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Merrick Dog Food Summary
- Best Overall Merrick Dog Food: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
A formula boosted with healthy grains that aid in digestion and weight management. - Best Merrick Dog Food for Small Breeds: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe
A grain-inclusive dry dog food recipe formulated especially for small breed dogs. - Best Grain-Free Merrick Dog Food: Merrick Dry Dog Food Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe
A high protein content grain-free formula for all breeds. - Best Merrick Dog Food for Picky Eaters: Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Dog Food
A one-plate balanced meal with rich gravy for the cravings of small-breed dogs. - Best Merrick Dog Food for Weight Control: Merrick Healthy Weight Grain-Free Dog Food
A high protein formula without any grains to help dogs reach their ideal weight. - Best Merrick Dog Food for Seniors: Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food Recipe
This formula will keep senior dogs healthy and fit and boost essential nutrients. - Best Merrick Dog Food for Puppies: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
A balanced diet that has all the essential nutrients that a growing puppy needs. - Best Wet Merrick Dog Food: Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
A high-protein wet food formula for optimum hydration and nutrition for dogs of all ages.
- #1 Ingredient is always deboned meat or poultry
- Leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to support healthy hips and joints
- Crafted with a blend of grains including brown rice, barley and quinoa to support optimal digestion and supply high levels of fiber
What is Merrick Dog Food?
Merrick Dog Food is a premium pet food brand. It was founded in 1988 in the home kitchen of Garth Merrick (owner), who started developing healthy food recipes for his dog Gracie.
Merrick Dog Food’s ideology is built on five promises to their customers: using real whole foods, using high-quality ingredients, health improvement in your dogs, crafted in the original kitchen of Garth Merrick and giving back to society.
Today, Merrick Dog Food is a promising brand of healthy dog and cat food.
Where is Merrick Dog Food Made?
Merrick Dog Food is exclusively developed and manufactured in Hereford, Texas, USA. Its headquarters are 110 Merrick Lane, Hereford, TX 79045, United States, and its three manufacturing facilities are in Texas.
All of the dry and wet pet food recipes are produced here. These three facilities are Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3 certified and HACCP (Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points) certified. Thus, there is no doubt about the safety compliance of their production facilities.
How is Merrick Dog Food Made?
Merrick Dog Food has expert nutritionists who develop its dog food recipes. They state their recipes maintain the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles.
All the ingredients for the dog food recipes are sourced from local farmers and ranchers near their production facility to keep the ingredients as fresh as possible.
The meat used in the food is USDA certified. Merrick Dog Food also uses whole fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots, blueberries, and more to incorporate the goodness of fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Merrick Dog Food’s ingredient sourcing and manufacturing are trustworthy and transparent.
Is Merrick Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, Merrick Dog Food is good.
Merrick Dog Food is a healthy pet food developed by expert nutritionists using fresh ingredients from nearby farmers. Merrick focuses on using whole foods like apples, carrots, and potatoes that are rich in nutrients.
Moreover, all dog foods are formulated with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which enhance bone health and strengthen muscles.
Plus, Merrick Dog Food also maintains compliance with all safety regulations of USDA, AAFCO, SQF, and HACCP. Thus, overall, Merrick Dog Food is safe and healthy dog food.
Merrick Dog Food Formulas Reviewed
Given the popularity of Merrick Dog Food, we are sure you, too, have considered this dog food for your pet. But before you decide, go through our in-depth review of Merrick Dog Food formulas to see their pros and cons for your dog’s health.
Summary: A classic grain-friendly recipe with brown rice and meat. This formula is also enriched with quinoa, a healthy grain rich in fiber that aids digestion. The meat is the first ingredient with the highest proportion in the recipes, making this a protein-rich choice. The added glucosamine and chondroitin help improve your dog’s bone and joint health.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Lamb; Salmon
- Grain-friendly formula with healthy grains
- Protein-rich formula with multiple protein options
- High fiber from quinoa improves digestion
- Good for weight management and bone health
- Contains probiotic strains that improve gut health
- Often out of stock on online retailers
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned beef, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, carrots, apples, quinoa, flaxseed, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Pork meal, salmon meal, pork fat
Review: Based on 3,157 global ratings, this food formula has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers state that this food has strengthened their dogs’ bones and joints.
Summary: A grain-friendly healthy recipe meant for small breed dogs whose dietary requirements differ from other breeds. Contains deboned lean meat source (chicken) as the first ingredient for a high protein source. Contains a high proportion of iron, minerals, and vitamins that will boost your dog’s activity levels and provide them with much-needed energy daily.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Small breed adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken; Beed, Lamb; Salmon
- Suitable for small breed dogs
- Grain-friendly formula with brown rice and quinoa
- Contains easily digestible lean meat (deboned chicken)
- With vitamins, taurine, and minerals that boost activity levels
- Boosts energy levels and improves activity
- Not suitable for large breed dogs
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned chicken, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa, flaxseed, taurine, chia seeds, carrots, apples, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Turkey meal, salmon meal, sunflower oil
Review: Based on 3,157 reviews, this food formula has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers state that transitioning to this food for their dog’s daily meals has significantly improved the health of their small breed dogs.
Summary: Delicious combination of real meat and potatoes has multiple health benefits for your dog. This is a grain-free formula with 65% protein content and 35% of fibers, vitamins, and minerals. This formula is free of poultry products for dogs allergic to it. Boosted with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that improve coat and skin health.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor options: Chicken; Duck; Lamb; Salmon; Beef & Bison; Texas Beef
- Grain-free chicken formula
- High protein content from fresh sources of meat
- A balanced meal with vitamins and minerals
- Whole foods that have high levels of healthy nutrients
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Contains meat by-products
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, potato protein, beef liver, pea protein, flaxseed, apples, blueberries, salmon oil, taurine, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Salmon meal, whitefish meal, and lamb meal
Review: Based on global customer reviews, this Merrick pet food has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers state that their dogs love the flavor and are excited for meal times.
Summary: This is a special formula by Merrick, a one-plate meal for small breed dogs. This recipe comes in savory wet stew form that will keep your dogs hydrated and nourished from the inside. It has high protein content incorporated in bite-sized, easily digestible morsels of meat which are easily digestible. This formula is enriched with superfoods like sweet potatoes, apples, and carrots which are good sources of healthy nutrients.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor options: Beef
- Hydrating and nourishing recipe
- Suitable for the dietary requirements of small breeds
- High protein content
- An all-in-one meal with protein, veggies, and gravy
- Improves overall health in small breed dogs
- Contains artificial thickening agents for the gravy
Ingredient Analysis
- Great ingredients: Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites, potato starch, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, peas, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-great ingredients: Guar gum & xanthan gum (thickening agents for the gravy).
Review: Based on 4,643 customer reviews, this Merrick pet care recipe has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers claim that it’s “great food with quality ingredients.”
Summary: A grain-free formula for dogs who need to achieve a healthy weight. This is a balanced formula with high protein and fiber content without extra calories or added fat. This recipe uses 80% protein from fresh meat sources, which helps improve your dog’s muscle strength. High protein content helps dogs reach their ideal weight fast without reducing their energy levels.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor options: Beef
- Grain-free and fit for sensitive dogs
- Balanced amount of fiber and vitamins
- Contains 80% protein from real meat sources
- Protein-rich, low-calorie formula
- Probiotics for gut health and digestion
- Contains meat by-products in the first five ingredients
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, flaxseed, miscanthus grass, apples, blueberries, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Turkey meal, chicken meal, salmon meal
Review: Based on 882 global ratings, this Merrick backcountry grain-free food formula has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers state that their dogs love this chicken recipe, and they would repurchase this.
Summary: A grain-free formula especially for the dietary needs of senior dogs. This formula is boosted with L-Carnitine, which enhances the naturally slowing metabolism of senior dogs. This recipe also contains probiotic strains that improve digestion, gut functioning, and balance stool texture in senior dogs. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Senior dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Fit for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs
- High protein content for muscles & energy
- Boosts metabolism with L-carnitine
- Probiotics for digestion support and gut health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Contains meat by-products in the first five ingredients
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned chicken, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, flaxseed, blueberries, apples, L-carnitine, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Turkey meal, chicken meal, salmon meal
Review: Based on 669 customer reviews, this recipe has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Pet owners state that this is value-for-money dog food.
Summary: A grain-friendly formula for the dietary needs of puppies. Boosted with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and DHA that improve skin health, bone health, and brain health in growing puppies. This is a balanced meal recipe that ensures equal goodness from fibers, healthy carbs, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dog food guarantees your puppy has all the nutrients they need while growing up!
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies
Flavor options: Chicken; Beef
- Grain-friendly puppy formula
- Contains 56% protein and 44% whole grains
- Fortifies with vitamins and minerals
- Contains DHA that improves cognitive function
- Glucosamine & chondroitin for joint support
- Meat by-products in the first five ingredients
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned chicken, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, dried egg product, chicory root, apples, blueberries, salmon oil, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-great ingredients: Salmon meal, chicken meal, chicken fat
Review: Based on 1,767 customer reviews, this product has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Dog owners state that this has been a savior for their picky eater puppies.
Summary: A grain-free formula in a delicious gravy will excite your dogs for meal times. This is a high-protein formula with 96% real protein that keeps your dogs active and energetic. This formula is boosted with folic acid, biotin, and other amino acids essential for your dog’s health. This recipe is tailored especially for picky eater dogs so that your dog doesn’t have to compromise on nutrients.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor options: Real Texas Beef; Real Chicken; Real Duck; Real Beef, Lamb & Bison
- Grain-free, high-protein formula
- Hydrating and delectable gravy
- No artificial preservatives
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for picky eaters
- Contains gravy thickeners
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned chicken/beef, chicken/beef broth, chicken/beef liver, dried egg product, salmon oil, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Guar gum, locust bean gum (thickening agents for the gravy)
Review: Based on 1,312 global ratings, this grain-free recipe has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers claim that this is a quality dog food that their dogs love.
What Dog Food Formulas does Merrick Make?
Merrick Dog Food makes several lines of products. Here is a list of the lines and the different formulas within those product lines:
- Merrick Full Source
- Merrick Full Source Grain-Free Raw-Coated Kibble With Beef & Bison
- Merrick Full Source With Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble With Lamb & Venison
- Merrick Full Source With Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble Puppy Recipe
- Merrick Full Source With Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble Large Breed Recipe
- Merrick Full Source Real Lamb & Venison Stew With Healthy Grains
- Merrick Grain-Free
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe
- Merrick Bone Broth Grain-Free Chicken Bone Broth
- Merrick Backcountry
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused with Healthy Grains – Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused – Puppy Recipe
- Merrick Backcountry Chunky Beef Dinner in Gravy
- Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Chunky Venison + Beef Dinner in Gravy
- Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Hero’s Banquet Stew
- Merrick Backcountry Big Game Real Lamb + Buffalo Sausage Cuts
- Merrick Backcountry Big Game Real Lamb + Venison Jerky
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
- Merrick Healthy Grains
- Merrick Healthy Grains Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Kibble Puppy Recipe
- Merrick Healthy Grains Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Kibble Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe
Has Merrick Dog Food Been Recalled?
Yes, Merrick Dog Food has been recalled. Here are the recalls on Merrick Dog food in the past years:
- January & August 2011: The FDA found Salmonella in some Merrick Dog treat products.
- May 2018: Elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone lead to one complaint about a sick dog. This issue was found in Merrick Dog Food in Canadian retail stores.
Is Merrick Dog Food Worth it?
Yes, Merrick Dog Food is worth it.
Merrick Dog Food offers formulas that are developed mindfully according to the needs of dogs at different life stages and breeds. The recipes include healthy whole foods and essential nutrients that can significantly help your dog’s well-being. The number of recalls is not large, and none of their products have been revoked.
Thus, Merrick Dog Food would be your dog’s safe and healthy choice.
