The scores
Merrick Classic: B (80/100)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection: B (78/100)
A 2-point difference within the same grade. Both land firmly in B territory, meaning both are well-above-average dog foods with strong ingredient profiles. This comparison is less about finding a winner and more about understanding the subtle differences.
How the ingredients compare
Here are the first five ingredients side by side:
Merrick: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Sweet Potato
Blue Buffalo: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
These two lists are strikingly similar. Both lead with deboned chicken and chicken meal — two high-quality animal protein sources — followed by wholesome grains. The difference starts at ingredient four: Merrick uses barley and sweet potato, while Blue Buffalo uses oatmeal and barley. All are quality carbohydrate sources with no fillers in sight.
Where Merrick pulls ahead
Salmon meal for omega-3s. Merrick includes salmon meal further down its ingredient list, providing a named fish protein source and a natural boost of omega-3 fatty acids. These support skin health, coat quality, and joint function. Blue Buffalo relies more on flaxseed and fish oil for its omega-3 content, which is still good but less concentrated.
No pea derivatives. Merrick's formula avoids pea protein and pea fiber — plant-based ingredients that some owners prefer to minimize. Blue Buffalo includes peas in its ingredient list. While peas aren't inherently bad, some dog owners and veterinary nutritionists have raised questions about legume-heavy formulas in recent years.
Sweet potato over oatmeal. Merrick uses sweet potato as a complex carbohydrate source, which provides fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins. It's a nutrient-dense choice that adds real nutritional value beyond just calories. Shop on Amazon →
Where Blue Buffalo holds its own
Availability. Blue Buffalo is one of the most widely distributed premium dog food brands in the country. You can find it at virtually every pet store, grocery chain, and online retailer. Merrick has strong distribution too, but Blue Buffalo's reach is broader — especially in smaller grocery stores and convenience locations.
LifeSource Bits. Blue Buffalo includes their proprietary cold-formed kibble pieces containing a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. While the exact benefit over standard vitamin premixes is debatable, it's a thoughtful approach to nutrient delivery.
Price. Blue Buffalo tends to be slightly less expensive per pound than Merrick, though both fall in the premium price range. The difference is typically small — a few dollars per bag — but it can add up over time for larger dogs. Shop on Amazon →
The bottom line
Merrick Classic takes this comparison by the slimmest of margins — 80 to 78. Both are genuinely excellent dog foods that any owner can feel good about feeding. If forced to choose, Merrick's inclusion of salmon meal and absence of pea derivatives give it a slight nutritional edge. But if Blue Buffalo is more convenient to buy or your dog prefers the taste, you're not sacrificing quality by choosing it.
Read our full reviews of Merrick and Blue Buffalo for the complete ingredient breakdowns.