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Iams vs Merrick

Iams is made by Iams Company (owned by Mars, Incorporated), and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Iams averages 8.1 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Iams meets WSAVA's published criteria for evaluating a manufacturer, while Merrick does not.

Iams and Merrick compared

Iams Merrick
Manufacturer Iams Company Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Mars, Incorporated Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1946 1988
Headquarters Mason, Ohio, United States Amarillo, Texas, USA
Products listed 48 118
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.
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 .
8.1 (avg of 48) 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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Iams vs Merrick: how they compare

Scores

Iams scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.1 out of 10 across 48 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

Iams is made by Iams Company, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Mason, Ohio, United States, founded in 1946. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in Amarillo, Texas, USA, founded in 1988.

Standards and range

Iams meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria, while Merrick does not. KibbleLab lists 48 Iams foods and 118 Merrick foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Iams or Merrick?

Iams scores higher: it averages 8.1 out of 10 across 48 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Merrick. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Iams and Merrick?

Iams is made by Iams Company, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated. 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 48 for Iams.

Where is each brand based?

Iams is based in Mason, Ohio, United States. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.

Do Iams and Merrick meet WSAVA criteria?

Iams 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.

Have Iams or Merrick been recalled?

Neither Iams 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: Iams 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.