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Power Bites Real Beef Recipe Dog Treats
Merrick

Power Bites Real Beef Recipe Dog Treats

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Treat Adult All Breed Sizes

These soft, chewy beef treats are designed as high-value rewards for adult dogs, using deboned beef as the main protein source. Peas and potatoes provide additional carbohydrate and structure, while added flaxseed contributes omega fatty acids that can support skin and coat. They are relatively low in calories per piece, making them practical for frequent training treats when portions are controlled.

Over-the-counter No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

Overall, this is a well-formulated soft training treat for adult dogs that emphasizes real beef as the primary ingredient and keeps calories modest at about 5.4 kcal per treat. The use of flaxseed and guaranteed omega-3 and omega-6 levels is a nice plus for skin and coat support, and the texture works well for training or frequent rewarding. As with any legume- and potato-based product, it’s best used as a complement to a balanced diet rather than a large portion of daily calories, especially in dogs with known food sensitivities or complex medical issues.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned beef as the first ingredient provides a clear, high-quality animal protein source that most dogs find very palatable.
  • Relatively low calorie density per treat (about 5.4 kcal each) makes them easier to incorporate into training without heavily impacting daily calories when fed as directed.
  • Includes flaxseed and guarantees both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help support skin and coat health.
  • Soft, breakable texture is useful for training and for adjusting piece size for small dogs.

Considerations

  • Contains beef, peas, and dairy-derived cultured whey, which may not be suitable for dogs with beef, legume, or dairy allergies or sensitivities.
  • Carbohydrate sources are primarily peas and potatoes with added sugars (brown sugar, cane molasses), so these should be given in moderation, particularly for dogs needing strict weight or blood sugar control.
  • This is a treat, not a complete and balanced diet, so it should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories, in line with the package guidance.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Beef, Peas, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Potato Starch, Vegetable Glycerin, Brown Sugar, Cane Molasses, Flaxseed, Lecithin, Dried Cultured Whey, Salt, Pea Fiber, Citric Acid For Freshness, Vinegar, Potassium Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots. B282923

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 Beef
Deboned beef is used primarily as a high-quality animal protein and palatability enhancer in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, bioavailable iron and B vitamins that support muscle maintenance, energy metabolism and overall health. Because it is deboned it reduces the risk associated with feeding whole bones, but pet parents should note beef can be a common allergen and variable fat content increases calorie density, so it should be part of a formulated, balanced diet rather than fed alone.
02
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
03
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
04
Potato Protein
Potato protein is a concentrated plant-based protein used in pet foods as a protein source, binder and texture enhancer, offering a highly digestible amino acid profile with relatively good lysine content compared with other plant proteins. It can be a useful hypoallergenic alternative for dogs and a supplement in balanced formulas, but it should not be the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats because it lacks certain nutrients (e.g., sufficient taurine and other animal-derived factors) and must be used within complete, nutritionally formulated diets; quality processing also minimizes potato-specific compounds such as glycoalkaloids.
05
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and texture agent to help kibble formation, stabilize wet formulas and create chewy treats. It provides readily available energy but is low in protein, fat and micronutrients, so while generally safe, its high glycemic load and limited nutritional value mean it should be used sparingly—particularly for overweight pets, diabetic animals or cats on low‑carbohydrate diets, and excessive amounts can sometimes contribute to loose stools.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
11.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
3.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
32.00%
Low High
2823
kcal / Kg
5
kcal / Treat
Low
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Soft Chew
Food type Treat

Brand

Merrick

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 Merrick
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1988
Headquarters Amarillo, Texas, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Texas
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Recipe Dog Treats has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Power Bites Real Beef Recipe Dog Treats
Merrick · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.