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Essence vs Merrick

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Essence averages 8.3 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Merrick's maker dates to 1988, while Essence's launched in 2010.

Essence and Merrick compared

Essence Merrick
Manufacturer Pets Global, Inc. Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Independent Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 2010 1988
Headquarters Valencia, California, USA Amarillo, Texas, USA
Products listed 13 118
Serves Cats & dogs 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 .
8.3 (avg of 13) 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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Essence vs Merrick: how they compare

Scores

Essence scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.3 out of 10 across 13 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

Essence is made by Pets Global, Inc., an independent maker, based in Valencia, California, USA, founded in 2010. 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 13 Essence foods and 118 Merrick foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Essence or Merrick?

Essence scores higher: it averages 8.3 out of 10 across 13 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Essence and Merrick?

Essence is made by Pets Global, 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 13 for Essence.

Where is each brand based?

Essence is based in Valencia, California, USA. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.

Have Essence or Merrick been recalled?

Neither Essence 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: Essence 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.