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Hill's Science Diet vs Merrick

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition (owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company), and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet averages 8.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Merrick does not.

Hill's Science Diet and Merrick compared

Hill's Science Diet Merrick
Manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Colgate-Palmolive Company Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1907 1988
Headquarters Topeka, Kansas, USA Amarillo, Texas, USA
Products listed 73 118
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.
Yes 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.
Yes 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 .
8.6 (avg of 73) 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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Hill's Science Diet vs Merrick: how they compare

Scores

Hill's Science Diet scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.6 out of 10 across 73 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

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, founded in 1907. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in Amarillo, Texas, USA, founded in 1988.

Standards and range

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Merrick does not. Hill's Science Diet is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Merrick is not. KibbleLab lists 73 Hill's Science Diet foods and 118 Merrick foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Hill's Science Diet or Merrick?

Hill's Science Diet scores higher: it averages 8.6 out of 10 across 73 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Hill's Science Diet and Merrick?

Hill's Science Diet is made by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which is owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company. 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 73 for Hill's Science Diet.

Where is each brand based?

Hill's Science Diet is based in Topeka, Kansas, USA. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.

Do Hill's Science Diet and Merrick meet WSAVA criteria?

Hill's Science Diet meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer; Merrick does not, based on public information. WSAVA publishes criteria; it does not certify or endorse brands.

Are Hill's Science Diet or Merrick PSC Accredited?

Hill's Science Diet is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have Hill's Science Diet or Merrick been recalled?

Neither Hill's Science Diet 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: Hill's Science Diet 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.