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 Food | Merrick | Ultimates |
Crude Protein | 34.1% | 26.3% |
Crude Fat | 17.4% | 14.9% |
Crude Fiber | 4.3% | 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:
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Merrick.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Ultimates.
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.
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:
Where To Buy Ultimates Pet Foods
You can purchase Ultimates pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
Product | Merrick | Ultimates |
Dry Dog Food | 47 Recipes | 13 Recipes |
Wet Dog Food | 58 Recipes | None |
Dog Treats | 35 Treats | 4 Treats |
Dry Cat Food | 14 Recipes | None |
Wet Cat Food | 42 Recipes | None |
Cat Treats | None | None |