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FirstMate vs Merrick

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods (owned by Nasta Pet Food), and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, FirstMate averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick.

FirstMate and Merrick compared

FirstMate Merrick
Manufacturer FirstMate Pet Foods Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Nasta Pet Food Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1989 1988
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Amarillo, Texas, USA
Products listed 56 118
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 .
8.4 (avg of 56) 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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FirstMate vs Merrick: how they compare

Scores

FirstMate scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 56 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

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, owned by Nasta Pet Food, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1989. 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 56 FirstMate foods and 118 Merrick foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, FirstMate or Merrick?

FirstMate scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 56 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes FirstMate and Merrick?

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, which is owned by Nasta Pet Food. 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 56 for FirstMate.

Where is each brand based?

FirstMate is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.

Have FirstMate or Merrick been recalled?

Neither FirstMate 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: FirstMate 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.