If you’ve ever stood in the pet aisle debating whether a treat labeled “grain-free” or “made with real beef” is actually worth the price tag, you already know how overwhelming treat shopping can be. Merrick has built a cult following among dog parents who swear by its Texas-born recipes, but popularity alone doesn’t tell you which variety will turn your own pup into an obedient superstar—or which ones might upset a sensitive stomach. Below, we unpack everything you need to know before you click “add to cart,” from sourcing ethics to texture science, so you can spend less time decoding labels and more time enjoying tail wags.
Top 10 Merrick Dog Treats Reviews
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Merrick Power Bites Natural Soft And Chewy Real Meat Dog Treats, Grain Free Snack With Real Beef Recipe – 6 oz. Bag
Overview: Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Recipe delivers grain-free, soft training rewards starring deboned beef as the first ingredient. These USA-cooked, star-shaped morsels promise clean nutrition for dogs of any size.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 6 oz pouch delivers true beef flavor without fillers, artificial additives, or common allergens (corn, soy, wheat). The soft, breakable texture is ideal for puppies, seniors, or any dog that struggles with crunchy biscuits.
Value for Money: At $21.28/lb you’re paying gourmet prices, yet the ingredient list is refreshingly short and purposeful. Comparable meat-first treats cost $2–3 more per bag, so committed grain-free shoppers get competitive boutique quality for mid-tier money.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Positives: real deboned beef, resealable pouch, universal size/shape, no off-putting odor. Negatives: premium pricing, only 6 oz fills half the bag, star edges can crumble into dust if over-handled, high calorie count means easy to over-treat.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows and your dog prefers soft rewards, Merrick’s beef Power Bites offer reliable, USA-made nutrition that skips the junk. Keep portions modest and you’ll have a training pouch favorite most dogs will work for.
2. Merrick Power Bites Natural Soft And Chewy Real Meat Dog Treats, Grain Free Snack With Real Chicken Recipe – 6 oz. Bag
Overview: Merrick’s chicken variety mirrors the beef line but swaps in deboned chicken as the primary protein. Still grain-free, soft, and star-shaped, these 6 oz treats target health-minded owners who rotate proteins for allergy prevention.
What Makes It Stand Out: Poultry is often gentler on sensitive stomachs than red meat; chicken here is hormone-free, USA-raised, and again the #1 ingredient. You get the same clean label—no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives—and a texture gentle enough for tiny jaws.
Value for Money: $7.98 buys roughly 90-100 treats, about 8¢ each. That’s cheaper than premium freeze-dried nuggets yet pricier than Milk-Bones. You pay for meat-first integrity and a resealable pouch that keeps softness for weeks.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high palatability, easy to break without crumbling, suitable for dogs with beef allergies. Cons: aroma is noticeably “dog-foodie,” fat content can stain pockets, bag empties fast during heavy training weeks.
Bottom Line: For dogs that love chicken or need a novel protein rotation, these Power Bites deliver solid nutrition in a convenient, training-friendly form. Stock up when they hit $6 or bundle to offset the per-pound cost.
3. Merrick Power Bites Natural Soft And Chewy Real Meat Dog Treats, Grain Free Snack With Real Salmon Recipe – 6 oz. Bag
Overview: Merrick Power Bites Real Salmon Recipe caters to fish fans, emphasizing omega-rich salmon as the star ingredient while maintaining the line’s grain-free, soft, star-shaped design.
What Makes It Stand Out: Salmon delivers natural DHA & EPA for skin, coat, and cognitive support. Few mainstream training treats feature fish as the primary protein, giving this variety a functional-health edge for itchy or allergy-prone dogs.
Value for Money: You still pay $21.28/lb, but salmon-based goodies usually cost even more. Given the skin-coat benefits and added minerals, owners battling dull fur may actually save on separate supplements.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Positives: unmistakable fish scent hooks picky eaters, single-protein option limits allergen exposure, maintains soft texture for senior dental cases. Negatives: scent can linger on hands, higher oil content risks rancidity if stored in hot cars, calorie density requires portion care.
Bottom Line: If your dog enjoys fish or needs omega support, this is one of the few training treats that puts salmon first without unnecessary fillers. Accept the fishy aroma and you’ll have a high-value reward that’s as healthy as it is tempting.
4. Merrick Power Bites Natural Soft And Chewy Real Meat Dog Treats, Grain Free Snack, Real Turducken Recipe – 6 oz. Bag
Overview: Merrick’s whimsical Turducken Recipe blends turkey, duck, and chicken into one soft, star-shaped Power Bite. The festive protein trio stays grain-free and artificial-additive-free, cooked in the USA for guilt-free treating.
What Makes It Stand Out: Novel flavor combination keeps dogs engaged when single-protein boredom sets in. Turkey leads the ingredient deck, providing lean amino acids, while duck adds richness and chicken rounds out palatability—think Thanksgiving in a bite.
Value for Money: At $7.98 for 6 oz ($21.28/lb) you’re not paying extra for the novelty, matching pricing across all Power Bites lines. Multi-protein treats typically retail higher, so the blend feels like added value.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Advantages: unique taste prevents treat fatigue, good for rotation diets, soft enough to hide pills. Drawbacks: mixed proteins complicate elimination diets, smell slightly gamier than chicken, small star points can snap off if carried loose in pockets.
Bottom Line: For adventurous pups that lose interest in standard flavors, Turducken offers a fun, wholesome change. Owners with allergy-specific dogs should steer clear, but everyone else can enjoy a festive, high-value reward without grain-based fillers.
5. Merrick Oven Baked Dog Treats, Natural Cookies For Dogs, Paw’some P’nut Butter Cookie With Real Peanut Butter – 11 oz. Bag
Overview: Merrick Oven-Baked Paw’some P’nut Butter Cookies break from the Power Bites mold, delivering crunchy, wheat-free biscuits starring real peanut butter and kitchen-grade oats.
What Makes It Stand Out: Limited to seven whole-food ingredients—no corn, soy, artificial preservatives or by-products—these human-style cookies bake in small batches for bakery-fresh aroma. Their 11 oz bag offers nearly twice the weight of Power Bites for the same $7.98.
Value for Money: At $11.61/lb you shave almost half the per-pound cost versus soft treats while gaining artisan flair. Each large cookie snaps cleanly, yielding multiple nibbles and stretching servings for multi-dog homes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: crunchy texture aids dental cleaning, irresistible peanut smell, low ingredient count for sensitive systems, larger bag lasts longer. Cons: oven-baked hardness unsuitable for very senior or tiny dogs, calorie chunk higher per biscuit, resealable sticker sometimes fails, keeping biscuits fresh demands a jar.
Bottom Line: If your dog craves crunch and you appreciate simple labels, these peanut butter cookies deliver gourmet appeal at an everyday price. Break them into training shards or offer whole for bedtime snacks—either way, the value and wholesomeness are hard to beat.
6. Merrick Healthy Bites Grain Free Dog Treats, Soft Treats with Bone Broth for Dogs, Beef and Bone Broth Recipe – 16 oz. Pouch
Overview: Merrick Healthy Bites grain-free soft dog treats deliver premium nutrition in tender, bite-sized cubes. Featuring real deboned beef as the first ingredient, these treats incorporate bone broth, pumpkin, blueberries, and functional supplements like vitamin E and zinc for immune support.
What Makes It Stand Out: The bone broth infusion sets these apart from typical soft treats, providing natural collagen and enhanced flavor. The inclusion of anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and cinnamon shows thoughtful formulation beyond basic nutrition. The resealable pouch maintains freshness and convenience for daily use.
Value for Money: At $16.98 per pound, these treats sit in the premium category. However, the high-quality ingredients, functional benefits, and generous 16-ounce portion justify the cost for health-conscious pet owners who prioritize natural, grain-free options.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the real meat first ingredient, functional superfoods, immune-supporting nutrients, and perfectly sized portions for training. The soft texture works well for senior dogs or those with dental issues. The main weakness is the premium pricing, which may not fit all budgets. Some dogs might find the spice blend too adventurous.
Bottom Line: These treats excel for pet parents seeking functional nutrition in training rewards. The bone broth and superfood blend offer genuine health benefits beyond empty calories, making them worth the investment for your dog’s wellbeing.
7. (4 Pack) Merrick Power Bites Natural Grain Free Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chews Dog Treats – Chicken, Beef, Turducken, Salmon with 10ct pet Wipes
Overview: This variety pack showcases Merrick’s Power Bites in four protein-rich flavors: chicken, beef, turducken, and salmon. Each 6-ounce bag features real deboned meat as the primary ingredient, delivering industry-leading protein levels in soft, chewy morsels ideal for training or rewarding.
What Makes It Stand Out: The protein diversity across four unique flavors prevents treat fatigue while addressing potential food sensitivities. The inclusion of 10 pet wipes adds practical value for messy adventures. These treats maintain soft texture even in the 6-ounce “power” size, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Value for Money: At $87.33 per pound, these are extravagantly priced even for premium treats. The cost per ounce makes them special-occasion-only treats for most budgets, despite the quality ingredients and variety offered.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The variety pack allows flavor rotation and allergy testing. High protein content supports active dogs’ muscle maintenance. The soft texture works for training scenarios. However, the astronomical price per pound severely limits practicality. The small 6-ounce bags disappear quickly with medium to large dogs.
Bottom Line: While the quality and variety impress, the pricing makes this suitable only for occasional use or very small dogs. Consider it for special training periods or as a gift rather than daily rewards.
8. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Bitty Beef Recipe – 5 oz. Pouch
Overview: Merrick Lil’ Plates specifically addresses small breed needs with appropriately sized, soft training treats. Real deboned beef leads the ingredient list, accompanied by functional additions like omega fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, and wholesome vegetables in fun, tiny shapes perfect for toy breeds.
What Makes It Stand Out: These treats recognize that small dogs need appropriately sized rewards, not broken-down large treats. The formulation includes digestive health support through prebiotic fiber, addressing common small breed tummy sensitivities. The variety of fun shapes maintains training engagement.
Value for Money: At $22.34 per pound, these sit in the mid-premium range. The specialized sizing and functional ingredients justify the cost for small dog owners tired of wrestling oversized treats into appropriate portions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The perfect sizing eliminates choking hazards and maintains training flow. Soft texture suits tiny mouths and senior small breeds. The digestive support shows breed-specific understanding. However, the 5-ounce bag depletes quickly with active training. The price per pound remains steep for frequent use.
Bottom Line: Essential for small breed training, these treats eliminate the frustration of inappropriate sizing. While pricey, the specialized formulation and perfect portions make them worth it for dedicated small dog owners.
9. Merrick Oven Baked Natural And Crunchy Bag Of Treats, Dog Chicken Treats, Grammy’s Pot Pie With Real Chicken – 11 oz. Bag
Overview: Grammy’s Pot Pie treats capture homemade comfort food in crunchy biscuit form. With only 8 limited ingredients, these wheat-free treats feature real deboned chicken, carrots, and peas in hand-crafted, slow-baked biscuits that deliver satisfying crunch without artificial additives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The limited ingredient approach appeals to dogs with sensitivities while maintaining palatability through recognizable whole foods. The small-batch, slow-baking process creates an aromatic, crunchy texture dogs find irresistible. The breakable design allows portion control for different sized dogs.
Value for Money: At $11.61 per pound, these offer excellent value for limited-ingredient, premium treats. The 11-ounce bag provides substantial quantities for the price point, making daily treating affordable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The simple ingredient list builds confidence for allergy-prone dogs. The crunchy texture helps clean teeth while satisfying natural chewing instincts. The familiar pot pie flavors appeal to picky eaters. However, the crunchy texture might challenge very small puppies or senior dogs with dental issues.
Bottom Line: These treats excel for health-conscious owners seeking simple, wholesome ingredients without breaking the bank. The familiar flavors and satisfying crunch make them reliable crowd-pleasers for multi-dog households.
10. Merrick Fresh Kisses Natural Dental Chews Infused With Coconut And Botanical Oils For Large Dogs Over 50 Lbs – 22 ct. Box
Overview: Merrick Fresh Kisses tackle dual canine concerns: dental hygiene and breath freshness. These grain-free dental chews feature a unique double-brush design that cleans teeth while fighting plaque and tartar, infused with coconut and botanical oils for natural breath freshening in dogs over 50 pounds.
What Makes It Stand Out: The innovative double-brush design provides superior cleaning compared to standard dental chews. The coconut and botanical oil infusion offers natural antimicrobial properties without artificial additives. Being potato-free addresses another common sensitivity while maintaining chew palatability.
Value for Money: At $19.27 per pound with 22 chews per box, these sit competitively within the premium dental chew market. The specialized design and natural ingredients justify the cost compared to professional dental cleanings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The unique texture effectively reduces plaque and tartar buildup. Natural breath freshening avoids harsh chemical additives. The large size prevents gulping in big dogs. However, aggressive chewers might consume these quickly, reducing cleaning time. The price point requires budgeting for regular use.
Bottom Line: These dental chews effectively bridge the gap between basic treats and professional cleanings. For large dog owners committed to dental health, the natural ingredients and innovative design make them a worthwhile investment in long-term oral health.
Why Merrick Treats Consistently Earn Rave Parent Reviews
Merrick’s reputation isn’t accidental. The company still cooks and packages in Hereford, Texas, allowing for tight oversight of ingredient integrity and lot tracking. Combine that with decades of formulation experience (they were early adopters of freeze-dried raw inclusions and novel proteins) and it’s easy to see why pet parents post five-star raves that mention shinier coats, healthier stools, and genuine excitement at treat time.
From Texas Kitchens to Dog Bowls: A Look at Merrick’s Sourcing Philosophy
Unlike co-packers that import bulk meal from overseas, Merrick sources the majority of its proteins from U.S. ranchers audited for humane handling. Produce like apples and sweet potatoes arrive fresh—never frozen into “produce bricks”—within 48 hours of harvest. The company’s comparatively small geographic footprint means fewer transit miles, which translates into fresher phytonutrients and lower oxidation risk for the omega-rich fats dogs need for skin and coat health.
Treat Categories Decoded: Biscuits, Chews, Jerky & More
Merrick’s portfolio spans five major treat styles, each engineered for different behavior goals. Training bites are ultra-low calorie so you can deliver dozens in a single heel-work session without blowing the daily calorie budget. Dental chews employ ridged textures plus breath-freshening botanicals. Jerky strips appeal to power chewers who relish a tear-apart experience, while soft-baked biscuits work well for seniors with dental compromise. Recognizing the category saves you money; you won’t buy a protein-dense jerky when you actually need a quick crunchy reward.
Protein First: Understanding Animal vs. Plant-Based Formulas
Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can digest starch but thrive when quality animal amino acids dominate. Merrick sticks to a “protein-first” philosophy: the first one to three ingredients are always named meats or fish. Plant additions—think flaxseed or quinoa—appear further down the list to supply fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids rather than to bulk up crude protein numbers. This distinction matters when you’re scanning bags that trumpet “24 % protein” yet list corn gluten meal second.
Grain-Free vs. Ancient Grains: Which Way Should You Go?
A decade ago “grain-free” was equated with premium health. Today we know that dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) correlations prompted many owners to re-embrace gluten-free ancient grains. Merrick offers both lines, fortified with taurine and L-carnitine regardless of grain status. If your dog has a verified wheat sensitivity, grain-free may still be ideal; otherwise, options like sorghum and oatmeal can add beneficial prebiotics that nurture gut microbiota diversity.
Limited-Ingredient Options for Dogs with Itchy Skin or Tummy Trouble
Food trials often start with a novel single-protein treat. Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) biscuits contain five to seven components—no chicken fat hiding in the “natural flavor” catch-all. Choosing salmon over more common chicken minimizes cross-reactivity during elimination diets, helping your vet isolate genuine allergens instead of wondering if a mystery ingredient skewed results.
Calorie Counting: Matching Treat Size to Your Dog’s Daily Allowance
Veterinary nutritionists recommend that no more than 10 % of daily calories come from treats. For a 45 lb moderately active dog, that’s roughly 90 kcal—equivalent to one dense jerky bar or 30 tiny training nibbles. Merrick prints kcal per treat on every bag in a font you can actually read, eliminating guesswork. Even strict weight-loss plans succeed when you substitute a crunchy dental chew for part of the kibble ration instead of simply pouring more food.
Texture Talk: Crunchy, Soft, Chewy—What’s Best for Your Pup’s Dental Health?
Crunchy biscuits mechanically scrape plaque thanks to their rigid cell structure, while soft baked goods are kinder to post-dental-surgery mouths. Jerky provides a tensile workout that engages jaw muscles and can reduce tartar on the carnassial teeth. Rotate textures to combine enrichment with oral care, but always supervise gulpers; no treat is safer than attentive parenting.
Functional Ingredients: Glucosamine, Omega-3s & Probiotics Explained
Senior pups benefit from glucosamine hydrochloride levels around 400 mg per 10 kg body weight daily. Merrick’s “Platinum” biscuits deliver 600 mg per large biscuit, meaning two treats satisfy joint-support dosage without exceeding calorie limits. Salmon oil contributes EPA/DHA in a 3:1 ratio favored for anti-inflammatory effect, while proprietary probiotic spores remain stable through baking and activate once they hit the intestinal tract, aiding nutrient absorption and stool quality.
Safety Over Hype: How to Read Merrick’s Bag Labels & Lot Codes
The guaranteed analysis panel lists minimum crude values, but flip the bag over for the lot code—a 10-digit string that reveals production date and plant shift. Plug it into Merrick’s online tracker and you’ll get certificates of analysis showing pathogen testing and mycotoxin screens. Dates printed in MM/DD/YY format help you avoid stock that’s been sitting under warehouse lights for months, which can oxidize omega fats and sour palatability.
Puppy, Adult, Senior: Life-Stage Considerations When Selecting Treats
Puppies need higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for skeletal growth, so avoid calcium-rich bone meal chews meant for adults. Conversely, senior dogs benefit from added taurine for cardiac health but require reduced sodium to protect kidneys. Merrick tags life-stage suitability on the front of each SKU; ignore those icons and you could deliver nutrients outside the recommended allowance range established by AAFCO.
Sustainable Packaging & Recycling: How Eco-Conscious Is Merrick?
Merrick’s “Treat. Reuse. Recycle.” program partners with TerraCycle to collect empty bags, diverting multi-layer plastic from landfills. Consumers print a prepaid label, box up at least five bags, and earn reward points convertible to shelter donations. While the program isn’t carbon-neutral, it’s among the first in the pet sector to close the loop on flexible packaging—an important nuance for buyers prioritizing planet health alongside pet health.
Where to Buy & How to Spot Authentic Products vs. Counterfeits
Counterfeiters duplicate top-selling jerky bags on third-party marketplaces, substituting dyed chicken skins for real deboned beef. Authentic Merrick seals have micro-embossed logos you can feel with a fingernail; fakes appear flat under light. Stick to authorized retailers—Chewy, Petco, neighborhood pet specialty stores—or verify the seller via Merrick’s online map. Prices more than 20 % below MSRP are a red flag; premium ingredients simply cost more.
Price-Per-Treat vs. Price-Per-Ounce: Smart Budgeting Strategies
A 32 oz budget biscuit bag might look cheaper than a 5 oz jerky pouch, but calories-per-piece differ dramatically. Divide bag cost by number of treats, then multiply by how many you feed daily. You’ll often discover that higher-priced functional chews cost pennies more yet deliver therapeutic benefits, reducing future vet bills. Track expenses in a spreadsheet for a month; you’ll spot patterns and prevent impulse buys during flash sales.
Transitioning Treats Without Triggering GI Chaos
Veterinarians recommend a five-day switch: 80 % current treat, 20 % new on days 1–2, then 50/50 through day 4, finishing with 100 % new by day 6. Keep the overall treat volume identical to avoid calorie shock. If stools loosen, back up one ratio step and hold for 48 hours; digestive enzymes like bromelain can ease the adjustment. Always introduce one variable at a time—don’t change kibble simultaneously—or you won’t know which ingredient caused the rumble.
Vet & Nutritionist Insights: Expert Tips Blending Treats into a Complete Diet
Board-certified veterinary nutritionists suggest pre-portioning treats into zipper bags labeled by day of the week. That prevents “treat creep,” the slow 50 % calorie escalation owners rarely notice until their dog gains three pounds. Pair high-value Merrick jerky with interactive puzzle toys; combining mental stimulation with aroma-rich protein stretches a small caloric investment into extended enrichment. Finally, schedule quarterly weight checks—your vet can detect body-condition drift long before the home scale alarms you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Merrick treats cooked or raw?
All Merrick treats are fully cooked—baked, dehydrated, or smoked—to eliminate pathogens before packaging.
2. Can I feed Merrick grain-free treats if my dog eats ancient-grain kibble?
Yes, cross-feeding is safe; just ensure total daily calories remain within target to avoid weight gain.
3. Which Merrick texture is best for a teething puppy?
Soft-baked training bites minimize gum pain while still delivering positive reinforcement during this critical learning window.
4. Do Merrick dental chews replace tooth brushing?
They help reduce plaque buildup but should complement, not replace, daily mechanical brushing for optimal oral health.
5. How long does an opened bag stay fresh?
Seal tightly, store below 80 °F, and use within six weeks; you can freeze jerky up to six months without nutrient loss.
6. Are Merrick treats AAFCO complete and balanced?
Treats are formulated for supplemental feeding; they supply targeted nutrients but do not meet full daily nutrient profiles.
7. My dog has pancreatitis—can he still have Merrick treats?
Choose lowest-fat options (typically under 6 % crude fat) and clear any additions with your veterinarian first.
8. Is it safe to buy Merrick treats from Amazon “marketplace” sellers?
Verify the seller is both “Sold by Amazon” and “Ships from Amazon” to reduce counterfeit risk; otherwise use authorized retailers.
9. Why do some Merrick biscuits smell smoky?
Texas facilities use real hardwood smokers to infuse natural hickory aroma rather than liquid smoke flavoring, creating that signature scent dogs love.
10. Can cats sneak a bite of Merrick dog treats?
An occasional nibble is harmless, but dog formulas lack taurine levels cats require; keep a feline-appropriate treat on hand to avoid temptation.