Featured image of merrick dog food review

We all want what’s best for our dogs, and that includes feeding it with the high-quality pet kibbles. To provide them with excellent meals you must learn more about the food they consume. But, it can take you hours to check out different sources and find what’s best for your furry friend.

That is why we have done the research for you. In this Merrick dog food review, we will tell you everything you need to know about it. The company uses locally-sourced ingredients, in all their recipes, and their manufacturing facilities and kitchens are upheld by FDA standards.

You may also find it significant that Merrick dog food products meet the standards set by AAFCO, and encompass these nutrient profiles: Growth, Maintenance, All life stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reviews

IMAGEPRODUCTINGREDIENTS 
A

Small Product image of Merrick Grain Adult
Beef & Sweet Potato
A
Deboned Beef
Potatoes
Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Lamb Meal
Check Price
A

Small Product image of Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
Chicken & Sweet Potato
A
Deboned Chicken
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes
Turkey Meal
Chicken Meal
Check Price
A

Small Product image of Merrick Salmon & Sweet Potato
Salmon & Sweet Potato
A - All Life Stages
Deboned Salmon
Potatoes
Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Salmon Meal
Check Price
M

Small Product image of Merrick Healthy Weight Recipe
Healthy Weight
M
Deboned Beef
Sweet Potatoes
Chicken Meal
Potatoes
Peas
Check Price
A

Small Product image of Merrick Duck + Sweet Potato
Duck & Sweet Potato
A
Deboned Duck
Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Salmon Meal
Turkey Meal
Check Price
A

Small Product image of Merrick Puppy Real Chicken
Puppy Formula
A
Deboned Chicken
Chicken Meal
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes
Peas
Check Price
A

small product image of Merrick Large Breed Dog food
Large Breed Formula
A
Deboned Chicken
Chicken Meal
Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes
Check Price
A

small product image of Merrick Real Lamb
Real Lamb & Sweet Potato
A
Deboned Lamb
Lamb Meal
Sweet Potatoes
Peas
Potatoes
Check Price

Beef & Sweet Potato - Ideal for Sensitive Stomach

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Beef
  • Potatoes
  • Peas,
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Lamb Meal

Merrick Beef and Sweet Potato is our number one choice that your furry friend will undoubtedly adore. This grain-free recipe is allergy-friendly and includes deboned, real beef with apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and more. It features high doses of chondroitin and glucosamine for increased mobility.

The formulation also features Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. This poultry-free recipe is excellent for pets who have sensitive stomachs. We need to mention that this formula doesn’t contain gluten, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

If you decide to purchase this product, you won’t regret it. This product is the perfect choice for you if you have a pet with sensitivities to poultry ingredients.

For our top picks overall, see our best rated dog food list.

Chicken & Sweet Potato - Support Healthy Joints

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Turkey Meal
  • Chicken Meal

This product is another excellent recipe from Merrick Company. It includes deboned, real chicken, which is the first ingredient in this formulation along with apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and more. This recipe is great because it is allergy-friendly and grain-free.

It is designed with minerals and vitamins for balanced and complete nutrition. Like the first product, it also contains high doses of chondroitin and glucosamine which increases mobility as they maintain healthy joint and hip function. The recipe includes Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support a shiny coat and healthy skin.

This recipe is made with the best locally-sourced ingredients from trusted farmers. If you ask us, this is an excellent product, with fantastic taste, that your dog will undoubtedly love.

Salmon & Sweet Potato - For Active Dogs

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Salmon
  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Salmon Meal

This product is also an excellent product for dogs with sensitivities to poultry ingredients. This Merrick dog food includes deboned, real salmon that is its first ingredient. It is an excellent source of protein and essential in providing your pup with the much-needed energy.

The recipe also contains some other vitamins and minerals from apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and more. Chondroitin and glucosamine help maintain healthy joint and hip function, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 support a shiny coat and healthy skin. This dog food doesn’t contain gluten ingredients, and it doesn’t include artificial colors, preservative or flavors.

This is an excellent product that your dog will adore. You cannot go wrong with this product.

Healthy Weight - Complete and Balanced Diet

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Beef
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Chicken Meal
  • Potatoes
  • Peas

If you are searching for a dog food that will maintain a healthy weight of your pup, then you have found the perfect one with this Merrick product. The first ingredient of this recipe is deboned, real beef, which is an excellent protein source. It also contains a lot of minerals and vitamins from fruits and vegetables such as apples, peas, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and others.

This veggies and fruits give heart flavor that your furry friend will undoubtedly love. The dog food is also grain-free and contains no artificial colors, preservatives, flavors or gluten. And for healthy weight management, it is balanced with optimal fiber and protein without extra fat or calories.

This Merrick dog food is an excellent solution if you want to maintain your canine’s healthy weight.

Duck & Sweet Potato - Supports Healthy Skin and Coat

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Duck
  • Peas
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Salmon Meal
  • Turkey Meal

After doing hours and hours of research about Merrick’s products, we can say that this is one of the best dog kibbles out there. The first ingredient which is also a protein source is deboned real duck. It also contains vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits such as apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and more, which are essential for your dog immune system.

High does of chondroitin and glucosamine will increase mobility as they help maintain healthy hip and joint function. High levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids will boost shiny coat and healthy skin. We need to mention that it doesn’t contain artificial colors, preservatives or flavors

The combination of ingredients offers excellent taste, which your pooch will undoubtedly like.

Puppy Formula - Real Chicken & Sweet Potato

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Chicken Meal
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Peas

Everything your puppy needs to grow and develop properly is contained in this outstanding formula. Its high contents of protein sourced from real chicken make it a perfect dietary option for your growing baby canine. Owing to its careful selection of the tastiest veggies, your puppy will crave this harmony of taste, coming from sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes.

Its addition of DHA supports the healthy development of your baby pup’s brain. Optimal complexes of necessary vitamins and minerals complete the list of essential nutrients, to help your new family member thrive. This formula is grain and gluten-free and is not likely to trigger allergies or digestive issues.

Only the best quality ingredients provided by trusted, local suppliers find their way into Merrick’s Texas facility.

Give your active, little puppy a head start by choosing this quality, nutrient-rich, and tasty formula.

Large Breed Formula - Chicken & Sweet Potato

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Chicken Meal
  • Peas
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Potatoes

This rich formula caters to all of your large breed pal’s needs. It features real, deboned chicken as the very first ingredient. It means that it is packed with healthy protein, to help your canine maintain a lean, muscular body. In combination with tasty fruits and veggies, it rounds up the list of critical ingredients.

Delicious apples, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas serve as a source of all the minerals and vitamins needed by your pal to maintain his health.  Omega 3 Fatty Acids, originating from flaxseed, support the healthy skin and shiny coat of your canine. Addition of L-carnitine speeds up your pup’s metabolism, preventing obesity.

This formula contains high levels of chondroitin and glucosamine, which will be responsible for your buddy’s joint health and mobility. Having ruled out wheat, corn, soy, and gluten, this blend will be safe for your canine prone to allergies and food sensitivities.

Let your large-breed pal feel all the benefits of this excellent dry food formula.

Real Lamb - Ideal for Picky Eaters

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Lamb
  • Lamb Meal
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Potatoes

You want to pamper your canine with a rich, tasty dry food formula, based on the best of ingredients. Merrick is definitely an option to consider seriously.  Its first ingredient, lamb, combines with sweet potatoes for the maximum of taste, providing your pup with the essential nutrients.

Dogs which tend to develop allergies will undoubtedly be taken good care of if fed with this savory blend. Its excellent taste is supported by blueberries, apples, peas, and sweet potatoes. Vitamins and minerals sourced from these ingredients boost your pal’s immunity and metabolism, too.

Glucosamine and chondroitin keep your pup’s joints mobile and healthy. Addition of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids maintains the skin and coat health and glossiness. If your pooch is allergic to poultry, this formula makes a great choice to try.

Tickle your pal’s taste buds and keep him content and healthy. Merrick is there to help you achieve this goal.

Image of two dogs from the back

Why Customers Love It

There are a lot of reasons why you should try out these dog food products. Let’s see why customers loved it.

  • The Merrick is a well-known and trusted company which uses only high-quality and fresh ingredients from the trusted farmers.
  • These formulas are allergy-free and great for dogs with food sensitivities.
  • Kibbles are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
  • These products all contain high doses of chondroitin and glucosamine which are essential in supporting healthy hip and joint function.
  • They include a variety of nutrients that can prevent some health problems.
  • Most importantly the kibbles are tested and safe for dogs.
  • They are made for various dogs’ breeds and life stages.
  • They are all designed and produced in the United States.

Negative Feedbacks From Buyers

If you have carefully read this article, you learned that these meals are high-quality kibbles and that they don’t have a lot of negative reviews. But, like any other product, these also gain some negative feedback from the buyers. For example:

  • Some of these recipes are too expensive
  • Some buyers reported that dogs didn’t want to eat vegetables, just chunks of meat
  • A couple of buyers said that food smelled awful
  • Some pets didn’t like the taste of these kibbles

Nutrition Content Percentage

Protein

As a group of these products, the Merrick includes an average content of protein of 38 percent. The primary sources of protein are real, deboned meats that are purchased from well-trusted farmers. Bear in mind that some of the recipes might include lower or higher rating based upon their meat content.

Fat

As for the fat, the products feature about 16 percent of it. So, actually, it is a near average fat content which will provide your furry friend with enough energy throughout the day. Make sure to check on the package how much fat does each product contains, and choose less percentage if you want your dog to lose weight.

Carbohydrates

For the overall merrick dog food rating, the rating of fat and proteins suggest that product needs to include about 38 percent of the carbs. And as you may already know, the carbohydrates are essential for your dog’s overall health. That is why the company tracks these numbers and includes the right amount of carbohydrates in their meals.

Protein

38%

Fat

16%

Carbs

38%

Merrick Real Duck and Sweet Potato Ingredients

Duck

Duck is an excellent source of protein and fat, especially for those pets that have beef or chicken allergies. It is a hypoallergenic ingredient, and it is easier to digest than chicken. We also need to mention that it is even more affordable than some other protein-based meals that are easily understood.

Chicken

Chicken is also a primary source of protein in this dog food. It is fantastic in maintaining sufficient energy levels and muscular and healthy body. And as like any other source of protein, it will provide your pooch with the much-needed energy throughout the day.

Turkey Meal

Turkey meal is dry and features 50 to 60 percent meat proteins and about 10 percent moisture. They are a good addition to this meal, but it is useful only as an extra ingredient. It shouldn’t be used as the main protein source.

Salmon Meal

Salmon can also serve as a protein source. It is a great ingredient as it contains omega-3 fatty acids which are great for supporting your furry friend’s shiny coat and healthy skin. But, as for the turkey meal, we think that this one also cannot be the primary source of protein, it should be just an addition.

Lamb Meal

This meal is a very popular ingredient in pets meals. It is the dry part from tissues of the mammal, made for feeding purposes by dry rendering or tanking under live steam. It is an excellent source of protein, and a lot of dog food industries are using it.

Potato

Potatoes are digestible and easily tolerated for most canines. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates. This vegetable is great for maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing some of the cardiovascular diseases. It is no wonder that Merrick also uses it in its recipes.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and B6, fiber and many more essential minerals and vitamins. This recipe contains the right amount of sweet potatoes that the company has added.

Peas

Peas are a great source of soluble fiber, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. It keeps your dog’s digestive system healthy and moving. They are also high in vitamin K, vitamin B, and vitamin A.

Potato Protein

It is a byproduct of this vegetable processing, and it is used as a source of protein in this pet food. But, it is just an added protein to the main one.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa features various saponins which are glycosides with characteristics of foaming. They interfere with essential nutrients’ absorption. This ingredient is also contained in the Merrick recipe.

Fermentation Products

There is dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus fermentation product which is a good bacteria that provide many benefits. It stabilizes and strengthens the mucous membrane that decreases intestinal vulnerability and protects internal organs.

Minerals

The minerals that are required in the dog food are fluorine, manganese, selenium, iodine, chromium, copper, zinc and iron. Also, phosphorus and calcium are essential for proper pet nutrition, and this recipe contains them.

What Dogs Is Merrick Suited To?

Pets with Allergies: Their grain-free and gluten-free recipes are excellent for a dog with allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Healthy adult canines: Almost every Merrick formula is suited for the healthy adult pooch, except for those that are designed for weight loss and puppies.

Overweight Canines: The best product for these dogs is Merrick Grain –Free Healthy Weight formula which is made to shred a few pounds of the overweight dogs.

Merrick Recall History

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, in January 2010 Merrick recalls dog treats as they might have been contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Also in August 2010 two of their products Texas Hold’ems’’ and ‘’Beef Filet Squares for Dogs’’ treats were contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

In January 2011 Junior Texas Taffy pet treats once again have been recalled due to the contamination with Salmonella bacteria. In May 2018, the company recalled many pet treats as they might have contained beef thyroid hormone.

Conclusion

We hope that this article helped you to learn more about Merrick dog food products. As we have already mentioned, they are an excellent solution for almost every dog. You can choose between a wide range of options to suit different kinds of dietary needs and requirements.

After researching these products, we concluded that there is truth behind this company’s claims to maintaining their ingredients list as wholesome and short as possible. They are excellent for a dog with allergies and food sensitivities. Now, you can choose the product that is best for your furry friend.

References: