term supply of energy. They will typically make up about 30-40% in terms of dry matter. Unique dietary products with a low carbohydrate content are suitable only for those pets for which these carbohydrates are contraindicated for medical reasons.

Fiber is mainly responsible for maintaining the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals. The percentage of its content in dry food should about 2-4%. Manufacturers most often use sources of fiber such as beet pulp.

For the diet to be truly balanced, it must include various Omega fatty acids in the correct ratio. The source of Omega-6 fatty acids in ready-made feeds is most often animal fat. This nutrient is necessary to maintain the elasticity of fabrics and the shine of wool. On the other hand, valuable Omega-3 fatty acids are obtained from fish (most often salmon) and linseed oils. These biologically active substances are responsible for ensuring the elasticity of the skin and joints of pets. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids support the body’s response to inflammatory processes. ^[4]

The presence of mannan oligosaccharides in the finished feed is not necessary, but it is desirable. This source of insoluble dietary fiber promotes the binding of pathogenic microflora in the animal’s body. 

In addition to studying the composition of the feed, consider its purpose. Choose a ready-made balanced diet based on the individual characteristics of your pet. For sterilized, elderly, and dogs with kidney diseases, there are their own food lines. When choosing a diet for an animal with a particular health problem, you should consult with a veterinarian.

Merrick              

Merrick feeds have an absolutely natural composition and meet the high standards set by particular pet owners. This ensures that your pet receives all the vital nutrients they need and helps to maintain perfect health throughout life.

The Merrick group of products contains, on average, about 30% protein and 15% fat. Meat ingredients are used without bones. Chicken, beef, or duck is always the first ingredient in the recipe. Merrick never uses by-products in his recipes.

This company supplies the market with different formulas of grain and grain-free feed. They don’t use corn, wheat, or soy as fillers but instead use brown rice and oatmeal. The recipe for each food also includes additional vitamins and minerals so that your pet gets everything necessary for their normal growth and development. ^[2]

Controversial ingredients used by Merrick:

• Garlic (toxic to cats and dogs in a certain amount)
• Canola Oil
• Caramel Color
• Meaty Femur Bone
• Powdered Cellulose
• Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Taste of The Wild

The company’s products are well respect internationally. They are considered well-made and nutritious diets; something commented on in the numerous grateful customer reviews. The brand has become popular not only in the United States but also in Europe and Asia. The company claims that they purchase their ingredients all over the world. Before using raw materials, specialists carefully check all the ingredients.

Taste of The Wild food is characterized by such properties as the content of useful ingredients in large quantities; a good composition, without the content of cereals; a complex of elements, vitamins, materials necessary for the healthy development of the dog; an optimal ratio of fats, proteins; no flavors, dyes, cereal fillers. However, the main advantage of Taste of the Wild dry food for dogs is its unique recipe. The diet includes supplements from oceanic fish and meat from wild animals, such as deer, wild boar, and bison. The feed manufacturer guarantees that the formulation has been developed in accordance with the recommendations of US veterinarians.

The creators of this diet were eager to create a grain free option that supported the digestive health of dogs. Corn, wheat, and other grains are replaced with beans, peas, sweet potatoes, rich in fiber and vitamins. There are plenty of antioxidants that support a pooch’s immunity at the necessary level.

The content of proteins and meat products in this feed composition in a percentage ratio is up to 40%. For the dogs to like the product’s taste, the manufacturer adds wild animal meat, for example, bison meat and baked venison. The meat rich taste is obtained without the use of synthetic additives. This is especially important for those owners who appreciate the option of a natural of dog food.

Controversial ingredients used by Taste of The Wild:

• Canola Oil
• Tomato Pomace (a by-product of tomato manufacturing)
• Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

READ MORE: How Long Does it Take a Dog to Digest Food?

History of recalls

Merrick               

Merrick has recalled its products from the market 6 times.

2010 – this year, the company recalled its products from the market three times due to suspected salmonella.

2011 – this year, the company twice recalled its products also due to suspected salmonella contamination.

2018 – Merrick recorded an elevated level of the thyroid hormone of beef and recalled a batch of feed from the market.

Taste of The Wild

In relation to the feed brand Taste of the Wild, only one recall of their products has been recorded at the moment.

2012 – the company recalled a batch of feed due to suspected salmonella contamination. Despite this, the company managed to regain its position in the market.

Price Comparison

Here we will present average price data that will help determine whether there is a significant difference between the two brands.

Merrick     

	Dry Dog Food	Wet Dog Food
Per Pound	$4.87	$4.72
Per Calorie	$0.0029	$0.0108

Taste of The Wild

	Dry Dog Food	Wet Dog Food
Per Pound	$1.91	$2.86
Per Calorie	$0.0012	$0.0070

According to the results of the price comparison of products from Merrick vs Taste of The Wild, we can say that Taste of The Wild products has a much lower price. The company initially positioned itself as a producer of feed with affordable prices.

Guaranteed Analysis

Another important point is the ratio of nutrients: proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The components are indicated in natural or percentage terms per 100 grams of the product. The amount of protein indicated on the label is the sum obtained as a result of adding up the fractions of all its varieties, including animal, plant, and bacterial-fungal proteins (present in the case of the presence of brewer’s yeast and probiotics in the feed).

Merrick              

	Dry Dog Food	Wet/Canned Dog Food
Crude Protein	37.2%	43.8%
Crude Fat	17.0%	20.9%
Crude Fiber	4.3%	8.6%

Taste of The Wild

	Dry Dog Food	Wet/Canned Dog Food
Crude Protein	32.0%	45.0%
Crude Fat	17.8%	20.6%
Crude Fiber	4.7%	5.6%

Taste of the Wild dry dog food recipes contains 5.20% less protein than Merrick recipes. Crude Fat the same amount. Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.

For wet dog foods, both companies provide the same amount of protein. Crude Fat is the same amount too. For wet dog foods, Merrick typically provides a little more fiber (about 3.05% more).

Most Popular Dog Food Formulas Comparison

TOP Dog Foods of Merrick Company

1. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Puppy

This Merrick Grain-free recipe provides your pet with a balanced diet that they will enjoy. Merrick’s grain-free recipe is made with real chicken meat as the №1 ingredient. This recipe also contains many fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and many  more.

This food contains 60% protein and healthy fats and 40% fiber, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients. It also contains DHA to support healthy brain development. In addition, glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy joints, while omega-fatty acids are added for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Key features:

• Omega fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Maintain optimal weight and increased energy.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy hips and joints.

2. Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato

This food is made from quality products received from reliable farmers. Merrick Real Texas Beef Formula + Sweet Potato is a grain-free dry food for adult dogs. It contains 65% protein, with beef as the number one ingredient. High-quality protein supports the healthy muscle growth of the pet.

The remaining 35% of the feed is fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients.  A balanced diet, suitable for all breeds of adult dogs. The diet is designed with a high content of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. This keeps the skin healthy and the coat shiny. Glucosamine and chondroitin support good joint health.

Key features:

• A grain-free recipe made with real beef and sweet potato.
• Support skin and coat health.
• 60% of the protein comes from animal sources.

3. Merrick Grain-Free Senior

The Merrick recipe for Senior Dogs is carefully created with the highest quality products. Deboned chicken is the main ingredient providing high-quality protein for older dogs of all breeds.

A formula with 55 percent protein and healthy fats and 45 percent, fiber, vitamins, minerals supports the overall health of your elderly friend. The food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to maintain healthy joints.

Key features:

• Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Includes L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism.
• 77% of protein from animal sources.

TOP Dog Foods of Taste of the Wild Company

1. Taste of the Wild Puppy

High Prairie puppy food is an excellent choice for any breed with a sensitive stomach. This grain-free formula is suitable for large breed dogs too.

This recipe includes real meat and a complex of protein sources. The presence of fruits and vegetables in the meal ensures that your puppy will receive all the necessary range of micronutrients and natural antioxidants so they can lead a healthy and active life.

Key features:

• Grain-free and gluten-free.
• Regionally specific, ancestrally accurate diets.
• Rich in antioxidants.

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie

Dry dog food Taste Of The Wild High Prairie – a special type of food for your pet. Its formula was developed by veterinarians in order to provide your pet with all the necessary and important components for him so that he can lead a full and active life.

The main component in the feed is bison meat in its pure form – a source of proteins and fats, which are easy and fast to digest. This food is grain gree which may be of benefit to those dogs with a grain sensitivity.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, also added to Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Canin, supply the required vitamins and antioxidants.

Key features:

• TOTW’s most popular sub-brand.
• 32% protein, brand average.
• Complete and balanced nutrition source.

3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Formula

Salmon meat is the main source of protein in this grain-free diet. The recipe contains a range of trace elements needed by every active pooch.

Made with real smoked salmon meat, this recipe offers a unique taste that is sure to please your pet. The presence of fruits and vegetables in combination with fish and potatoes ensures that the body receives all the necessary range of natural antioxidants for excellent health, as well as an active life.

Key features:

• Made with real smoked salmon.
• Fish and potato formula delivers natural antioxidants.
• No grain, corn or soy.

Final Word

The quality of the products of both brands is high. Both companies carefully monitor high production standards. Both dry and wet food from Merrick and Taste of the Wild are an excellent choice for your pet.

If you are looking for a high-quality grain-free formula at a reasonable price, then you should choose to feed the Taste of the Wild. Taste of the Wild are the creators of excellent quality and balanced recipes, but Merrick has a more extensive range of products.

Each manufacturer wins in different categories, where, in our opinion, one is stronger than the other. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the specific needs of your dog, your own beliefs and circumstances.

READ MORE: How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Our Story.” Merrick Pet Care, merrickpetcare.com/our-story.
2. “Browse Dog Food.” Merrick Pet Care, merrickpetcare.com/b/dog-food/.
3. “About Taste of the Wild.” Taste of the Wild Pet Food, tasteofthewildpetfood.com/our-company/.
4. Tyko, Kelly. “Your Dog May Be at Risk for Developing Heart Disease Based on Their Food, FDA Says.” USA TODAY, 28 June 2019, usatoday.com/story/money/2019/06/28/dog-heart-disease-fda-finds-potential-link-16-brands-dog-food/1592388001/.