Merrick Dog Food Review
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Merrick Pet Care produces many popular dog and cat foods. Today, Merrick produces foods under the Merrick brand, as well as Castor & Pollux, Whole Earth Farms, and Zuke’s.
Merrick was purchased by Nestle Purina PetCare in 2015, though the company appears to operate independently.
Merrick is one of the companies that has been singled out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for producing some of the foods fed to dogs that developed dietary dilated cardiomyopathy in the cases investigated by the FDA.
Does Merrick make good dog food? Are you wondering if you should feed Merrick to your dog?
Merrick Dog Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Protein | kcal/Cup/Can |
| Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef Sweet Potato Recipe | Dry | 38% | 380 kcal/cup |
| Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe | Dry | 26% | 393 kcal/cup |
| Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food | Dry | 32% | 360 kcal/cup |
| Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food | Dry | 28% | 381 kcal/cup |
| Merrick Chunky Grain-Free Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner Canned Dog Food | Wet | 8% | 352 kcal/12.7 oz can |
About Merrick
Merrick Pet Food was founded in 1988 in Hereford, Texas, near Amarillo. Garth Merrick began crafting natural dog treats in his kitchen to ensure his beloved dog, Gracie, received the most nutritious meals. This dedication to quality quickly expanded from treats to a full range of pet foods, emphasizing real, whole ingredients.
Hereford, known as the Beef Capital of the World, provided the perfect backdrop for Merrick’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality animal protein. As one of the pioneers in grain-free and natural pet food, Merrick answered the growing demand for healthier pet choices. Their recipes have continued to evolve, offering specialized diets with limited ingredients and novel proteins to address specific health concerns in dogs.
Merrick also owns Castor & Pollux, Zuke’s, and Whole Earth Farms pet foods, creating a family of brands that share the same dedication to quality and nutrition.
In July 2015, Merrick was purchased by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Despite initial concerns from customers, Merrick, along with its sister brands, has operated with a high degree of independence from Purina, maintaining its core values and commitment to premium ingredients.
Merrick is one of the brands singled out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as being fed to multiple dogs in the cases they have been examining for dilated cardiomyopathy. The raw data appears to show that various Merrick recipes were involved.
From its humble beginnings in a family kitchen to its significant presence in the pet food industry, Merrick’s history is marked by its unwavering focus on providing nutritionally rich, natural pet food options. This dedication continues to resonate with pet owners seeking high-quality choices for their dogs’ diets.
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Merrick says that they source most of their ingredients from the United States unless a consistent, quality supply of an ingredient is not available (such as for lamb, which is obtained from New Zealand). However, they don’t provide details about where individual ingredients are obtained.
None of Merrick’s ingredients are sourced from China. Those not found in the USA meet Merrick’s own rigorous quality standards in New Zealand, France, Canada, and Germany. The ingredients are tested upon arrival, samples are tested throughout production, and all pet food is tested before it is released for sale.
Merrick has manufacturing operations in Hereford and Amarillo, Texas, and Evanston, Illinois. They have organic certification under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) for all of their Texas manufacturing facilities, presumably to make Castor & Pollux foods.
The dog food formulations meet the rigorous nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Each of their complete and balanced diets is specifically designed to either meet or exceed these established nutrient profiles. This ensures that the food provides the essential nutrients your dog needs for overall health and well-being.
Recall History
Merrick had six recalls for dog and pet treats in 2010 but this was before they built their own manufacturing facility. Since that time, they have only had one recall in 2018 for dog treats.
There were reports in 2013 of mold in Merrick cat food but no recall was issued.
What Kinds of Dog Food Does Merrick Offer?
Merrick has multiple product lines, each with various recipes. At this time, Merrick lists 139 dog food products on their website. Most of them are grain free. Here is a list of the product lines they are currently manufacturing:
Dry (Kibble)
- Merrick Grain-Free
- Backcountry Raw-Infused (some are grain free and some have grains)
- Lil’ Plates
- Limited-Ingredient Diet
- Classic (with grains)
Wet
- Grain-Free Chunky
- Grain-Free Real
- Grain Free
- Backcountry Grain-Free
- Backcountry Chunky
- Lil’ Plates
- Lil’ Plates: Grain-Free
- Limited-Ingredient Diet: Grain-Free
Delving deeper into Merrick’s Grain-Free range, you’ll find a variety of flavors and formulations designed to cater to different dietary needs and preferences:
- Grain-Free Dry Food: Merrick offers 11 distinct recipes, crafted for adult maintenance, all life stages, and all breed sizes. Each recipe includes sweet potato and real meat, with protein options such as beef, chicken, duck, lamb, and salmon. There’s even a Healthy Weight Grain-Free recipe for those pups needing to watch their waistline.
- Grain-Free Wet Food: With 20 delectable products, options are available in both pate and stew-like textures. Suitable for puppies and adult dogs, these can be served on their own or as a topper to dry kibble. Flavors include rich proteins like beef, lamb, bison, duck, and turkey, with enticing recipes such as Cowboy Cookout, Grammy’s Pot Pie, and Thanksgiving Day Dinner in Gravy.
- Chunky Wet Food: Featuring large chunks of meat in a savory gravy, this line offers four flavorful options: Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner in Gravy, Carver’s Delight Dinner, Colossal Chicken Dinner, and Pappy’s Pot Roast Dinner.
Merrick also makes various meal mixers and treats, providing additional variety and nutrition to your furry friend’s diet. With this extensive range, Merrick ensures there’s a grain-free option suited to every canine palate and lifestyle.
What Does Merrick Offer for Dogs with Food Sensitivities in Their Limited Ingredient Diet Range?
For furry friends with sensitive stomachs, Merrick provides a carefully curated selection of products. Their Limited Ingredient Diet range is designed to deliver comprehensive nutrition with minimal components, perfect for pups with dietary sensitivities.
Dry Food Options
- Grain-Free Varieties: Choose from flavors such as lamb & sweet potato and salmon & sweet potato, offering taste without grains.
- Grain-Inclusive Choices: Explore recipes like chicken & brown rice and salmon & brown rice for those who prefer grains in their diet.
Wet Food Solutions
The wet food range echoes the simplicity and quality of its dry counterparts, adding extra hydration and palatability.
- Grain-Free Selections: Featuring proteins like lamb and chicken, these options cater to those avoiding grains.
- Alternative Grains: Though primarily grain-free, the inclusion of turkey also provides a unique protein variation that’s gentle on sensitive systems.
With these options, Merrick ensures your pet gets balanced nutrition tailored to their needs without complicating their diet.
Merrick Dog Food: Top Three Recipes Reviewed
We’re taking a look at three of the top-selling Merrick dog foods as found on Chewy.com.
MERRICK GRAIN-FREE TEXAS BEEF SWEET POTATO RECIPE DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 34% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 11% Max
- Caloric Content: 3585 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup
Merrick Grain Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is Merrick’s bestselling kibble on Chewy.com. It is grain free and gluten-free. It has no corn, wheat, or soy. Merrick uses no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor, Beef Liver, Beef Stock, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Flaxseed, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitre, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid for Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Beef, lamb, and salmon are all good animal proteins for dogs. The FDA has suggested that it is best if peas are not used as one of the “main” ingredients in dog foods.
Peas as the fourth ingredient would qualify as a “main” ingredient. Pea protein is also the eighth ingredient. “Natural flavor” is a vague term that could mean a lot of things including a form of monosodium glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer.
Merrick says that they don’t use MSG but there are some forms of it that are known by other names.
According to the dry matter basis (DMB), this food has 42.7 percent protein, 16.9 percent fat, and 4 percent fiber. This formula has 22.62 percent carbohydrates according to Chewy.com customer service.According to our calculations, that makes the ash content for the food about 10 percent which is extremely high.
The industry average for kibble is reckoned to be 7 percent. (This is still the best explanation I have read after years and years of reading about pet foods.) This food has 380 kcal/cup.
The fact that the ash content in this food is so high could indicate that Merrick is using lower quality meat and less desirable ingredients, though we also have to consider that beef has a higher ash content than chicken or fish.
MERRICK CLASSIC HEALTHY GRAINS CHICKEN + BROWN RICE RECIPE WITH ANCIENT GRAINS ADULT DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 11% Max
- Caloric Content: 3711 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Adult Dry Dog Food is the bestselling Merrick kibble with grains on Chewy.com. This formula is pea-free and contains no corn, wheat, or soy. Grains/cereals used in the food include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and quinoa.
Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Sunflower Oil, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Chia Seed, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid For Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Chicken and chicken meal, along with turkey meal and salmon meal, provide good sources of animal protein for dogs. The grains and cereals used are good sources of dietary fiber.
Most dogs should be able to eat them without problems. Chicken fat is a good named fat for dogs. This food does contain “natural flavor” which is a vague term that can sometimes refer to flavor enhancers that include a form of monosodium glutamate (MSG).
This food has 29.2 percent protein and 18 percent fat, according to the dry matter basis (DMB). It has 4 percent fiber. According to Chewy.com the ash content is 8.76 and the food has 32.5 percent carbohydrates on an as fed basis.
Our calculations showed 34.64, and using 8.76 as the ash content, came out to 38.92 DMB for the carbohydrate percentage. It contains 393 kcal per cup.
MERRICK CHUNKY GRAIN-FREE BIG TEXAS STEAK TIPS DINNER CANNED DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 3% Min
- Fiber: 1.4% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 978 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/12.7 oz can
Ingredients:
Merrick Chunky Grain-Free Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner Canned Dog Food is Merrick’s bestselling canned/wet food on Chewy.com. This food contains no corn, wheat, or soy and it is grain free and gluten-free. It contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.Ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Peas, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Agar-Agar, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Dried Celery, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Salmon Oil, Cumin, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Cinnamon, Garlic.
Beef and beef liver are good animal proteins for dogs. Owners will also appreciate the salmon oil in the food which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acid that dogs can use for their skin and coat health.
This food does contain dried peas as the fifth ingredient which can be problematic. “Natural flavor” is a vague term that can contain flavor enhancers such as a form of monosodium glutamate (MSG). We would consider caramel color to be an added coloring for the food.
The coloring is produced from carmelized sugar. Your dog doesn’t really need the pretty caramel color or any added sugar in his food.
According to some sources, caramel coloring is a toxic additive, though this is a controversial subject. The addition of garlic to your dog’s food could also raise some eyebrows.
As the last ingredient, this amount of garlic is unlikely to harm your dog, but it’s questionable why it is added here.
Some people will have problems with the various gums used in this food.
Gums such as guar gum and xanthum gum are used to gel or stabilize some foods, such as wet dog foods, salad dressings, and ice creams.
Some research indicates that these ingredients cause gastric upset. These ingredients are widely used in canned dog foods and it can be difficult to find foods that don’t contain any of them.
According to Chewy.com, Merrick doesn't use any BPA in their cans. The cans are tin-coated steel (inside and outside) with an organic coating over the tin on the inside of the can.
According to the dry matter analysis for this food, it has 44.4 percent protein, 16.7 percent fat, 7.8 percent fiber, 14.4 percent carbohydrates, and 352 kcal per 12.7 ounce can.Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 360 calories per cup
Ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Protein, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor, Whitefish Meal, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil, Beef Liver, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement) Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2B38478
Beef and beef liver are good animal proteins for dogs. Owners will also appreciate the salmon oil in the food, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that dogs can use for their skin and coat health.
Lamb meal, along with salmon meal, provide good sources of animal protein for dogs. The grains and cereals used are good sources of dietary fiber.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 381 kcal/cup
Ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Miscanthus Grass, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), and Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness. 2C38498Beef and chicken meal, provide good sources of animal protein for dogs.
Peas are a top ingredient and would qualify as a “main” ingredient. Pea protein is also the eighth ingredient. “Natural flavor” is a vague term that could mean a lot of things, including a form of monosodium glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer.
Discover the Delicious Range of Merrick Dog Treats
offers an impressive selection of treats to satisfy every dog’s taste and chewing habit. Here’s a breakdown of their delightful options:
Biscuit Treats
-
- Oven Baked Biscuits: These oat-based treats are crafted with limited ingredients, free from soy, corn, or wheat, and come in exciting flavors such as TurDucken and Pumpkin Patch.
Raw Coated Biscuits
- Freeze-Dried Raw Coated: Take your pup’s favorite biscuits to the next level with a coating of raw meat, available in flavors like lamb & venison and beef & bison.
Meaty Treats
- Slow-Cooked BBQ: For dogs who prefer tender, savory bites, these BBQ treats come in regional-inspired flavors like Memphis-style chicken and Texas-style beef. Deboned meat is the primary ingredient, ensuring taste and quality.
Chew Treats
- Natural Cuts: These are perfect for dogs who love to chew and are made without rawhide. They come in beef and venison flavors and are available in various sizes to accommodate different dog weights.
- Fresh Kisses: Dental chews that freshen breath while satisfying chewing needs. Available in fresh flavors like pumpkin & cinnamon and mint.
Training Treats
- Power Bites: Grain-free and designed for training, these treats come in five protein-rich flavors, such as rabbit & sweet potato and Turducken. Meat is the main ingredient in each treat.
Small Dog Options
- Lil’ Plates: Tailored for smaller pups, these soft treats provide big flavor in little bites, with options like Bitty Beef and Teensy Turducken.
Whether your dog prefers crunchy, chewy, or soft treats, Merrick has a delicious option to meet their preferences.
How Much Does Merrick Dog Food Cost?
Merrick dog foods come in a range of prices from moderately high (backcountry raw infused) to moderate (Merrick grain-free and Merrick Lil’ Plates) foods.
What Do Pet Parents Think of Merrick Dog Food?
Merrick dog food is a popular choice among pet owners due to its high ratings and positive customer experiences. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the packaging size and the lack of a resealable top.
Despite these issues, many pet owners have reported improvements in their dogs’ health and well-being. One customer noted that their dogs’ fur and skin improved after switching to Merrick, but some white pieces in the food disappeared quickly.
Another reviewer found their Rottweiler Merrick kibble to be effective in keeping their dog active, despite age-related issues.
Despite trying other brands to address issues with inconsistent stools and soft digestion, Merrick provided the balanced nutrition their adult dogs needed for a healthy, active life. These individual stories contribute to the overall sentiment about Merrick dog food, demonstrating that the brand meets and often exceeds the expectations of pet parents.
Overall, is Merrick Dog Food a Good Choice?
Merrick Dog Food is a premium dog food that uses high-quality ingredients sourced from real whole foods, ensuring superior nutrition and a delicious taste. However, it is important to carefully review the labels to ensure the specific needs of your dog are met.
Merrick’s focus on premium ingredients positions it as a strong contender in the premium dog food market, offering both nutritional benefits and taste. It is crucial to check for potential allergens or dietary restrictions specific to your pet.
In summary, Merrick’s focus on premium ingredients positions it as a strong contender in the premium dog food market, but careful review of the product labels is essential to make the best choice for your dog’s unique needs.
Where is Merrick Dog Food Sold?
You can check out Chewy.com and other online retailers, as well as many pet stores.
