Merrick and Blue Buffalo are both popular premium natural dog food brands. Both emphasize quality ingredients and transparent sourcing, but they differ in specific approaches and value. Here's how they compare.
Brand Overview
Merrick
- Founded: 1988
- Headquarters: Amarillo, Texas
- Parent Company: Nestlé Purina (since 2015)
- Philosophy: "Real food for real results"
- Price Point: $$$ (Premium)
Blue Buffalo
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wilton, Connecticut
- Parent Company: General Mills
- Philosophy: Natural ingredients, "True Blue Promise"
- Price Point: $$ - $$$ (Premium)
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Merrick | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price (25-28 lb) | $55-70 | $55-65 |
| Made in USA | Yes | Yes |
| First Ingredient | Deboned meat | Real meat |
| Unique Feature | Texas roots, whole foods | LifeSource Bits |
Ingredient Philosophy
Merrick
- Deboned meat as first ingredient
- Whole foods approach
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial preservatives
- Local sourcing emphasis
- Farm-to-bowl traceability
Blue Buffalo
- Real meat first
- "True Blue Promise" standards
- LifeSource Bits (antioxidants, vitamins)
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy (many formulas)
- Natural focus
Both brands emphasize real, whole-food ingredients.
Nutritional Comparison
Protein Content
- Merrick Classic: 26-30%
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: 24-26%
- Merrick Backcountry: 34-38%
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: 32-36%
- Similar ranges across comparable lines
Fat Content
- Merrick: 14-17%
- Blue Buffalo: 14-18%
- Comparable
Key Differences
Merrick:
- Glucosamine/chondroitin in many formulas
- Omega fatty acids emphasis
- Whole grains focus in classic line
Blue Buffalo:
- LifeSource Bits (cold-formed nutrients)
- More marketing presence
- Wider product variety
Product Lines
Merrick
- Classic: Whole-food balanced nutrition
- Backcountry: High protein, grain-free
- Lil' Plates: Small breed
- Healthy Grains: Grain-inclusive
- Limited Ingredient: Sensitive dogs
Blue Buffalo
- Life Protection: Core line
- Wilderness: High protein, grain-free
- Basics: Limited ingredient
- Freedom: Grain-free
- True Solutions: Targeted health
- Baby Blue: Puppy specific
Blue Buffalo offers more variety; Merrick focuses on core excellence.
Price Comparison
Per 25-28 lb Bag
- Merrick Classic: $55-65
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection: $55-65
- Merrick Backcountry: $65-75
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: $65-75
Prices are very comparable across similar product lines.
Quality and Safety
Merrick
- Cooked in Merrick's Texas kitchen
- Strong quality control under Purina
- Fewer major recalls
- FDA-registered facility
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple recalls over the years
- Settled ingredient mislabeling lawsuit
- Improved under General Mills
- Generally reliable now
Merrick has a slightly better safety track record.
Manufacturing
Merrick
- Made in their own Texas facility
- "Single kitchen" approach
- Purina resources for quality control
- Domestic sourcing emphasis
Blue Buffalo
- Multiple manufacturing facilities
- General Mills quality standards
- USA made
- Standard premium manufacturing
Who Should Choose Each
Choose Merrick If:
- You appreciate Texas-made products
- Joint health matters (glucosamine)
- Fewer recalls is important
- You want focused product lines
- Whole foods approach appeals
Choose Blue Buffalo If:
- LifeSource Bits appeal to you
- You want more product variety
- Wider availability preferred
- Brand recognition matters
- Your dog thrives on it
Our Verdict
Nearly Equal Quality
Both brands offer:
- Premium ingredients
- Real meat first
- No artificial preservatives
- Similar nutritional profiles
Slight Advantages
Merrick:
- Better recall history
- Single-kitchen manufacturing
- Joint support ingredients
- Texas roots/traceability
Blue Buffalo:
- More product variety
- LifeSource Bits
- Wider availability
- More specialized options
The Bottom Line
These brands are remarkably similar in quality and price. Choose based on your dog's specific needs, local availability, or whichever your dog prefers. Both serve most dogs well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better quality?
They're comparable. Both use quality ingredients and meet premium standards. Neither is clearly superior. Your dog's response matters more than brand.
Does Merrick being owned by Purina affect quality?
Merrick maintains its own formulas and manufacturing. Purina ownership provides additional resources and quality control without changing the brand's identity.
Which is better for sensitive stomachs?
Both have limited ingredient options (Merrick Limited Ingredient, Blue Buffalo Basics). Either works well for sensitive dogs—try whichever is more available.
Are the grain-free versions safe?
Both face FDA DCM concerns with grain-free formulas. Consider grain-inclusive options (Merrick Healthy Grains, Blue Buffalo Life Protection) if concerned. Consult your veterinarian.
Can I switch between these brands?
Yes, transition gradually over 7-10 days. They're similar enough that most dogs adapt well.