Merrick vs Blue Buffalo
Two popular natural dog food brands with devoted followings. Both emphasize quality ingredients and USA manufacturing—here's how they compare.
At a Glance
| Metric | Merrick | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Products Available | 100+ | 220+ |
| Average Rating | 4.53/5 | 4.49/5 |
| Total Reviews | 28,000+ | 116,000+ |
| Parent Company | Nestlé Purina | General Mills |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$-$$$ |
| USA Made |
Merrick
Founded in 1988 in Hereford, Texas as a family-owned company. Known for cooking in their own USA kitchens and using whole, deboned meats. Acquired by Nestlé Purina in 2015.
Product Lines:
- • Classic - Grain-inclusive recipes
- • Grain Free - High protein, no grains
- • Backcountry - Raw-infused kibble
- • Limited Ingredient - For sensitivities
- • Lil' Plates - Small breed formulas
Blue Buffalo
Founded in 2002, named after founder's Airedale "Blue." Known for LifeSource Bits and "real meat first" philosophy. Acquired by General Mills in 2018.
Product Lines:
- • Life Protection - Everyday nutrition
- • Wilderness - High-protein, grain-free
- • Freedom - Grain-free options
- • Basics - Limited ingredient
- • True Solutions - Targeted nutrition
Merrick Pros
- Cooks in own USA facilities
- Whole deboned meats first
- Raw-infused options available
- Higher protein in many formulas
Merrick Cons
- Smaller product range
- Higher price point
- Less retail availability
Blue Buffalo Pros
- Wide variety of formulas
- LifeSource Bits antioxidants
- Widely available everywhere
- More affordable options
Blue Buffalo Cons
- Past recall history
- Formula changes post-acquisition
- Some ingredient controversies
Top Merrick Products
Top Blue Buffalo Products
The Verdict
Both are solid natural food choices. Choose Merrick if you want higher protein content, prefer raw-infused options, or value the "cooked in their own kitchen" approach. Choose Blue Buffalo if you want more formula variety, better availability, or a more affordable entry point into natural dog food.
For sensitive dogs, Merrick Limited Ingredient and Blue Buffalo Basics are comparable. For high-protein needs, compare Merrick Grain Free vs Blue Buffalo Wilderness.
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