Merrick Grain-Free vs Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken
Scored head-to-head on every dimension — with a clear verdict and the best price on each.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, PawBench earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing on Amazon before purchasing.
Which one is right for you
- Choose Merrick Grain-Free when
- Your dog prefers a chunky stew texture with visible pieces, and you want deboned beef as the first ingredient.
- Choose Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken when
- You want the higher meat share — a 95% meat pâté, carrageenan-free — and a texture that mixes cleanly into kibble.
Watch out for: Merrick runs higher in sodium than some competing wet foods and costs more per can. The pâté texture does not suit every dog.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 77 Ingredients 89 Palatability 80 Value 64 Owner Satisfaction 76 | Nutrition 83 Ingredients 89 Palatability 74 Value 77 Owner Satisfaction 85 |
| Buyer sentiment | Quality Ingredients Taste Health Value for money Odor Buyers praise quality, ingredients, taste and health. Mixed feedback on digestion and digestibility. Some flag value for money and odor. Based on 217 user mentions | Quality Healthiness Pet pleasure Grain-Free Buyers praise quality, healthiness, pet pleasure and grain-free. Mixed feedback on value for money and digestibility. Based on 1,330 user mentions |
| Pack Size | 12 cans (12.7 oz each) | 12 cans (12.5 oz each) |
| Protein Source | Deboned Beef | Turkey & Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Grain-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Special Feature | Chunky stew texture with visible vegetables | 95% meat protein pâté, carrageenan-free |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
What owners actually say
Pros & cons
Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef
Pros
- ✓Chunky beef stew with visible vegetables
- ✓Grain-free with zero artificial preservatives
- ✓Deboned beef is the first ingredient
- ✓Excellent palatability even for picky eaters
- ✓Cans are BPA-free
Cons
- ✗Higher sodium than some competing wet foods
- ✗Price per can is steep for large-breed owners
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
Pros
- ✓95% meat protein pâté — among the highest on the market
- ✓Zero fillers, carrageenan-free formula
- ✓Rich in omega fatty acids for coat health
- ✓Smooth texture mixes well with kibble
- ✓No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- ✗Pâté texture isn't for every dog; some prefer chunks
- ✗Premium price compared to chunky-style competitors