Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef Review - Premium American Made 2024
Complete review of Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato. See why this Texas-made food has developed a devoted following.
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Merrick has built its reputation on premium American-made dog food with real, recognizable ingredients. Their Grain Free Real Texas Beef exemplifies this approach - deboned beef leads the formula, cooked in their own Texas facility with ingredients sourced from local farmers when possible. After 8 weeks of testing with three beef-loving dogs, we found a premium food that delivers on quality and taste, though the price reflects the premium positioning.
Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato
Key Features
- ✓Deboned beef as #1 ingredient
- ✓Grain-free with sweet potatoes and peas
- ✓70% protein from animal sources
- ✓Cooked in Merrick's Texas kitchen
Pros
- +Real deboned beef leads ingredients
- +Made in USA with local sourcing
- +High protein from quality animal sources
Cons
- −Premium price point
- −High protein may cause weight gain
Texas-Made Quality
Merrick owns their manufacturing facility in Hereford, Texas, giving them control over quality that outsourcing brands can't match. The deboned beef comes from USDA-inspected sources. Sweet potatoes and peas provide grain-free carbohydrates. The company lists actual percentages: 70% of protein comes from animal sources. This transparency is refreshing in an industry where vague claims are common. You know what you're feeding.
Protein and Nutrition Analysis
At 38% protein and 17% fat, this is a nutrient-dense food designed for active dogs. The protein comes primarily from deboned beef and beef meal, with salmon meal adding omega fatty acids. Glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources (chicken cartilage) support joint health. The formula is complete and balanced for all life stages, though the high protein makes it best suited for adult dogs with normal activity levels.
Palatability Testing
All three test dogs were extremely enthusiastic about Merrick. The beef aroma is strong (some owners may find it too strong), but dogs clearly love it. One picky Beagle who often leaves food in her bowl cleaned it immediately. The kibble is medium-sized with an irregular shape that dogs can grip easily. For dogs that are bored with chicken-based foods, the beef variety provides welcome change. Zero palatability issues in our testing.
Value Consideration
At roughly $2.80 per pound for the 22lb bag, Merrick is firmly in premium territory - more than Blue Buffalo but less than ORIJEN. The quality justifies the price: real deboned meat, American manufacturing, transparent sourcing. For owners who prioritize USA-made products with quality proteins, Merrick offers good value. The included joint support adds value for active or aging dogs who might otherwise need supplements.
Final Verdict
Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef delivers premium quality with transparency and American manufacturing. The deboned beef and high animal protein content create a food that dogs love and thrive on. It's not cheap, but the quality is evident in the ingredients and the results. For owners seeking premium grain-free nutrition from a trustworthy American company, Merrick is an excellent choice. The beef flavor is particularly good for dogs tired of chicken-based foods.