In this review… The Dog Food Advisor takes a candid look at Merrick Dog Food… and its most important sub-brands.
List of Merrick Pet Food Recalls
Cause: Potential for elevated beef thyroid hormone. Announcement: Company news release dated May 23, 2018 (archived here). What was recalled: The following beef dog treats, but only the ones with “best before” dates falling between May 1, 2017 and Sept. 1, 2019 :
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated Aug. 8, 2011 (archived here). What was recalled: Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats, UPC #2280829050, Lot #11031, best by Jan. 30, 2013.
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 28, 2011 (archived here). What was recalled: Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats, UPC #02280827077, all lot numbers up to and including 10364. No “best by” date given.
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: FDA reports dated July 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 16, 2010 (archived here). What was recalled: All lots of the following Merrick treats:
Cause: Potential for salmonella. Announcement: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) news release dated Sept. 19, 2002, and FDA Enforcement Report dated Jan. 29, 2003 (archived here). What was recalled: Merrick Delicatessen Style Beef Steak Patties, distributed in Canada.
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How Do I Make a Claim for the Merrick Dog Food Recall?
Was your dog food recalled when Merrick Dog Food recalled the beef-based treats for the dog food line in 2018? If so, you may need to:
You will need to provide information about the treats you purchased and when you purchased them to file a claim.
Unfortunately, to file a claim through Merrick Dog Food on your own, you will need to take advantage of the specific customer service hours when Merrick customer service representatives are available. You may also have a long wait to get your refund in your hands.
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.
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Merrick Classic is for those who prefer a traditional dry dog food that’s made with grain.
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Merrick Grain-Free is ideal for those seeking a dry food that’s made without grain.
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This sub-brand includes Merrick’s best-selling, grain-free wet recipes. Some available in certain seasons.
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Backcountry recipes start with freeze-dried, raw-coated kibble. Then blend in pieces of real, freeze-dried raw meat, fish, or poultry.
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Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet is a grain-free kibble that can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
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Lil’ Plates is Merrick’s grain-free wet sub-brand designed especially for small dogs.
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.
FAQ
Has Merrick dog food been recalled?
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Is Merrick good for dogs?