Welcome to our review of Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food.

Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Review

Name: Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Review
Item: Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Real Lamb + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains
Rating: 4.69
Author: Samuel James

Disclosure: As a Chewy affiliate, we earn commissions for qualifying purchases.

List of products

Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Healthy Grains Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.8	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Real Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.8	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.7	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food	4.7	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Real Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.2	All Life Stages
→ Healthy Grains Healthy Weight Recipe Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food	4.8	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Large Breed Recipe Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food	4.7	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food	4.9	Maintenance
→ Healthy Grains Senior Recipe Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food	4.6	Maintenance

This dog food line has 9 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Deboned lamb, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oat meal, lamb meal, chicken fat, salmon meal, quinoa, natural flavor, flaxseed, dried yeast, miscanthus grass, potassium chloride, salt, dehydrated alfalfa meal, choline chloride, apples, carrots, MINERALS [iron amino acid complex, zinc amino acid complex, zinc sulfate, sodium selenite, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, cobalt proteinate, cobalt carbonate], taurine, mixed tocopherols for freshness, salmon oil, yucca schidigera extract,

VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), niacin (Vitamin B-3), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), biotin (Vitamin B-7), Vitamin D-3 supplement], rosemary extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Deboned lamb is a high-quality protein, an excellent choice for pets with sensitive or limited diets. Its highly digestible protein delivers essential amino acids, while naturally occurring fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals support muscle development, sustained energy, and a healthy coat.

Per 100 grams, ground lamb provides approximately 17.5 grams of protein and 18.6 grams of fat. It’s a frequently featured ingredient in many dog foods, prized for both its nutritional benefits and appealing flavor.

→ Chicken meal is rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground, and it typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It has a higher protein concentration—approximately 65%—compared to deboned chicken, making it beneficial for muscle development.

Additionally, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, a key component in supporting cartilage and joint health.

→ Brown rice is a gluten-free grain that provides B vitamins, minerals, and energy from healthy carbs. Its fiber helps digestion and is safe for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

100g of raw long-grain brown rice contains 7.25g protein, 3.31g fat, 76.7g carbohydrates (including 3g fiber).

→ Barley provides pets with soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and B vitamins for digestive health, but its gluten content is a primary concern for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

Gluten can trigger reactions in gluten-sensitive dogs, so barley-based diets should be carefully considered for these pets.

Each 100g serving of dehulled barley contains 12.5g of protein, 2.3g of fat, and 73.5g of carbohydrates (including 17.3g of fiber).

→ Oatmeal is a nutritious, gluten-free grain packed with B vitamins that help provide pets with lasting energy.

It is made by removing the hull from oats, then steaming and flattening them into the recognizable flakes used in dog foods.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Review.

→ Lamb meal is rendered lamb tissues (muscle, bone, organs), cleaned, dried, and ground into a nutrient-dense powder.
It offers a highly digestible protein concentrate (typically 60-65%), delivering essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fatty acids to support muscle development and provide energy.

→ Chicken fat is the fat separated from chicken tissues during rendering. It is commonly used in dog food as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.

It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and is often preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.

→ Salmon meal is rendered salmon that has been dried and ground. It typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.
Salmon meal has a high protein concentration—approximately 60–70%—making it an excellent ingredient for supporting muscle maintenance and development.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system.

Other Ingredients

→ Quinoa is a nutritious gluten-free superfood often used in high-quality dog foods. It provides carbohydrates along with protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and iron that support digestion, the immune system, and overall health.

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.

It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

→ Flaxseed is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep skin healthy, make coats shiny, and reduce inflammation in dogs.

Every 100g of ground flaxseed contains around 18g of protein, 37.3g of fat, 34.4g of carbs, and 23.1g of fiber.

The Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal
Fat	Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Salmon Oil
Carbohydrate	Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Apples, Carrots
Fiber	Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Dried Yeast, Miscanthus Grass, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Apples, Carrots

Vitamins

This recipe includes all essential fat- and water-soluble vitamins, added as synthetic supplements for precise fortification.

Vitamin K is provided via menadione, while vitamin C is omitted because dogs synthesize it sufficiently. Mixed tocopherols support ingredient stability.

Overall, the vitamin profile is comprehensive with no significant adequacy gaps.

Minerals

This recipe provides a complete set of essential minerals for dogs. Zinc, iron, copper, and manganese are present in chelated forms, meaning they are bound to amino acids for superior absorption. Cobalt is present in both proteinate and carbonate forms. Other non-chelated minerals are included in standard forms but remain effective.

Ingredient Concerns

While this dog food recipe is nutritionally complete and well-formulated with high-quality ingredients, it presents several considerations for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Ingredients such as chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal are concentrated protein sources, but their quality depends on sourcing and processing, which are not clearly disclosed.

The use of “natural flavor” raises concerns about ingredient transparency.

The inclusion of the synthetic vitamin K supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite, remains controversial among some nutrition advocates.

This Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=11% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	25%	16%	36.5%	3.5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	28.1%	18%	41%	3.9%
→ Calorie Content Basis	24.9%	38.7%	36.4%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe contains 28.1% protein, 18.0% fat, and approximately 41.0% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it Moderate in protein, Moderate in fat, and Moderate in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe contains 28.1% protein and 18.0% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Merrick Healthy Grains Real Lamb + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.”

The statement indicates that the recipe meets AAFCO nutrient requirements based on laboratory nutrient analysis, but it does not confirm that the food has undergone AAFCO-approved feeding trials.

Lab analysis verifies that the nutrient levels meet the required standards on paper, whereas feeding trials demonstrate real-world performance in dogs, including digestibility, palatability, and overall health outcomes.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	4-lb bag	12-lb bag	25-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$25.98	$51.98	$76.98
→ Cost per Pound	$6.50	$4.33	$3.08
→ Cost per Serving	$1.69	$1.13	$0.80

The cost comparison for the Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe shows that although the 4-lb bag has the lowest upfront price, it is the most expensive in the long run, costing $6.50 per pound and $1.69 per serving.

The 12-lb bag lowers these figures to $4.33 per pound and $1.13 per serving, offering a reasonable middle ground.

In contrast, the 25-lb bag provides substantial savings, reducing the cost to $3.08 per pound and just $0.80 per serving. While it requires a higher initial investment, the bulk option significantly minimizes ongoing expenses, making the 25-lb bag the best overall value for budget-conscious buyers.

Chewy Autoship offers 50% off on your first order. For a 25-lb bag, the cost is $76.98, but on Autoship, it drops to $38.49, saving $38.49.

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Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

Pros

Real deboned lamb as the first ingredient
No potatoes, peas, corn, lentils, soy, or artificial additives
High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for hip & joint support
Contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin & coat health
Includes a blend of probiotics for digestive health

Cons

Could be problematic for dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities
Uses a controversial form of Vitamin K (menadione sodium bisulfite complex)
Contains “natural flavor,” a vague term that does not specify the source

Recalls and Safety

Merrick has had a few past recalls affecting specific dog treats: 2010 beef filet squares (Salmonella) and 2018 beef treats (high thyroid hormone). These were limited incidents, and none of their other dog food lines have been affected since.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe at 4.7 out of 5, while the Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.69 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.