Purrfect Bistro Braised Pork, Carrot & Barley Grilled in Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high-moisture, chunk-in-gravy wet food for adult cats, featuring pork as the primary animal protein along with chicken, liver, and added egg for extra protein quality. Carrots and barley provide some carbohydrate and fiber, while added taurine, vitamins, and minerals make it a complete and balanced diet for adult maintenance. Its gravy-style texture can work well for cats who prefer softer, saucier meals or need extra hydration from their food.
Overall, this is a very good quality wet food for adult cats that offers multiple animal protein sources and a high moisture content. The nutrient profile is appropriate for adult maintenance, and it is fully AAFCO-formulated, which helps ensure it meets essential nutrient needs. It is a good everyday option for healthy adult cats that do well with pork and chicken-based diets, though it’s not ideal for cats with known chicken or egg allergies.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple animal protein sources (pork, chicken, liver, egg) help provide a complete amino acid profile for cats.
- Very high moisture content (82%) supports hydration, which is especially helpful for cats that don’t drink a lot of water on their own.
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance per AAFCO, so it can be fed as a sole diet for adult cats.
- Avoids corn and soy, which some owners prefer, while including barley and carrots for additional carbohydrates and fiber.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and egg, which are common allergens for some cats, so it would not suit cats with known sensitivities to those ingredients.
- Protein and fat levels are on the moderate side for a wet food, which is fine for many adult cats but may be a bit low for very active or underweight cats needing a calorie-dense diet.
- Includes wheat gluten, which is safe nutritionally but may not be appropriate for cats who have had issues with gluten-containing diets in the past.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Pork Broth
Pork broth is typically used in pet foods and treats as a flavoring, palatant and moisture enhancer to improve aroma and encourage eating, and may contribute small amounts of protein, fat and minerals depending on preparation. It can help increase palatability and hydration, but owners should watch for high sodium or fat content and added seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, or other additives) and avoid it for pets on sodium‑ or fat‑restricted diets or with pork sensitivities.
02
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
03
Wheat Gluten
Wheat gluten is a concentrated plant protein commonly used in dry pet foods as a protein booster, binder and texture improver to help form kibble and extend meat-based ingredients. It provides digestible protein for dogs and cats but is low in certain essential amino acids (notably lysine) and lacks animal-specific nutrients like taurine, so it should not be the sole protein source; pets with wheat or gluten sensitivities may also experience allergic or gastrointestinal reactions.
04
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
05
Liver
Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat used in pet foods as a high-quality protein source, natural flavor enhancer, and a concentrated supply of vitamins and minerals—particularly vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper. It offers important micronutrients for both dogs and cats but should be fed in controlled amounts because excessive liver can cause vitamin A (and sometimes copper) toxicity, and raw liver carries food-safety risks unless properly processed.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Braised Pork, Carrot & Barley Grilled in Gravy Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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