Quick Verdict
Taste of the Wild wins for value — premium grain-free nutrition at a mid-range price. But Merrick is better if you want the highest protein content and the most whole-food ingredients in every bite.
Taste of the Wild Overview
Taste of the Wild is a family-owned brand manufactured in the USA by Diamond Pet Foods. The brand was created to offer grain-free, ancestral-diet-inspired nutrition at a price point that does not require a second mortgage. With novel proteins like bison, venison, wild boar, smoked salmon, and roasted duck, Taste of the Wild delivers a menu that feels premium without the ultra-premium price.
Each formula is grain-free, using sweet potatoes and peas as primary carbohydrate sources. The brand includes proprietary K9 Strain probiotics — species-specific beneficial bacteria added after cooking to support digestive health. The PREY line takes things further with limited-ingredient recipes for dogs with food sensitivities.
Taste of the Wild is produced in company-owned facilities in the USA, giving the brand direct control over quality and safety. A 28-pound bag typically costs $40-$50, making it one of the most affordable grain-free options that still uses real named meats as primary protein sources.
Merrick Overview
Merrick was founded in Hereford, Texas with a commitment to whole-food, kitchen-quality ingredients. Now owned by Nestle Purina, Merrick has maintained its premium recipe standards while gaining access to a larger distribution network. The brand’s tagline — “real food for pets” — reflects its emphasis on using deboned meat, whole vegetables, and recognizable ingredients.
Merrick’s grain-free lineup features recipes like Real Texas Beef, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Backcountry Raw Infused (which adds freeze-dried raw bites to the kibble). Protein levels typically range from 34-38% — among the highest in the premium dog food category. Every recipe is cooked in Merrick’s own kitchen in Hereford, Texas.
The brand also offers a Grain-Free Puppy formula, Senior formula, and Healthy Weight option. Merrick Backcountry combines traditional kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, appealing to owners who want the benefits of raw feeding without the inconvenience. At $55-$70 for a 22-pound bag, Merrick is priced at the upper end of mainstream premium food.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Taste of the Wild | Merrick |
|---|---|---|
| Price (25-lb bag) | $40 – $50 | $55 – $70 |
| Protein Content | 28 – 32% | 34 – 38% |
| First Ingredient | Named meat (bison, venison, salmon, etc.) | Deboned meat (chicken, beef, salmon, etc.) |
| Novel Proteins | Yes — bison, venison, wild boar | Some — mostly chicken, beef, salmon |
| Probiotics | Yes — K9 Strain species-specific | No |
| Raw-Infused Options | No | Yes — Backcountry line |
| Made In | USA (company-owned plants) | USA (Hereford, TX) |
| Grain-Free | Yes — all formulas | Yes — grain-free line |
Key Differences
Ingredients & Protein
Merrick consistently delivers higher protein content — 34-38% compared to Taste of the Wild’s 28-32%. For active dogs, puppies, or breeds that thrive on high-protein diets, this difference is meaningful. Taste of the Wild counters with more novel protein options (bison, venison, wild boar) that can be beneficial for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities, plus species-specific probiotics that Merrick does not include.
Price & Value
Taste of the Wild is roughly 25-35% cheaper than Merrick. A 28-pound bag of Taste of the Wild costs about what a 22-pound bag of Merrick does. For owners who want grain-free nutrition with real meat without paying ultra-premium prices, Taste of the Wild is the best value in the category. Merrick justifies its premium through higher protein, whole-food ingredients, and the Backcountry raw-infused option.
Customer Reviews
Taste of the Wild averages 4.6 stars, with owners praising the value-to-quality ratio, improved coat health, and picky-eater acceptance. Merrick averages 4.5 stars, with fans highlighting the high protein content and quality of ingredients. Some Merrick reviewers note that recent recipe changes (post-Purina acquisition) have altered the formula slightly.
Who Should Choose Taste of the Wild?
- Budget-conscious owners who want genuine grain-free quality
- Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities that benefit from novel proteins
- Owners who value added probiotics for digestive health
- Anyone looking for the best grain-free dog food under $50 for a large bag
Who Should Choose Merrick?
- Active dogs that thrive on high-protein diets (34%+)
- Owners who want the highest whole-food ingredient quality
- Anyone interested in the raw-infused Backcountry line
- Pet parents who prioritize maximum protein per serving over price
Our Recommendation
For most dog owners, Taste of the Wild is the smarter buy. It delivers impressive grain-free nutrition with novel proteins and probiotics at a price that is 25-35% lower than Merrick. However, if your dog is highly active or you simply want the highest protein content and most premium whole-food ingredients available, Merrick delivers top-tier nutrition that justifies the extra cost. Both are excellent grain-free choices that outperform most competitors.