Healthy Grains Real Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a balanced dry food for adult dogs that uses deboned beef as the main protein source, supported by pork meal and salmon meal for additional amino acids. Brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provide digestible whole-grain carbohydrates, while added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin support skin, coat, and joint health. Probiotic cultures and fiber sources like miscanthus grass and flaxseed are included to help maintain healthy digestion.
Overall, this is a high-quality, grain-inclusive dry food for adult dogs that offers solid protein levels and a thoughtful blend of whole grains instead of peas or lentils. It should suit most healthy adult dogs who do well on a traditional kibble and can be a nice option for owners intentionally avoiding grain-free, legume-heavy diets. As with any beef-based formula, it’s not a match for dogs with known beef or pork sensitivities.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned beef as the first ingredient, supported by pork and salmon meals, gives a good mix of animal proteins and essential amino acids.
- Grain-inclusive formula using brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, with no peas, lentils, or corn—helpful for owners wishing to avoid grain-free, legume-heavy diets.
- Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus flaxseed and salmon oil, to support skin and coat health.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in active or larger dogs, and multiple probiotic strains for digestive support.
Considerations
- Contains beef, pork, and fish, which are common protein allergens; dogs with known food allergies to any of these should avoid this formula.
- At 460 calories per cup, it is relatively calorie-dense, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain, especially in less active dogs.
- Potato protein appears in the ingredient list; while not inherently harmful, it does contribute some plant-based protein alongside the animal sources.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
04
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
05
Bone
Bone is used in pet foods and supplements mainly as a source of minerals—ground bone or bone meal supplies calcium and phosphorus and can contribute flavor or texture. These minerals are essential for skeletal health in dogs and cats but must be provided in the correct calcium:phosphorus ratio and from safe, inspected sources because excessive bone content can cause constipation, dental fractures, or gastrointestinal obstruction, and high phosphorus or splintering cooked bones can be harmful, especially for pets with kidney disease.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Healthy Grains Real Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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