Quick answer: Merrick is a high-quality dog food brand that balances premium ingredients with reasonable pricing. Most recipes score between 3.5 and 5 stars on Dog Food Advisor, though some varieties lean too heavy on protein for certain dogs.
I’ve been through a lot of dog food bags over the years, and I’ll be honest, Merrick has always been one I recommend to people who want something better than Purina but don’t want to go full-tilt into raw feeding. It’s a solid middle ground with some real standout recipes.
The Sub-Brands: Classic, Grain-Free, and Backcountry
Merrick divides its line into three main sub-brands. The Merrick Classic is the cooked line, they claim it’s made with real deboned meat as the first ingredient, and the ingredient lists back that up. A typical Classic formula like the Chicken & Sweet Potato has deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and peas. On Dog Food Advisor, these usually get a solid 4 stars. It’s a high-fiber, moderate-fat dry food that works well for dogs with normal energy levels.
Then there’s the Grain-Free line, which got caught up in the FDA’s DCM investigation a while back. Now, I’m not saying grain-free is always bad, some dogs genuinely do better on it, but I think a lot of the fear around grains is overblown. If your dog doesn’t have a confirmed sensitivity, I’d stick with the Grain-Inclusive Classic line. It’s just safer, and honestly, it’s not like grains are bad for dogs; they’re a fine source of carbs. If you're still curious about grain-free options, check out my full review of the best grain-free dog foods for a balanced take.
Merrick Backcountry is their freeze-raw-coated line. It mimics raw feeding but keeps the convenience of kibble. My neighbor’s dog, a picky Shih Tzu named Bella, absolutely loves the Backcountry Raw Infused recipes. The coating is freeze-dried raw pieces mixed into the kibble. It’s pricier, but some owners swear by it for picky eaters. For a more general comparison of how Merrick stacks up against other brands, you might want to browse our full dog food reviews collection.
What About the Ingredient Quality?
Merrick sources most of their meat and produce from U.S. suppliers. They also use whole-food ingredients like sweet potatoes and peas instead of fillers like corn or wheat. That’s a big plus. But not every recipe is perfect, some have a relatively high protein content (over 35%), which can be too rich for less active dogs or those with kidney issues. It’s always smart to match the protein level to your dog’s activity.
Should You Buy Merrick?
Yes, I’d recommend Merrick for most owners, but with a couple of caveats. First, if your dog has a grain sensitivity, consider the Grain-Free line. But if not, just stick with Classic. Second, watch for stools: the high protein can cause loose stool in some dogs during transition. Start slow, mix with their old food for a week.
On the recall front, I couldn’t find any official recall for Merrick in 2024 or early 2025. That’s a good sign, but no brand is perfect. Always check the FDA recall list yourself. To make sure you're selecting the best possible option for your dog's specific needs, take a look at our ultimate dog food buying guide for a step-by-step approach to choosing a formula.
Final verdict: Merrick is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you’ve got a moderate-to-high activity dog and you want to feed something better than grocery-store bags, it’s one of the best mid-range options out there. If your dog is a couch potato, try a lower-protein formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrick dog food good for puppies?
Yes, Merrick has puppy-specific formulas that are AAFCO-approved for growth. The Classic Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato is a top-rated option on Dog Food Advisor, scoring 4.5 stars.
Is Merrick better than Blue Buffalo?
In my opinion, yes. Merrick uses higher-quality proteins and fewer controversial ingredients like carrageenan or pea-based concentrates. Blue Buffalo’s “LifeSource Bits” are mostly marketing.
Where is Merrick dog food made?
Merrick is manufactured in Hereford, Texas. The company was founded in Amarillo, Texas, and has maintained U.S.-based production even after being acquired by Nestlé Purina in 2015.
Do vets recommend Merrick?
Some do, but many are neutral. There's no official veterinary endorsement, and some vets are cautious about grain-free diets due to the DCM link. Always check with your vet before switching.
Is Merrick worth the price?
It depends. If you value whole-food ingredients and U.S. sourcing, yes. If you’re on a tight budget, you might prefer a more affordable brand like Purina Pro Plan.
