Merrick vs Pedigree
Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and Pedigree by Mars Petcare (owned by Mars, Incorporated). On KibbleLab, Merrick averages 8.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 6.6 for Pedigree. Merrick makes food for cats and dogs, while Pedigree covers dogs.
Merrick and Pedigree compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Merrick Pet Care | Mars Petcare |
| Parent company | Nestlé Purina PetCare | Mars, Incorporated |
| Founded | 1988 | 1935 |
| Headquarters | Amarillo, Texas, USA | Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ) |
| Products listed | 118 | 49 |
| Serves | Cats & dogs | Dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe 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 accreditedThe 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 |
ScoreThe 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 . |
8.0 (avg of 118) | 6.6 (avg of 49) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | 1 |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Merrick vs Pedigree: how they compare
Scores
Merrick scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 6.6 across 49 for Pedigree. 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
Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in Amarillo, Texas, USA, founded in 1988. Pedigree is made by Mars Petcare, owned by Mars, Incorporated, based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ), founded in 1935.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 118 Merrick foods and 49 Pedigree foods.
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Merrick
Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Merrick or Pedigree?
Merrick scores higher: it averages 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 6.6 for Pedigree. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Merrick and Pedigree?
Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, which is owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Pedigree is made by Mars Petcare, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Merrick has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 49 for Pedigree.
Where is each brand based?
Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA. Pedigree is based in Brussels, Belgium (global Petcare division); McLean, Virginia, USA (Mars, Incorporated global HQ).
Have Merrick or Pedigree been recalled?
Merrick has no recalls on record in the KibbleLab database; Pedigree has 1 recall. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
More comparisons
More Merrick 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.