The Truth About Merrick’s Recent Changes
If you’ve been a loyal Merrick pet parent, you might’ve noticed something different about your pup’s favorite food lately. Maybe the packaging looks unfamiliar, or you’re wondering if the formula inside has changed too. You’re not alone! As a fellow dog owner who’s been feeding Merrick for years, I’ve had the same questions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything about Merrick’s recent changes, what’s actually different, and what’s stayed the same. I’ll share my personal experience with the transition and give you all the facts you need to make informed decisions about your furry friend’s nutrition
Yes, Merrick Has Changed Their Packaging (But Don’t Panic!)
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Merrick HAS changed their packaging recently According to Merrick’s official FAQ page, they’ve updated their brand imagery to better match their core values This explains why your dog’s favorite food might look different on the shelf.
The good news? Merrick explicitly states “Recipe names did not change, so search by recipe name in the search box at the top of this page to find the new packaging for your current food. You do not need to transition your dog or cat when you receive new packaging”
This means while the outside might look different, what’s inside should remain the same high-quality food your pup loves. But is that the whole story? Let’s dig deeper.
Who Owns Merrick Now? The Nestlé Purina Connection
One major change that happened a few years back (but still raises questions for pet parents) is ownership. Many dog owners wonder if Merrick has changed since being acquired.
According to their FAQ page: “Merrick dog food was founded by Garth Merrick in his Hereford, Texas kitchen when he started making homestyle meals for his dog, Gracie. Today, Merrick is part of the Nestlé Purina family of brands and remains dedicated to its mission of feeding pets as well as we feed ourselves.”
This acquisition by Nestlé Purina happened in 2015, and while some pet owners were initially concerned, Merrick has maintained their commitment to quality ingredients and USA manufacturing.
Is the Formula Still the Same? Ingredient Analysis
While Merrick states they haven’t changed recipe names, some pet parents (myself included!) have wondered if subtle ingredient changes have occurred over time. Here’s what we know for sure based on Merrick’s official information:
- Merrick continues to use “real, high-quality protein sourced from inspected facilities”
- All Merrick dog and cat foods are still made in USA facilities
- They do not use MSG, artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or additives
- Their foods are formulated by “an experienced team of animal nutrition experts, including PhDs, veterinarians, scientists and engineers”
What I’ve noticed personally is that my dog’s coat seems just as shiny and her energy levels are consistent with what they’ve always been on Merrick. However, I did think the kibble looked slightly different in color with the new packaging – but that could just be my imagination!
Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive Options
One area where Merrick has definitely expanded over the years is in their grain options. When they first gained popularity, they were known primarily for grain-free formulas. Now, they offer much more variety:
“Merrick has many grain free dog food recipes to choose from featuring a variety of proteins, textures, and flavors. However, Merrick also has a variety of recipes that include healthy grains like brown rice, oats, and ancient grains, so you can find the right food for your dog.”
This expansion into grain-inclusive formulas like their Healthy Grains line likely came in response to the FDA’s investigation into potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. It’s worth noting that according to their FAQ, “Merrick dog food is not under investigation.”
Key Nutritional Components That Haven’t Changed
Despite packaging changes and ownership transitions, several key nutritional aspects of Merrick remain consistent:
- Taurine Supplementation: “All Merrick dry dog food recipes are supplemented with taurine, including our grain free dry dog food options.”
- Joint Support: “Merrick dog food features high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support your dog’s hips and joints.”
- DHA for Puppies: They still include DHA in puppy formulas “to support brain development.”
- AAFCO Approval: “All of Merrick’s dog and cat food products are AAFCO approved with complete and balanced nutrient profiles.”
What About Product Discontinuations?
Another change that has confused some pet parents is product availability. Merrick states on their FAQ page that their dog and cat food products have not been discontinued. However, they do note that if you can’t find a product on their website, you should reach out to their Pet Parent Relations specialists.
One significant note: “We have made the difficult decision to discontinue Whole Earth Farms recipes after much consideration.” So while Merrick-branded products continue, their more budget-friendly Whole Earth Farms line has been discontinued.
My Personal Experience with Merrick’s Changes
I’ve been feeding my Lab mix Merrick for about 5 years now, and I’ve definitely noticed some changes along the way. When the packaging first changed, I was worried that the formula inside might be different too. My dog has a sensitive stomach, so any changes can lead to digestive upset.
What I did was check the ingredient list carefully against an old bag I still had. While there were some minor differences in how things were worded, the main ingredients seemed identical. I decided to trust the company’s statement that recipes hadn’t changed, and slowly transitioned to the new packaging just to be safe.
Thankfully, my pup had no issues! Her coat remained shiny, her energy levels stayed consistent, and most importantly – no tummy troubles. From my experience, it seems Merrick has indeed kept their recipes the same despite the new look.
What Merrick Dog Owners Are Saying
I’m not the only one who’s been through this! I’ve talked with other Merrick dog parents at my local dog park, and reviews online show mixed experiences:
“The new packaging threw me off, but my picky eater still gobbles it up just the same!” – Park friend with a Corgi
“I swear the kibble size is slightly smaller now, but my dog doesn’t seem to care.” – Online reviewer
“After Purina bought them, I watched like a hawk for changes. Haven’t noticed anything significant in 5 years except more grain-inclusive options.” – Fellow Lab owner
Is Merrick Still a Good Choice in 2025?
Based on all the information available, Merrick continues to be a quality dog food option in 2025. They maintain:
- USA manufacturing
- High-quality protein sources
- No artificial preservatives or additives
- Both grain-free and grain-inclusive options
- Supplementation with important nutrients like taurine
The biggest changes have been:
- Updated packaging
- Ownership by Nestlé Purina
- Expanded product lines with more grain-inclusive options
- Discontinuation of the Whole Earth Farms sub-brand
How to Transition If You’re Concerned About Changes
If you’re worried about potential formula changes despite Merrick’s statements, the safest approach is to transition slowly. Merrick themselves recommend:
“If you’re new to Merrick or your pet has a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to slowly introduce the new recipes by mixing it in with the current food. Continuously increase the amount of the new recipe while decreasing the amount of your pet’s current diet.”
A typical transition schedule might look like:
- Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
- Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 7+: 100% new food
Finding Your Perfect Merrick Formula
With all the options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right Merrick formula for your dog. Here’s a quick breakdown of their main lines:
| Line | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Free | No grains, high protein | Active dogs, grain sensitivities |
| Healthy Grains | Brown rice, oats, ancient grains | General nutrition, balanced diet |
| Limited Ingredient Diet | Simplified ingredient list | Food sensitivities, allergies |
| Backcountry | High protein, freeze-dried raw pieces | Very active dogs, performance |
| Lil’ Plates | Smaller kibble size | Small breed dogs |
If you need help deciding, Merrick suggests: “If you’d like some help deciding which Merrick food is best for your dog, please reach out to one of our Pet Parent Relations Specialists at 800-664-7387 or contact us.”
So, has Merrick dog food changed? Yes and no. The brand has evolved over time with new ownership, expanded product lines, and updated packaging. But according to all official statements and my personal experience, the core recipes and commitment to quality remain intact.
The best advice I can give is to monitor your own dog when making any food changes. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another. If you’ve been happy with Merrick, there’s no strong evidence suggesting you need to switch to something else.
Have you noticed any changes with Merrick? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
FAQs About Merrick Dog Food Changes
Q: Did Merrick change their formula when they changed packaging?
A: According to Merrick, recipe names did not change with the packaging update, and there’s no need to transition your pet when receiving the new packaging.
Q: Is Merrick still made in the USA?
A: Yes, all Merrick dog and cat foods are made in USA facilities.
Q: Did Purina buying Merrick change the quality?
A: While Merrick is now part of the Nestlé Purina family, they state they remain dedicated to their original mission of quality pet nutrition.
Q: Why can’t I find Whole Earth Farms anymore?
A: Merrick has discontinued the Whole Earth Farms line. They recommend using their Pet Food Finder to help find a replacement.
Q: Does Merrick still make grain-free options?
A: Yes, Merrick continues to offer both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas to meet different dietary needs.
