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Merrick vs Ultimates

Merrick vs. Ultimates

In this comparison article for Merrick vs Ultimates, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Merrick and Ultimates, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.

Throughout this Ultimates vs Merrick comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Merrick Review Page or Ultimates Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Ultimates vs. Merrick

According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.

Merrick Dog Food vs. Ultimates Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodMerrickUltimates
Crude Protein34.1%26.3%
Crude Fat17.4%14.9%
Crude Fiber4.3%5.7%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.

The table shows that Ultimates provides far less protein than Merrick. The difference in protein content is roughly 7.77%.


Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.

If you look at the average percentages of crude fat, you'll notice that Merrick typically guarantees 2.49% more fat. This is a fairly small difference between Merrick and Ultimates, but still worth mentioning.


As you can see, Merrick and Ultimates guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber.

Merrick Pet Food Ingredients vs. Ultimates Pet Food Ingredients

Merrick and Ultimates both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:

Pea Protein
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Merrick.

Canola Oil
Caramel Color
Powdered Cellulose

Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Ultimates.

Beet Pulp

We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.

Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Merrick.

Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex

Product Safety: Recall History of Merrick & Ultimates?

Merrick has been recalled 6 times.

  • Jan. 28, 2011: Salmonella
  • Aug. 8, 2011: Salmonella
  • July 2, 2010: Salmonella
  • Aug. 3, 2010: Salmonella
  • Aug. 13, 2010: Salmonella
  • May 23, 2018: elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone

According to our records, Ultimates has never been recalled.


Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!

Where To Buy Merrick Pet Foods

You can purchase Merrick pet foods from the following stores:


128 Recipes In-Stock Today

105 Recipes In-Stock Today

80 Recipes In-Stock Today

19 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Ultimates Pet Foods

You can purchase Ultimates pet food products from these retailers:


16 Recipes In-Stock Today

Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductMerrickUltimates
Dry Dog Food47 Recipes13 Recipes
Wet Dog Food58 RecipesNone
Dog Treats35 Treats4 Treats
Dry Cat Food14 RecipesNone
Wet Cat Food42 RecipesNone
Cat TreatsNoneNone

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