Merrick Dog Food Recall 2017

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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 :

  • Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe, 4 oz., UPC #780872510806
  • Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe, 5 oz., UPC #780872510745
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky, 4.5 oz., UPC #022808786160
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts, 5 oz., UPC #022808786047
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties, 4 oz., UPC #022808786078

    • 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:

  • Merrick Beef Filet Squares, 10 oz.
  • Merrick Texas Hold’ems pet treats, 10 oz.

    • 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.

    If you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petful’s FREE recall alerts by email. Our free alerts are saving pets’ lives.

    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:

  • Contact customer service for Merrick Dog Food at 1-800-664-7387 between 8 am and 5 pm Central Time.
  • Email [email protected].

    • 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.

    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.

    FAQ

    Has Merrick dog food been recalled?

    Has Merrick Ever Been Recalled? Yes. In May 2018, some Merrick beef-based dog treats were recalled because of potentially elevated beef thyroid hormone. The company said it was aware of a single customer complaint of a sickened dog.

    Is Merrick pet food going out of business?

    As previously announced, Merrick will continue to operate as an independent business, with no planned changes to its management or operations. Merrick has more than 350 employees located primarily in Texas and Illinois, and offers a wide variety of dry and wet foods, as well as treats, for both dogs and cats.

    Does Merrick dog food use ingredients from China?

    Merrick’s foods are made in the USA. Most ingredients are grown by local farmers. And none are sourced from China. Nestle Purina is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of pet food and pet treat products.

    Is Merrick good 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.