Merrick Pet Care has been providing pet parents with amazing canine recipes since 1988. Featuring nothing but high-quality ingredients, Merrick guarantees that your canine companion will adore these fresh, delicious food options.
Merrick dog food utilizes the freshest produce and USDA-inspected meats to handcraft wholesome pet foods straight from their kitchen in Hereford, Texas. In keeping with the company’s tradition for high-quality canine food, we’ve put together the brand’s 11 best-selling dog foods for you to check out.
Key Takeaways
- Produces high-quality dog food with real ingredients
- Merrick uses real meat as its primary ingredient in each choice
- A huge range is available for dog owners, catering to different dog's needs
- All dog food is made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients
- The quality of each product means that food options might be more expensive than other dog food brands
- Most options come with a 100% happiness guarantee (Marked on the packaging)
Quick Overview of 10 Merrick Dog Food Recipes
10 Popular Merrick Dog Food Formulas
1 Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Beef, lamb (rare), fish, pork, potato, flaxseed, salt (irritant)
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Beef
- Calories: 379 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Beef & Sweet Potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
Treat your dog to real deboned beef mixed with some of the freshest local produce ever to find their way into a kibble. Of course, there are always other variants for your dog if you don’t want to give them beef. The important thing to remember is that this Merrick handcrafted recipe is filled with highly-nutritious ingredients complete with gut-friendly prebiotics and probiotics.
These nutrients help to ensure your dog’s digestion will be as optimal as possible. It’s got nutraceuticals for the joints, too, so your pooch can run as freely as it wants. You can always depend on Merrick’s dry dog formulation to give your dog complete nutrition without upsetting its tummy.
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.
- Suitable for all breeds
- Available in other sizes (4lb/10lb/22lb/30lb)
- 65% protein and healthy fat ingredients.
- 35% fiber, produce, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients.
- Only suitable for adult dogs
- Can be expensive
2 Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, potato, egg, guar gum, carrageenan (irritant), salt (irritant)
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken brother, potato, carrots, peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 356 kcals per can
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Canned wet food
- Life Stage: All
Merrick’s Classic Grain-Free Canned Dog Food boasts of Grammy’s Pot Pie, just like the savory and hearty chicken pot pie that your granny used to make. It’s a fantastic take on a classic, crafted with a spin to suit the nutritional needs of today’s dogs, and is just one of many Merrick grain-free recipes.
Delectable chunks of real, premium-quality chicken mixed with farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, and root crops find their way into each can of Merrick’s Classic Canned Dog Food. This grain-free dog food recipe also includes prebiotics to help improve the health of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. This Merrick recipe is guaranteed to be an excellent standalone meal or a delicious topper for your pet’s dry kibbles.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Carrots, Apples, Peas, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed Oil, Potato Protein, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Sodium Phosphate, Gum Ghatti, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin), Salmon Oil, Cassia Gum, Agar-Agar, Flaxseed, Locust Bean Gum, Choline Chloride, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yucca Schidigera Extract.
- Suitable for all breeds
- Suitable for all life stages
- Fewer allergens compared to other options
- Very few low-rated customer reviews on various sites
- Some reviews claim that the quality of the food is inconsistent
- Some fussy eaters won’t take to this flavor
3 Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, beef, potatoes, turkey, fish, flaxseed, salt (irritant),
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turkey meal
- Primary Proteins: Beef, chicken
- Calories: 354 kcal per cup
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
If you’re afraid of your pet turning into the doggie version of Garfield, then you’ll need Merrick’s Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe. It provides substantially lower calories per cup than conventional dry dog food. The Healthy Weight, while containing fewer calories, is still packed with the same nutritious and healthy goodness that Merrick has been known for. It’s got an excellent balance of fiber from real vegetables and fruits sourced from local farms, giving your dog a healthier body weight.
The recipe also contains joint-friendly nutraceuticals, too, helping your dog bear its weight, and allowing for more optimum mobility. And if that’s not enough, the prebiotics, botanicals, and probiotics included are sure to bring your dog’s weight back to normal.
Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Peas, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat, Miscanthus Grass, Salmon Meal, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Apples, Blueberries, 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, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), 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.
- Suitable for all breeds
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, grain, and gluten
- Chondroitin and glucosamine to support joints
- Optimal ingredients without unnecessary fat that would usually add more calories
- It may not be the best choice for picky eaters
4 Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe with Beef, Lamb & Rabbit
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Beef, lamb (rare), potatoes, fish, pork, salt (irritant)
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Beef, lamb, rabbit
- Calories: 392 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game Recipe is a sure hit for those who want to give their dogs a taste of raw-infused kibble. This Merrick dog food option has a unique understanding of canine ancestral diets, packing raw yet highly nutritious ingredients including premium quality meats like lamb, venison, and buffalo infused into each dry kibble.
If you’re a firm believer in raw dog food but are new to the idea, then the Backcountry Big Game Recipe is the closest thing you can get to real raw dog food. This diet epitomizes what the ancestors of our dogs would feed on when they go hunting in the wild.
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Pork Fat, Pork Meal, Pea Protein, Lamb, Rabbit, Beef Liver, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Apples, Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, 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 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.
- Fewer allergens compared to other recipes
- Suitable for all breeds
- Fuses high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces
- Poultry-free
- Full Backcountry Raw Infused range available
- Only suitable for adult dogs
- A recent new recipe that some dogs may not take to
5 Merrick Grain Free Wet Dog Food Real Chicken
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, egg, guar gum, salt (irritant),
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, natural flavor
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 442 kcal per can
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Wet dog food (Pate)
- Life Stage: Adult+
Pooches will crave Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food and all its high-quality ingredients after only their first bite. It comes with 96% real chicken, with the remaining 4% comprising of wholesome ingredients, including eggs. You can easily turn it into an amazing food topper for your dog’s dry kibble or even as a hearty standalone meal. As a matter of fact, you can even give it as tasty snacks in between means; just make sure to make the necessary adjustments as this one’s rich in proteins and fats.
All the ingredients are locally-sourced, too so you can bet everything is in order with each bite. It is perfect for dogs that are recuperating from an illness, elderly hounds, and even puppies.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin). 2B00484.
- Significantly fewer allergies than other options
- Suitable for all breeds
- Free from peas, potatoes, grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- 96% of protein derives from animal sources
- Not suitable for puppies
- More calories compared to other canned wet dog food
6 Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Potato Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, potatoes, fish, turkey, egg, salt (irritant)
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, salmon meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 401 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Puppy
Puppies require slightly different nutrition from adult dogs to support their growth and development. If you’ve got pups to take care of, then Merrick’s real chicken, sweet potato, and grain-free puppy food is always an excellent choice. Chicken is the number one ingredient (chicken fat, meal, and of course, real chicken) making sure to provide pups with balanced and healthy nutrition.
Enriched with calcium and phosphorus for optimum bone development plus DHA for brain and eye maturation, Merrick’s Puppy Recipe has the perfect blend of calories, proteins, and fats to help your young hound to grow into the best 4-legged pal you’ll have in your neighborhood. Starting the canine life of your pup with Merrick’s Puppy Recipe is always a good sign of excellent pet parenting.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Salmon Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat, Turkey Meal, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Deboned Salmon, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Salmon Oil, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, 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, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), 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.
- Contains DHA to support brain development
- Suitable for all breeds
- Grain-free dog food
- A healthy combination of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals for overall health and development
- Not suitable for adults or seniors
- Can be expensive
7 Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, turkey, potatoes, fish, egg, flaxseed, salt (irritant)
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 398 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
With powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals beefing up the richness of animal protein that your rambunctious small dog needs, the Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe is large in nutrient value.
With both proteins and fats at their highest levels and an amazing mix of prebiotics, probiotics, and botanicals, the Lil’ Plates grain-free is sure to provide the energy and nutrition that will have your lil’ pooch running around your property like the highly active hound that it really is. The inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics will help those little tummies easily digest and process their food. In contrast, glucosamine and chondroitin will help strengthen the joints of your little furry friend.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Whitefish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Chicory Root (source of Inulin), Sunflower Oil, Chicken Liver, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, 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, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2B35468
- Specifically formulated for small breeds
- 65% proteins and healthy fats
- 35% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients
- Kibble and freeze-dried pieces are easily chewable and digestible for small dogs
- Only suitable for adult small dogs
- Previous customers have commented that the taste isn’t to every dog’s liking
8 Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food Real Lamb Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Lamb (rare), salt (irritant), guar gum
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned lamb, water sufficient for processing, lamb liver, natural flavor, salt
- Primary Proteins: Lamb
- Calories: 487 kcals per can
- Flavor: Lamb
- Type: Wet canned food
- Life Stage: Adult
Designed for pet parents who are subjecting their beloved dogs to an elimination diet, Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Diet is perfect for three fundamental reasons. First, it only contains one animal protein source. Second, it uses what experts consider a novel protein that can greatly provide a tummy-friendly meal. Third, the carbohydrates included are easily digestible.
Of course, limiting the ingredients doesn’t mean limiting the nutrition that your pet needs. With Merrick, you can always rely on a completely well-balanced meal for your dog without upsetting their tummies.
Deboned Lamb, Water Sufficient for Processing, Lamb Liver, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin), Taurine. 2B39004.
- Free from poultry, peas, potatoes, corn, and soy
- Suitable for all breeds
- Very few allergens
- Only one animal protein source
- Only suitable for adult dogs
- More calories compared to other canned wet foods
9 Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Chicken, potatoes, turkey, fish, salt (irritant), flaxseed
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potato, potatoes, turkey meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 370 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Chicken and sweet potato
- Type: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Senior
Like puppies, senior dogs also require a diet that caters to their specific needs. This means that the Merrick Grain-Free Senior chicken recipe contains controlled levels of vital ingredients, with the most important being real deboned chicken fused with crucial veggies.
This senior dog food recipe also ensures that your old pal will maintain healthy body weight as some breeds can be prone to obesity in their later years. With this in mind, it contains fewer calories, but it also includes L-Carnitine to provide their metabolisms with ample support.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Peas, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, L-Carnitine, Apples, Blueberries, Salmon 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, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, 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.
- Specifically formulated for senior dogs
- Contains fewer calories to help maintain a healthy weight
- 77% protein from real animal sources
- Fewer allergens
- Available in a healthy grains option
- Limited variations
- Limited bag sizes available
10 Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet with Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice
- Brand: Merrick
- Allergens: Fish, rice, barley, flaxseed, salt (irritant), oatmeal (rare),
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 384 kcals per cup
- Flavor: Salmon and brown rice
- Type: Dry
- Life Stage: Adult
Since chicken, beef, and pork are common allergens in dog food, Merrick has created a dry food formula made with real salmon. This recipe also cuts out several other potential allergens such as potatoes, soy, corn, eggs, and dairy to ensure that you can confidently narrow down what the cause of your dog’s allergies may be.
This doesn’t mean to say that the formula is completely allergen-free. However, the grains used in this option are healthy and can provide your pooch with a plethora of minerals and vitamins. But if that still doesn’t take your fancy, take a look at the grain-free alternative instead – Merrick has something for every pooch after all.
Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate), DL- Methionine, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Citric Acid for freshness.
- Suitable for all breeds
- No corn or soy
- Only one animal protein source
- Other flavors available
- Available in a grain-free alternative
- Only suitable for adult dogs
- Some fussy eaters may not like this flavor
Is Merrick Dog Food Good?
After reading about some of the options available for your pooch it’s understandable to want to know more about the company that makes the food and whether or not they’re reliable and trustworthy. Read on the find out more about the dog food brand including company history, recall history, and more.
The Short History of Merrick Company
Image credit: Merrick Pet Care
Merrick, named after Garth Merrick, was developed over 30 years ago in 1988. Garth began cooking homemade recipes for his own pooch from his own kitchen residing in Hereford, Texas. Committed to ensuring that his own dog Gracie ate the best quality food, Merrick wanted to share his creation with other dog lovers so took to developing more recipes and sharing his pet food.
Since the initial products were well-received Merrick continued to expand its range and even began producing a line of cat foods. It is said that the pet food brand is one of the leading companies to develop natural and organic pet foods. According to Dog Food Advisor, Merrick was purchased by Nestle Purina in 2015.
Where is Merrick Dog Food Made?
You’ll be pleased to know that the packaging doesn’t lie and that all Merrick foods are made in the US. Specifically, each recipe is crafted in Merrick’s Hereford kitchen, and the products are developed in one of the three company-owned facilities.
Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?
Merrick doesn’t source a single ingredient from China but gets everything they need from reputable and reliable farmers and other sources. Since the company prides itself on using real animal protein and fresh veggies they only source ingredients from local suppliers to ensure their recipes are fresh and healthy.
Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose
A Merrick dog food review wouldn’t be complete without a list of products available to their customers. Below is each category of Merrick dog food followed by more valuable information about what the company has to offer.
Types Of Dog Food Available:
- Wet food
- Dry food
- Toppers
- Treats
Ranges Available:
- Merrick Classic Dog Food -Healthy Grains
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused
- Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Formulas
- Merrick Lil’ Plates
It’s worth noting that these ranges include products that cater to specific requirements. As you may have gathered from the list above, Merrick formulates and manufacturers foods for breed types and ages. In addition, limited ingredient options are available for pet owners looking to narrow down potential food allergies.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Ingredients
It’s crucial to examine the ingredients that are included in the products you buy. By doing so you can be sure that the food you are buying is only going to benefit your pooch. Below is a list of ingredients to look out for and why they will support your dog inside and out:
Minerals & Vitamins
Some of these include iron amino acid complex, zinc amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, and manganese amino acid complex. Vitamin e supplement, B12, A, and D3 are also commonly seen among the ingredients within Merrick dog food.
All of the above, as well as the additional ingredients, ensure that every part of your dog is taken care of. Specifically, the inclusion of these components takes care of growth, brain development, organ health, skin, coat, and more. They also fend off deficiencies that would otherwise lead to severe health problems.
High-Protein Content
Merrick dog food tends to use its primary ingredient as the main source of protein (e.g. chicken, beef, turkey, etc.). However, some formulas are known to include meals as an additional source as well as plant proteins such as pea or potato protein.
Note About Meat Meals:
It’s generally unwise to trust brands that don’t specify what kind of meal it uses in the recipe. If a list states ‘meat meals’ you can’t be certain of what type of meat it is and risk giving your pet an unkown food source. This can also provoke a reaction if your pet has allergies towards specific meats.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are essential for your dog’s energy levels and Merrick ensures that each recipe has enough to keep your dog active no matter what age or breed. Moreover, for those pooches who can’t stomach typical carbs such as potatoes, Merrick has made sure to substitute with an adequate alternative which is typically sweet potato.
Merrick Dog Food Recall History
- May 2018 – Pet treats were voluntarily recalled due to elevated levels of naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone.
- August 2011 – Dog treats recalled due to potential salmonella poisoning.
- January 2011 – Pet treats recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
- August 2010 (x2) – Voluntary recall due to potential salmonella bacteria present. The recall was expanded a short time later.
- July 2010 – Voluntary recall due to potential salmonella contamination
- January 2010 – Potential salmonella poisoning
The first few recalls dated around 2010-2011 revolved around Merrick’s beef filet squares and potential salmonella poisoning. As disappointing as it can feel to learn about a brand’s recall history, take note of the dates above. The last recall was dated in 2018 with the time before that being in 2011. To most, this is the sign of an improving company and one that strives to ensure that its products are safe. Also, since 2011 no recalls revolving around salmonella have been declared.
Price
For some, one of the only drawbacks to Merrick dog food is the price but most comment that it’s worth it for great quality pet food. You may also find that the prices of each product differ from seller to seller. Here is a general guideline of prices for the products listed above:
- Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe (22 lbs) – $73.98
- Merrick Grain-Free Grammy’s Pot Pie (12.7 oz can – Case of 12) – $42.96
- Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe (22 lbs) – $69.98
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused (20 lbs) – $81.98
- Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Real Chicken (12.7 oz can – Case of 12) – $42.96
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (22 lbs) – $69.98
- Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Dry Dog Food (12 lbs) – $47.98
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food (12.7 oz can – Case of 12) – $44.16
- Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Bites (10 lbs) – $47.98
- Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (22 lbs) – $69.98
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet With Healthy Grains (22 lbs) – $72.98
*Prices are taken from Chewy at the time of publication
It’s worth mentioning that retailers, including those online, will offer multibuy deals as well as price reductions for those who subscribe to products. You can also buy these products in different sizes which will, of course, be a lower or higher price. So be sure to keep an eye out!
Where Can I Buy Merrick Dog Food?
Getting hold of Merrick’s high-quality dog foods is simple. They are available on sites such as Chewy, Amazon, and even PetSmart. If any of the products above have caught your attention, we have included quick links for easy purchasing. You can also find this brand nationwide in independent pet stores.
In a Nutshell, is Merrick a Good Choice?
If you’ve spent hours reeling through Merrick dog food reviews after dog food reviews, you may be left feeling a little overwhelmed with the information presented. So – The bottom line is that Merrick is perhaps one of the leading dog food brands available.
The price may be high compared to other pet food brands but you can be certain that the ingredients are real, fresh, and beneficial for your fur friend.
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