Healthy Grains Real Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is an adult dry dog food featuring deboned lamb and chicken meal as the main protein sources, with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal providing digestible whole-grain carbohydrates. It offers moderate protein and fat levels suitable for most adult dogs, plus added omega-3 and omega-6 fats, joint-support ingredients, and probiotics. The formula avoids peas, lentils, potatoes, corn, and soy, which may appeal to dogs who don’t do as well on those ingredients.
A well-balanced adult dry food with lamb and chicken as key protein sources and a solid mix of whole grains for energy and fiber. The nutrient profile (25% protein, 16% fat) is appropriate for most healthy adult dogs, and the added omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics are nice extras. It’s a good everyday option for adult dogs who tolerate lamb and chicken and don’t need a grain-free or specialty therapeutic diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named animal proteins (deboned lamb, chicken meal, lamb meal, salmon meal) provide good-quality, varied amino acids for muscle maintenance.
- Uses whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which are generally easy to digest and supply steady energy and fiber.
- Includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (from chicken fat, salmon meal, salmon oil, and flaxseed) to support skin and coat health.
- Contains added glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in active or larger dogs, plus probiotics to support digestive health.
Considerations
- Contains both lamb and chicken, which are common protein allergens, so it’s not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to either of those meats.
- Includes dried yeast, which a small number of dogs may be sensitive to, particularly if they have a history of yeast-related skin or ear issues.
- Calorie density is relatively high at about 442 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for less active or smaller dogs to help prevent weight gain.
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
Deboned Lamb
Deboned lamb is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein source for dogs and cats, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron and zinc while lacking the calcium associated with bone-in meats. It can be a palatable option and a potential novel protein for animals with food sensitivities, but owners should note lamb can be higher in fat and calories than lean meats and raw or undercooked lamb may carry pathogens unless properly processed, so check product labels and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
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.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
05
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.
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 Lamb & 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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