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Dr. Elsey's vs Merrick

Dr. Elsey's is made by Precious Cat, Inc., and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare). On KibbleLab, Dr. Elsey's averages 8.7 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Dr. Elsey's makes food for cats, while Merrick covers cats and dogs.

Dr. Elsey's and Merrick compared

Dr. Elsey's Merrick
Manufacturer Precious Cat, Inc. Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Independent Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1987 1988
Headquarters Englewood, Colorado, USA Amarillo, Texas, USA
Products listed 21 118
Serves Cats Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No No
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.7 (avg of 21) 8.0 (avg of 118)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Dr. Elsey's vs Merrick: how they compare

Scores

Dr. Elsey's scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.7 out of 10 across 21 scored foods, compared with 8.0 across 118 for Merrick. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Dr. Elsey's is made by Precious Cat, Inc., an independent maker, based in Englewood, Colorado, USA, founded in 1987. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in Amarillo, Texas, USA, founded in 1988.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 21 Dr. Elsey's foods and 118 Merrick foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Dr. Elsey's or Merrick?

Dr. Elsey's scores higher: it averages 8.7 out of 10 across 21 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Dr. Elsey's and Merrick?

Dr. Elsey's is made by Precious Cat, Inc. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, which is owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Merrick has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 21 for Dr. Elsey's.

Where is each brand based?

Dr. Elsey's is based in Englewood, Colorado, USA. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.

Have Dr. Elsey's or Merrick been recalled?

Neither Dr. Elsey's nor Merrick has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Dr. Elsey's and Merrick .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.