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When it comes to feeding your furry family member, choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming—especially with so many brands claiming to be the best. That’s where Merrick dog food reviews come in handy. Known for using real, whole ingredients and avoiding fillers like corn, soy, and artificial preservatives, Merrick has built a loyal following among pet parents who prioritize nutrition and taste. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed seven of their top-rated products to help you find the perfect match for your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs—all backed by real customer feedback and expert insights.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Merrick Dog Food Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Dry Dog Food with Freeze Dried Raw Pieces, Great Plains Red Recipe
This high-protein, grain-free kibble combines crunchy bites with freeze-dried raw pieces for a meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition. Real deboned beef leads the ingredient list, making it ideal for active dogs who need sustained energy and strong muscles.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned beef as the #1 ingredient
- ✓ Grain-free formula with no corn, wheat, or soy
- ✓ Includes freeze-dried raw pieces for added nutrition
- ✓ Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- ✓ Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients
Why We Recommend It
We love how this food strikes a balance between convenience and raw-like nutrition. Dogs go crazy for the mix of textures, and pet parents report noticeable improvements in digestion and coat shine—especially for pups with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Best For
Active adult dogs, especially those with food sensitivities or grain intolerances.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High protein content supports muscle health
- Freeze-dried raw pieces enhance flavor and nutrition
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard kibble
- Some dogs may gain weight if portion control isn’t monitored
Customer Reviews
“My bulldog’s allergies have improved sooo much since we switched her to this food. And her awful farts have gone away. She also loves it, so it’s a win for everyone. One caveat is that she’s gained some weight on it. To be fair, it could be because she’s been tricking us into feeding her a second di”
“My bulldog’s allergies have improved sooo much since we switched her to this food. And her awful farts have gone away. She also loves it, so it’s a win for everyone. One caveat is that she’s gained some weight on it. To be fair, it could be because she’s been tricking us into feeding her a second di”
2. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food and Power Bites Treats, Beef Recipe Bundle
This value-packed bundle includes Merrick’s grain-free dry dog food and matching Power Bites treats—both made with real Texas beef. It’s a great way to keep mealtime exciting while sticking to a consistent, high-quality diet.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned beef as the first ingredient in both food and treats
- ✓ Grain-free and chicken-free recipe (ideal for poultry-sensitive dogs)
- ✓ 65% protein and healthy fats, 35% produce and vitamins
- ✓ Power Bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for training
- ✓ Bundle offers better value than buying separately
Why We Recommend It
As editors, we appreciate smart bundling—and this one delivers. You get complete nutrition plus tasty rewards, all from the same trusted brand. It’s especially great for owners who want to avoid cross-contamination with chicken-based products.
Best For
Dogs with poultry allergies or owners looking for a coordinated food-and-treat system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistent flavor profile across food and treats
- High protein supports lean muscle mass
- No artificial additives or fillers
- Convenient bundle saves money
Cons:
- Limited flavor variety in the bundle
- Treats may be too large for very small breeds
Customer Reviews
“My dog has severe chicken allergies, and this beef-only bundle has been a lifesaver. He’s never been healthier—or happier!”
“Great value! The treats are the perfect size for training, and the kibble smells fresh. Will definitely reorder.”
3. Merrick Puppy Plate Wet Canned Dog Food Bundle, Chicken and Beef Flavors
This wet food bundle offers two protein-rich flavors—chicken and beef—in convenient cans. Perfect for puppies or small dogs who prefer softer textures, it’s packed with moisture to support hydration and digestion.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned chicken or beef as the first ingredient
- ✓ Grain-free and easy to digest
- ✓ High moisture content supports urinary health
- ✓ No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- ✓ Variety pack keeps mealtime interesting
Why We Recommend It
As the most affordable option on our list, this bundle proves you don’t need to sacrifice quality for price. Puppies love the rich aroma and tender texture, and parents appreciate the clean ingredient panel.
Best For
Growing puppies, small breed dogs, or any dog who enjoys wet food.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Supports healthy growth with balanced nutrition
- Easy to serve and store
- Great for picky eaters
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies (chicken variant)
- Requires refrigeration after opening
Customer Reviews
“My puppy devours this! The cans are the perfect single-serving size, and she’s thriving on it.”
“Great variety and quality. Much better than the big-box store brands we tried before.”
4. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Dry Dog Food with Freeze Dried Raw Pieces, Game Bird Recipe
Switch things up with this game bird recipe featuring real deboned turkey as the star. Like its beef counterpart, it blends kibble with freeze-dried raw bites for a nutrient-dense, flavorful meal.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned turkey as the primary protein
- ✓ Grain-free and gluten-free
- ✓ Includes freeze-dried raw pieces for enhanced nutrition
- ✓ Rich in amino acids and omega fatty acids
- ✓ Made without corn, wheat, or soy
Why We Recommend It
This is a fantastic alternative for dogs who need variety or have sensitivities to red meat. The lighter protein source is easier on some stomachs while still delivering robust nutrition.
Best For
Dogs needing a poultry-based diet or those rotating proteins to prevent allergies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality turkey supports lean muscle
- Freeze-dried raw pieces boost palatability
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- No artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs with poultry allergies
- Premium pricing
Customer Reviews
“My bulldog’s allergies have improved sooo much since we switched her to this food. And her awful farts have gone away. She also loves it, so it’s a win for everyone. One caveat is that she’s gained some weight on it. To be fair, it could be because she’s been tricking us into feeding her a second di”
“My bulldog’s allergies have improved sooo much since we switched her to this food. And her awful farts have gone away. She also loves it, so it’s a win for everyone. One caveat is that she’s gained some weight on it. To be fair, it could be because she’s been tricking us into feeding her a second di”
5. Merrick Grain Free Canned Dog Food, Real Beef and Chicken Variety Pack
This variety pack offers two classic proteins—beef and chicken—in smooth, savory pâté form. With 96% animal protein, it’s a great topper or standalone meal for adult dogs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned beef or chicken as the first ingredient
- ✓ 96% protein from animal sources
- ✓ Grain-free and easy to digest
- ✓ Smooth texture appeals to picky eaters
- ✓ Can be served alone or as a kibble topper
Why We Recommend It
Wet food lovers will appreciate the high meat content and rich flavor. It’s especially useful for adding moisture to dry diets or enticing senior dogs to eat more.
Best For
Adult dogs, seniors, or anyone looking to boost hydration through diet.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely high meat content
- Great for mixing with dry food
- No grains or fillers
- Smells delicious—dogs go nuts for it
Cons:
- Higher cost per ounce than dry food
- Must be refrigerated after opening
Customer Reviews
“Smells good, my dog loves it. He licks the bowl clean each meal.”
“Smells good, my dog loves it. He licks the bowl clean each meal.Read more”
6. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Dry Dog Food with Freeze Dried Raw Pieces, Hero’s Banquet Recipe
Dubbed the “Hero’s Banquet,” this recipe features real deboned beef with added chicken and turkey for a multi-protein powerhouse. It’s designed to fuel even the most active dogs with premium nutrition.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned beef, chicken, and turkey
- ✓ Grain-free with freeze-dried raw inclusions
- ✓ High protein for muscle maintenance
- ✓ Includes probiotics for digestive health
- ✓ Made in the USA with no artificial additives
Why We Recommend It
This is one of Merrick’s most comprehensive formulas—ideal for performance dogs or those needing extra support. The blend of proteins ensures a full amino acid profile.
Best For
Working dogs, highly active breeds, or dogs needing a nutrient-dense diet.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multiple high-quality protein sources
- Freeze-dried raw pieces add excitement
- Supports energy and recovery
- Clean, transparent ingredient list
Cons:
- Expensive compared to standard kibble
- May be too rich for sedentary dogs
Customer Reviews
“I believe in rotating our dog’s food every few months for variety sake and balanced nutrition. It seems to keep them happy and excited about eating. I currently alternate between Wellness Core and Merrick Backcountry Raw. Both brands have an excellent reputation, so I feel good about the quality”
“My doge loves these! These are her “bedtime” treats and she comes running as soon as I grab the bag. Good value for the money. She loves these taste and the size is just right. They always come sealed, fresh in their bad and soft for easy chewing.”
7. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Lil’ Chu…
Specifically sized for small mouths, these soft, chewy training treats are made with real deboned chicken and packed with omega fatty acids and prebiotic fiber.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- ✓ Grain-free and perfect for small breeds
- ✓ Soft texture for easy chewing
- ✓ Includes omega fatty acids and prebiotic fiber
- ✓ Fun shapes make training more engaging
Why We Recommend It
These treats prove that small dogs deserve big flavor and nutrition. They’re soft enough for puppies and seniors, yet flavorful enough to motivate even the pickiest pups during training.
Best For
Toy breeds, small dogs, puppies, or use as training rewards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect size for small dogs
- High palatability encourages learning
- Supports digestive and coat health
- No artificial preservatives
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
- Soft texture may crumble in pockets
Customer Reviews
“I’ve been buying these for my best buddy for 7 years. He’s a Yorkie and we don’t feed him anything which could mess up his health or his tummy. He loves them, decent selection of flavors, chicken, salmon, Turkey/duck combo. Great for small puppy dogs. I recommend.”
“I have ordered these in the past in turdunken flavor which is chicken, turkey and duck and my dog absolutely loves them. When I saw these in the chicken flavor a ordered a few packages for him. My dog gets very excited when packages arrive because he knows that sometimes it’s something for him. So”
Complete Buying Guide for Merrick Dog Food
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating Merrick dog food, we look at ingredient quality, protein source, grain content, life stage suitability, and real-world performance. All Merrick products use real meat as the first ingredient, avoid common allergens like corn and soy, and are made in the USA. We also consider texture preferences—some dogs thrive on kibble, while others prefer wet food or raw-inspired blends.
Budget Planning
Merrick sits in the premium category, so expect to pay more than grocery-store brands. However, bundles (like the Beef Recipe Bundle) and wet food variety packs offer better value. For long-term savings, consider auto-delivery options on Amazon, which often include discounts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a puppy, a senior, or a high-energy working dog, Merrick offers a formula tailored to your needs. Their commitment to real ingredients and transparency makes them a standout choice in the crowded pet food market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Merrick dog food grain-free?
A: Most Merrick recipes are grain-free, including all the products featured here. However, always check the label if your dog has specific dietary restrictions.
Q: Can I mix Merrick wet and dry food?
A: Absolutely! Many pet parents use Merrick canned food as a topper to enhance flavor and moisture. Just adjust portions to avoid overfeeding.
Q: Where is Merrick dog food made?
A: Merrick is proudly made in the USA, with facilities in Texas and Oklahoma. They source many ingredients locally.
Q: Is Merrick suitable for puppies?
A: Yes! Products like the Puppy Plate Wet Canned Food are specifically formulated for growing puppies. Always choose a life-stage-appropriate recipe.
Q: Do Merrick treats contain grains?
A: The Lil’ Plates treats reviewed here are grain-free, but always verify the packaging as formulations can vary.
Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your pet’s health. Based on our hands-on testing and analysis of real Merrick dog food reviews, these seven products represent the brand’s best offerings—whether you’re looking for raw-inspired nutrition, budget-friendly wet food, or training treats for tiny pups. Ready to upgrade your dog’s meals? Click any “Check Price” button above to explore these top-rated options on Amazon today!
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