Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food Review
The Bottom Line
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Paté delivers premium wet food quality with deboned chicken as the first ingredient and a smooth paté texture that most cats thoroughly enjoy. The ~50% protein on a dry matter basis puts it squarely in the high-protein wet food category. The Texas-made, grain-free formula checks all the boxes for quality, though the 2020 acquisition by Nestlé Purina has raised concerns among some pet owners about ingredient sourcing changes. The cat food line's clean recall record is reassuring, and the formula itself remains high-quality. A strong choice for owners who want premium wet food nutrition.
Score Breakdown
First 5 Ingredients
The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Ideally, a named whole meat should be #1.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Deboned chicken as the very first ingredient
- High protein (~50% on dry matter basis)
- Grain-free paté with smooth, palatable texture
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Cat food line has zero recall history
- Made in the USA (Texas kitchen)
- Rich chicken broth for added hydration
- Available in 3 oz and 5.5 oz cans
CONS
- Premium price at ~$4.50/lb equivalent
- Now owned by Nestlé Purina — corporate concerns
- Contains 'natural flavor' — vague ingredient
- Dog treat recalls in the past (not cat food)
- 2024 lawsuit over 'natural' marketing claims
Nutrition Data
| NUTRIENT | VALUE | ASSESSMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 10% | Below average |
| Crude Fat (min) | 5% | Good for indoor |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 1% | Low |
| Calories | Moderate |
Where to Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food good for cats?
With a score of 4.3/5, Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food is rated "Good" in our analysis. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Paté delivers premium wet food quality with deboned chicken as the first ingredient and a smooth paté texture that most cats thoroughly enjoy.
What is the first ingredient in Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food?
The first ingredient is Deboned Chicken, which we rate as "Excellent". This is a quality protein source.
How much protein does Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food have?
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food has a minimum crude protein content of 10%. This is an adequate but not exceptional protein level.
Has Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food been recalled?
Merrick has a clean recall record for this product line. Visit our Recall Alerts page for the latest FDA recall information.
How much Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Paté Grain-Free Wet Food should I feed my cat?
Feeding amounts depend on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. At , a typical 10-pound indoor cat needs about 2-3 cans per day. Use our Cat Food Calculator for a personalized recommendation.