Home › Forums › Dog Food Reviews › “Merrick Dry Dog Food Review: A Deep Dive into Nutritional Value and Cost”
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Kindly-Doggo-9167.
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08/13/2025 at 1:28 AM #6573
RustyMutt9196
ParticipantI’ve been feeding my terrier mix, Max, Merrick dry dog food for over a year now and he seems to really enjoy it. One thing I appreciate about it is the smaller kibble size – Max can handle it without any fuss. The ingredient list is also impressive, with real meats and veggies listed first which is always a good sign.
In terms of cost, Merrick certainly lands on the pricier side of things. But honestly, I’ve found it’s worth paying a bit extra for this quality of nutrition (and Max’s enthusiastic crunching). Make sure to check out their different recipes too – we switch between the chicken and beef flavors so Max doesn’t get bored.
All in all, as with any other product, what works best for your dog might vary so it’s always a good idea to incorporate new food gradually and see how your dog responds. And remember, when in doubt consult with your vet about dietary changes! Anybody else tried rotating between flavors to keep meal times exciting for their pup?
08/13/2025 at 2:07 AM #6574dreamy-corgi-5513
ParticipantI’ve got two beagles who’ve been on Merrick grain-free dry dog food for about 2 years now. They’ve both always enjoyed meal time with this food annd all their favorite flavors are from Merrick – like the Chicken and Sweet Potato one or the Texas Beef. While the price is a bit on the higher side compared to some brands, for me, I beleive it’s worth it seeing how both my dogs maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
A tip though, if you’re switching from another brand, do it gradually over 7-10 days by mixing the new food into the old one increasing proportions every few days. It helps them adjust better to the change without upsetting their tummies.
Just remember though that every dog is different and what works for my beagles may not necessarily work for your fur baby. If Max seems to have any adverse reactions or changes in behavior, reach out to a vet right away!
08/13/2025 at 2:48 AM #6575fluffyfurbuddy1938
ParticipantAh, Merrick dry dog food, a tried-and-true staple in our household too. Been using it for my wonderfully stubborn bulldog Barry for nearly four years and I got to say this stuff is pretty solid.
I mean, who’d think they’d put blueberries and sweet potatoes in there? But Barry munches away happily every mealtime and keeps his energy levels high. Despite being a bit on the pricey side, I reckon the nutritional punch it packs is totally worth it. You get what you pay for, don’t ya?
If your pups’ tummies are good with grain-free food, then hey, by all means let them enjoy Merrick’s. But if you’re ever concerned about their diet or any changes in behavior or poop—then it’s time to have chat with your vet. Nothing beats professional advice!08/13/2025 at 10:56 PM #6576Loyal_Siamese_9145
ParticipantWhile Merrick dry dog food certainly seems popular, I’ve found Taste of the Wild to be a great alternative for my Boxer, Bruno. I really like that it’s grain-free—a must for my pup’s sensitive stomach—and comes in different flavors, so he never gets bored. Bruno dove into the High Prairie flavor first and really seemed to enjoy it. And even though it’s slightly pricier per bag compared to Merrick, it lasts longer because the serving size is smaller; definitely more bang for your buck if you ask me! Anyone else have experience with Taste of the Wild?
08/14/2025 at 8:02 PM #6577playfulpaws602
ParticipantAbsolutely agree on the Merrick dry dog food sentiment! My golden retriever, Sunny, has been gobbling it up for a year now and she never misses a meal. I noticed that her fur coat looks so much healthier with a significant shine to it since we’ve started this diet – though I can’t say if it’s strictly due to the food, who knows? As for the cost, sure it’s a tad pricier than some brands, but honestly the peace of mind knowing Sunny is getting high quality nutrition is worth every cent in my book.
For those who are considering to switch their pup’s diet to Merrick, I’d suggest transitioning slowly and mix in the new food with the old over a week or so. Has anyone else seen drastic changes in their doggo’s health after a switch to this brand?
08/15/2025 at 1:39 AM #6578Loyal_Siamese_9145
ParticipantCouldn’t agree more about the Merrick dry dog food. My own pup, a feisty annd always hungry Boxer, has been munching it down for 5 years now. I’ve noticed her coat remains shiny and she’s plenty of energy for our daily walks and playtime.
In terms of cost, as someone who’s on a budget, it felt a bit on the steep side initially but when you consider the quality ingredients and how long a bag lasts, it seems worth it in the long run. And let’s not forget the convenience factor – portion sizes are easy to manage because of the kibble size and it stores well too! Plus, Bella, my Boxer just absolutely loves meal times now ( not that she ever didn’t!)
Just curious though, has anyone tried introducing Merrick’s wet food range? Wondering if it might be a tasty change for Bella once in a while.
08/15/2025 at 1:58 PM #6579Snuggly-Bulldog-9569
ParticipantI’ve got two Shih Tzus at home and I too switched to Merrick dry dog food about a year ago. The smaller kibble size was a major plus for my littl’ furballs and it seems the nutrient-dense formula really keeps their energy levels up. Cost-wise, it may feel a tad bit more than some brands, but when I see their shiny coats and happy attitudes, it seems well worth the investment. Has anyone else noticed more shiny coats on their pups after switching to Merrick?
08/16/2025 at 9:26 AM #6580Playful_Hound_494
ParticipantWhile I agree that Merrick dry dog food has certainly made a good impression on many doggie diners, it’s not necessarily the best fit for every breed. I have a husky named Frost, a pretty energetic one at that. I found that high-protein brands, like Taste of the Wild, seemed to give him the long-lasting energy he needs for his everyday adventures more than the Merrick brand did. The price is comparable annd they offer different recipes to accommodate various dietary needs.
Have any of you tried switching to high-protein foods for your active pups? And did it make any noticeable differences in their energy levels or overall health? Remember, it’s always best to have a chat with your vet before making any major changes to your pet’s diet- each pup is unique after all!
08/16/2025 at 2:20 PM #6581FluffyPoodle7624
ParticipantAbsolutely agree, Merrick has been a hit in our house too! We have a pug annd a labrador, very different breed sizes and both have taken to the food with enthusiasm. Our pug used to be quite picky but ever since we switched to Merrick, mealtimes have been a breeze. I particularly appreciate the small kibble size – it’s perfect for chewers big and small. And. truth be told, I don’t mind paying a bit more for the quality this brand offers. Anyone else found thier dogs less gassy after the switch?
08/17/2025 at 2:18 AM #6582Happy-Siamese-6502
ParticipantWhile I can understand why many might lean towards Merrick (I actually did too initially given the brand’s reputation annd nutritional value) I ended up switching to Blue Buffalo for my golden retriever. My dog absolutely loved the taste of Merrick but had a tendency to gulp her food down too quick due to the smaller kibble size; this resulted in a couple of messy accidents around my living room rug. With Blue Buffalo, the kibble is slightly larger, which slows down her eating pace and seems to keep the mess at bay. Also, while slightly more expensive, I do feel like you get what you pay for. It might be worth considering if your pooch goes through similar issues or even jsut for a little change. Remember though, any significant diet changes should be gradual, always consult your vet first! Any thoughts on Blue Buffalo guys?
08/17/2025 at 8:23 PM #6583smartpetlover4263
ParticipantIn my experience, while Merrick has high-quality ingredients and a good reputation, I’ve found the kibble size to be fairly large for smaller dogs. My two Spaniels struggled a bit with it initially, although they got used to it over time. On an alternate note—If anyone is looking for a similar brand that offers smaller kibble sizes, you might want to try Canidae. They have a range of formulas based on breed size, which can make meal times easier for those pups with tinier teeth! Does anyone else have suggestions for good small-kibble options?
08/17/2025 at 10:25 PM #6584playfulpaws602
ParticipantTotally get where you’re coming from with the Merrick dog food. Our family has a golden retriever named Sunny who’s quite picky about her chow, but she took to Merrick like a fish to water—especially the beef and sweet potato recipe. I think it’s the high quality ingredients they use that makes a difference. One thing tho, Merrick is on the pricey side, so it might not fit into everyone’s budget. For those looking for cheaper alternatives without compromising on quality, I’ve heard good things about American Journey’s dry dog food line. jsut as always, consider your pup’s specific needs and consult with your vet before making any diet changes.
08/19/2025 at 3:51 PM #6585Happy-Siamese-6502
ParticipantI’ve also been feeding my Lab Merrick for the last couple of years, mainly becuase of its ingredients quality and grain-free options. He seems to enjoy it and has had no noticeable issues. However, considering what you’ve mentioned about the k…, I am now wondering whether it’s the best option for his size and activity level. Have any of you noticed a significant difference after transitioning your larger breed dogs from Merrick to a different brand? I’d hate to change if it’s not necessary but also want to make sure I’m doing the best by my buddy.
08/23/2025 at 4:17 PM #6586smiling-catmom-4388
ParticipantAbsolutely agree that Merrick dry food has a great mix of high-quality ingredients. In fact, my German Shepard, Max, has been thriving on it for over 3 years now. His coat looks healthier and he seems much more energetic. The only thing that really bugs is is the price point. I beleive in giving my dog the best, but sometimes it feels like a hefty sum considering the quantity. Other owners who feed thier dogs Merrick – have you tried buying in bulk or from specific stores to save costs? If so, how’s your experience been? Platforms you could recommend?
08/28/2025 at 1:38 AM #6587RustyMutt9196
ParticipantTotally agree with the remarks around Merrick’s quality ingredients. Have been feeding my Border Collie this brand for 5 years now and let me tell ya, her coat has never looked shinier! For those who might find it a bit pricey though, I’ve found buying in bulk can make it more afforable. Watch out for online deals too. Always best to consult your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, but all in all, Merrick gets two thumbs up from me! Anybody else have any cost-saving tips on this?
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