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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Should You Consider Giving Merrick Dog Food A Try?

By Anton Hout, author of The Guide to Aussie Training & Care

Merrick dog food was created by Garth Merrick in 1988 at his ranch in Hereford, Texas. He and his wife began their business with one goal in mind: to provide pets with the wholesome, nutritious recipes they deserve. The result is a line of all-natural, high-protein dog foods that contain only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, all handcrafted in the Merrick kitchens with no preservatives, fillers, or shortcuts.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Notice

DCM is a heart condition that has been reportedly linked to certain low carbohydrate dog foods. However, the FDA has still not confirmed a specific cause and its latest study is also inconclusive. As such, at the time of this writing (July 16, 2020) there have still not been any recalls. For further information see: FDA, Dog Food Advisor article, and an article by Daniel Schulof, the founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, Inc. addressing potential Bad Science and Financial Conflicts of Interest Plaguing the FDA's Investigation Into "Grain-Free" Pet Foods and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

The theory behind this particular brand is quite simple: as dog owners themselves, the Merricks reasoned that home cooked foods would be better for their pets than name brand foods that are loaded with fillers. By taking the process into their own hands, they are able to control exactly what goes into the food and have therefore been able to produce food that is high in protein, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and contains minerals and other nutrients important to your dog's health.

While Merrick dog food began with a line of wet foods, by 2004 they had expanded to include a wide range of dry foods. Today, they include both the original line and a grain free line that includes chicken, beef or buffalo as its first ingredient to enhance both protein levels and taste. Because quality and variety is important to the folks at Merrick, they continue to revamp their formulas and introduce new products, all with the same eye toward nutrition, taste and health.

Australian Shepherd leaning over a rock.

Christian Müller / stock.adobe.com

Looking for high quality dog food for your Aussie? Merrick has consistently high ratings and great reviews.

Merrick Dog Food Is Available In Several Varieties

The newest addition to their offerings is the Backcountry line, all-natural, grain-free foods that provide your dog with all of the nutritional benefits of the raw diet they would get in the wild. These foods include a combination of protein-rich, grain-free kibble and whole pieces of raw, freeze-dried meat, poultry, or fish. The Backcountry formula is rich in Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and its pure state allows for easy digestion while providing enhanced aroma, texture and taste.

The Grain Free line includes foods specifically designed for puppies and older dogs as well as a Healthy Weight formula to help curb obesity. All of the grain free Merrick dog food includes fresh, deboned meat as the number one ingredient and includes farm-fresh fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, included as a gluten-free source of complex carbs as well as a naturally rich source of dietary fiber and beta carotene.

Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Along with the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that promote a shiny, healthy coat and healthy skin, the grain free products are also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, for healthier hips and joints. This makes Merrick's products particularly attractive to Australian Shepherd owners as they have everything you need to keep your active, energetic Aussie healthy and happy throughout every stage of his life.

Merrick Pet Foods Have Earned A Solid Reputation For Quality

Having earned the highest rating from DogFoodAdvisor.com, Merrick dog food has taken its place among the top brands on the market today.

With a wide variety of flavors available in wet, dry, and loaf versions, Merrick makes it easy for your dog to get the nutrition he needs while also enjoying the flavors and textures he loves. It's a win-win situation for you and your dog, which makes it well worth your consideration.

There's no reason why dog food has to be bland and full of empty fillers. You can give your dog healthy, nutritious food that looks and tastes great by choosing Merrick foods. The proof is easy to see; it'll be right there in your dog's shiny coat and increased energy levels.

Check Out The Selection of
Dog Food from Merrick
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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

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