Highly Recommended
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Our Verdict
Merrick Fresh Selects product range is made up of three recipes with ratings varying from 3.5 to 4.5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4 stars.
Each of these fresh frozen, limited-ingredient recipes features quality protein as the first ingredient, along with added vitamins and minerals.
Pros
- High-quality whole foods
- USDA-certified
- Made without wheat, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- High price point
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Merrick Fresh Selects Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe | 3.5 | M |
| Merrick Fresh Selects Beef & Brown Rice Recipe | 3.5 | M |
| Merrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe | 4.5 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Merrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Merrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Deboned turkey, brown rice, sweet potato, green beans, turkey liver, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, magnesium amino acid chelate, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese amino acid chelate, selenium yeast, potassium iodide], L-tryptophan, L-methionine, vitamins [cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3), D-alpha tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B-6), calcium D-pantothenate (vitamin B-5)]
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 8% | 5% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 30% | 18% | 44% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 26% | 37% | 37% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is turkey. Turkey is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of turkey”.1
Turkey is naturally rich in the 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
The second ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The third ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in a dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
The fourth ingredient is green beans, a healthy vegetable notable for its vitamin, mineral and natural fiber content.
The fifth ingredient is turkey liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This recipe has two notable exceptions.
This recipe contains selenium yeast. Unlike the more common inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite), this natural yeast supplement is considered a high quality alternative.
This food also contains chelated minerals, which have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Merrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe looks like an above-average fresh product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 19% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 40.3%.
As a group, the brand features a protein content of 28.7% and a mean fat level of 22.4%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 39.2% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 79%.
This means this Merrick product line contains below-average protein, above-average carbohydrate, and below-average fat, when compared to typical fresh dog food.
Merrick Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Merrick through December 2025.
- Merrick Recalls Multiple Dog Treats (May 23, 2018)
- Merrick Recalls Dog Treats (August 9, 2011)
- Merrick Pet Treats Recall 2011 (January 30, 2011)
- Merrick Expands Dog Treats Recall (August 16, 2010)
- Merrick Expands Recall of Dog Treats (August 4, 2010)
- Merrick Dog Treats Recall (July 6, 2010)
- Merrick Dog Treats Recall 2010 (January 15, 2010)
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Merrick Fresh Selects Dog Food
Merrick Fresh Selects dog food uses a significant amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.
About
All Merrick dog foods are produced in the United States. Most of the brand’s dry and wet recipes are manufactured at one of its 3 company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. Unlike most pet food brands, Merrick owns its own cannery.
Merrick also owns Castor and Pollux Natural Petworks (a quality brand known for its certified organic dog and cat foods)… and produces Whole Earth Farms pet foods, too.
Merrick was sold to Nestle Purina PetCare in 2015.
Compare Merrick Fresh Selects Dog Food
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A Final Word
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