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Merrick vs Tartar Shield

Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare), and Tartar Shield by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc., and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Merrick averages 8.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Tartar Shield.

Merrick and Tartar Shield compared

Merrick Tartar Shield
Manufacturer Merrick Pet Care Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.
Parent company Nestlé Purina PetCare Independent
Founded 1988 2002
Headquarters Amarillo, Texas, USA Noblesville, Indiana, USA
Products listed 118 8
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 .
8.0 (avg of 118) 7.6 (avg of 8)
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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Merrick vs Tartar Shield: how they compare

Scores

Merrick scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.6 across 8 for Tartar Shield. 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. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc., an independent maker, based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA, founded in 2002.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 118 Merrick foods and 8 Tartar Shield foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Merrick or Tartar Shield?

Merrick scores higher: it averages 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Tartar Shield. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Merrick and Tartar Shield?

Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, which is owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Tartar Shield is made by Tartar Shield Pet Products, Inc.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Merrick has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 8 for Tartar Shield.

Where is each brand based?

Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA. Tartar Shield is based in Noblesville, Indiana, USA.

Have Merrick or Tartar Shield been recalled?

Neither Merrick nor Tartar Shield 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: Merrick and Tartar Shield .

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.