Is Merrick A Good Dog Food

Merrick Dog Food started in Hereford, Texas, in 1988, when the founder, Garth Merrick, began making home-cooked meals for his dog. He quickly found he had a knack for making healthy, nutritious foods pets loved, and his operation expanded from making single meals in his home kitchen to mass-producing food for dogs all over the world.

The company still uses fresh ingredients wherever possible, and gives back to animals by partnering with animal shelters and other charities. Their food isn’t cheap, but it’s created for owners who are willing to spend a bit more to give their dogs a healthy meal.

We’re big fans of Merrick, as their foods tend to be high in protein without also having problematic ingredients like grains. There’s just one issue we have with most of their foods that hold us back from recommending their foods as much as we could — read on to find out what that is.

Which Merrick Classic Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

The Merrick Classic product line includes the 13 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available… Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Merrick Classic Real Beef and Brown Rice Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient ContentProtein =

Ingredients: Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, pork fat, salmon meal, natural flavor, lamb meal, quinoa, flaxseed, salt, sunflower oil, organic dehydrated alfalfa meal, potassium chloride, choline chloride, carrots, apples, 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

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.9%

Protein =

Estimated Nutrient Content
Method Protein Fat Carbs
Guaranteed Analysis 26% 15% NA
Dry Matter Basis 29% 17% 46%
Calorie Weighted Basis 25% 35% 40%

The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Although it’s a quality item, raw beef contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is pork meal. Pork meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh pork.

The third ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth item is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The sixth ingredient is pork fat, a product from rendering pig meat.

Commonly known as lard, pork fat can add significant flavor to any dog food. And it can be high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life.

Although it may not sound very appetizing, pork fat (in moderate amounts) is actually an acceptable pet food ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is salmon meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.

After the natural flavor, we find lamb meal, yet another high protein meat concentrate.

The next ingredient is quinoa. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not a true cereal grain but a plant prized for its gluten-free seeds.

Compared to most other grain-type ingredients, it is high in protein (about 12-18%), dietary fiber and other healthy nutrients.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With 8 notable exceptions

First, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feed.

In addition, sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.

Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.

There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.

Next, we note the inclusion of chia seed, an edible seed nutritionally similar to flax or sesame. Provided they’re first ground into a meal, chia seeds are rich in both omega-3 fatty acids as well as dietary fiber.

However, chia seeds contain about 17% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

We also note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Additionally, this recipe includes dried fermentation products. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.

This recipe also has sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Based on its ingredients alone, Merrick Classic appears to be an above-average dry dog food.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 46%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 30% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

Which means this Merrick product line contains…

Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.

Which Merrick Sub-Brand Is Right for You?

Here are Merrick’s 6 most popular sub-brands. Below, we’ll share what makes each one different. So you can choose the food that best suits your dog.

Rating:

Merrick Classic is for those who prefer a traditional dry dog food that’s made with grain.

  • Contains no BHA or other high-risk preservatives
  • Healthy grain-inclusive formula
  • 13 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Merrick Grain-Free is ideal for those seeking a dry food that’s made without grain.

  • Merrick’s most popular sub-brand
  • Contains no corn, wheat or rice
  • 14 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    This sub-brand includes Merrick’s best-selling, grain-free wet recipes. Some available in certain seasons.

  • No corn, wheat, barley or rice
  • Chunky or fine-ground options
  • 10 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Backcountry recipes start with freeze-dried, raw-coated kibble. Then blend in pieces of real, freeze-dried raw meat, fish, or poultry.

  • Grain-free. Contains sweet potato
  • Includes novel protein, like rabbit, venison, or duck
  • 12 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet is a grain-free kibble that can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

  • Only 9 key ingredients for easier digestion
  • Contains fiber-rich sweet potato
  • 5 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Lil’ Plates is Merrick’s grain-free wet sub-brand designed especially for small dogs.

  • Contains no corn, soy or grain
  • Uses prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion
  • 8 recipes (ratings vary)
  • All Merrick dog foods are produced in the United States. Most of the brand’s dry and wet recipes are manufactured at one of its 3 company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. Unlike most pet food brands, Merrick owns its own cannery.

    Merrick also owns Castor and Pollux Natural Petworks (a quality brand known for its certified organic dog and cat foods)… and produces Whole Earth Farms pet foods, too.

    Merrick was sold to Nestle Purina PetCare in 2015.

    Which Merrick Grain Free Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

    Merrick Grain Free Dog Food receives the Advisor’s top rating of 5 stars.

    The Merrick Grain Free product line includes the 12 dry dog foods listed below.

    Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available… Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

    Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

    Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

    Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient ContentProtein =

    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

    Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.9%

    Protein =

    Estimated Nutrient Content
    Method Protein Fat Carbs
    Guaranteed Analysis 34% 15% NA
    Dry Matter Basis 38% 17% 38%
    Calorie Weighted Basis 33% 35% 32%

    The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Although it’s a quality item, raw beef contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

    After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

    The second ingredient is lamb meal. Lamb meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh lamb.

    The third ingredient is salmon meal, yet another high protein meat concentrate.

    Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.

    The next ingredient includes sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

    The fifth ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

    The sixth ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.

    However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

    The seventh ingredient is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.

    Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

    The eighth ingredient is pork fat, a product from rendering pig meat.

    Commonly known as lard, pork fat can add significant flavor to any dog food. And it can be high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life.

    Although it may not sound very appetizing, pork fat (in moderate amounts) is actually an acceptable pet food ingredient.

    After the natural flavor, we find whitefish meal, yet another high protein meat concentrate.

    From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

    But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Merrick product.

    With 7 notable exceptions

    First, we find pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.

    Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

    And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

    Next, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

    However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

    In addition, alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds.

    Next, this food contains dried fermentation products. Fermentation products are typically added to provide enzymes to aid the animal with digestion.

    We also note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

    Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

    Next, we also note the inclusion of sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

    And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

    Based on its ingredients alone, Merrick Grain Free Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

    The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 38%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 37%.

    As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 36% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 39% for the overall product line.

    And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

    Which means this Merrick product line contains…

    Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

    Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the pea products, potato protein, alfalfa meal and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.

    FAQ

    Is Merrick healthy for dogs?

    Dog Food Advisor generally considers Merrick to be a good quality brand with healthy ingredients that will suit the majority of dogs. They’ve rated the Classic range 4.5 stars out of 5, the Grain Free range 5 stars, the Backcountry range 5 stars and the Limited Ingredient Diet range 4 stars.

    Has Merrick dog food been recalled?

    Merrick Recalls history

    August 2011: Recall of a single lot of its “Doggie Wishbone” Treats. Janauary 2011: Recall of all lots of its “Jr. Texas Taffy” Pet Treats. August 2010: Recall of all lots of its 10 oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” and “Texas Hold’ems” Pet Treats.

    Is Merrick owned by Purina?

    Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is pleased to announce the successful completion of the acquisition of Merrick Pet Care, Inc., one of the fastest-growing natural and organic pet food companies.

    What are the top 10 healthiest dog foods?

    The 10 Best Healthiest Dog Food Brands
    1. The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall. …
    2. Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High-Protein. …
    3. Nature’s Logic Sardine Meal Feast All Life Stages. …
    4. K9 Natural Beef Feast Raw Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food. …
    5. Sojos Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food.