Merrick Dog Treats have been a popular choice among pet owners for their high-quality ingredients and tasty flavors. The company was founded in 1978 by Garth Merrick in Austin, Texas.
Merrick Dog Treats are made with real meat, whole grains, and other wholesome ingredients. They offer a wide range of treats for dogs of all life stages and dietary needs.
Merrick is a subsidiary of the J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. The company has a strong commitment to quality and safety, with a dedicated team of experts who oversee the production process.
Merrick Dog Treats have been a trusted brand for over 40 years, with a loyal customer base that swears by their products.
Merrick Dog Treats Recall
Merrick dog treats have been recalled several times due to potential contamination with salmonella or elevated beef thyroid hormone.
In May 2018, some Merrick beef-based dog treats were recalled because of potentially elevated beef thyroid hormone.
The affected treats were sold nationwide through pet specialty, grocery, and online retailers, with limited distribution in Canada.
Here are some specific Merrick dog treats that were recalled:
- Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe, 4 oz., UPC #780872510806
- Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe, 5 oz., UPC #780872510745
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky, 4.5 oz., UPC #022808786160
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts, 5 oz., UPC #022808786047
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties, 4 oz., UPC #022808786078
In addition to these recalls, Merrick dog treats were also recalled in August 2011, January 2011, and July/August 2010 due to potential salmonella contamination.
Product Recall History
Merrick has had its fair share of recalls over the years. In May 2018, some Merrick beef-based dog treats were recalled due to potentially elevated beef thyroid hormone. The company was aware of a single customer complaint of a sickened dog.
The affected treats were sold nationwide through pet specialty, grocery, and online retailers, with limited distribution in Canada. These recalls were not the only ones; in the past, Merrick has had multiple recalls due to potential salmonella contamination.
In August 2011, Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats were recalled due to potential salmonella. The FDA report dated August 8, 2011, announced this recall.
Here is a list of some of the Merrick dog treats that have been recalled:
- Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe, 4 oz., UPC #780872510806
- Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe, 5 oz., UPC #780872510745
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky, 4.5 oz., UPC #022808786160
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts, 5 oz., UPC #022808786047
- Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties, 4 oz., UPC #022808786078
- Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats, UPC #2280829050, Lot #11031, best by Jan. 30, 2013.
- Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats, UPC #02280827077, all lot numbers up to and including 10364.
- Merrick Beef Filet Squares, 10 oz.
- Merrick Texas Hold ’em pet treats, 10 oz.
- Merrick Delicatessen Style Beef Steak Patties, distributed in Canada.
Learn More
As you navigate the world of pet food, it's essential to understand the differences between Feed Grade and Human Grade pet food. Feed Grade pet food is made with ingredients that are not suitable for human consumption.
Did you know that all pet food ingredients have a separate definition than the same ingredient in human food? This is because pet food ingredients are often made from lower-quality sources, such as animal by-products.
The categories, styles, and legal requirements of commercial pet food in the U.S. are complex and multifaceted. Click Here for more information.
Animal protein ingredients in pet food, such as chicken or beef, may come from unexpected sources, including rendered meat or animal by-products.
Merrick Company Information
Merrick is a company that has been involved in several recalls over the years.
Merrick has recalled their products due to potential contamination with salmonella on multiple occasions.
Some of the products that have been recalled include Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats, Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats, Merrick Beef Filet Squares, and Merrick Texas Hold 'em pet treats.
Here are some of the specific recalls that Merrick has had:
- Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats, UPC #2280829050, Lot #11031, best by Jan. 30, 2013
- Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats, UPC #02280827077, all lot numbers up to and including 10364
- Merrick Beef Filet Squares, 10 oz.
- Merrick Texas Hold 'em pet treats, 10 oz.
Merrick History
Merrick has a history of recalls due to potential contamination issues. The company has issued recalls for various products over the years.
One notable recall was in May 2018, when Merrick recalled several beef dog treats due to potential elevated beef thyroid hormone levels. This recall affected products with "best before" dates between May 1, 2017, and September 1, 2019.
In 2011, Merrick recalled two separate products: Merrick Doggie Wishbone pet treats in August, and Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats in January. Both recalls were due to potential salmonella contamination.
Merrick has also had recalls in 2010 and 2002, both related to potential salmonella contamination. The 2010 recall affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares and Texas Hold 'em pet treats, while the 2002 recall affected Merrick Delicatessen Style Beef Steak Patties distributed in Canada.
Here are the details of the recalls:
It's essential to note that these recalls were issued due to potential contamination issues, and it's crucial to check the product details and "best before" dates to ensure the product is safe for consumption.
Merrick Company Complaints
Merrick was identified by the FDA as one of 16 pet food brands linked to heart disease in dogs and cats in 2019.
The FDA investigation was ongoing at the time and no recalls were issued for any of the affected brands.
Most of the pet foods linked to the heart problems are grain-free and/or dry (kibble) dog food formulations.
The FDA couldn't even be certain that diet is a cause of the heart problems, describing it as a "complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors".
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrick dog food under investigation?
Merrick dog food was identified by the FDA in 2019 as part of an ongoing investigation into potential links to heart disease in dogs and cats. No recall has been issued at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.
Sources
- FDA website (fda.gov)
- Dog Food Recall as Urgent Warning Issued to Pet Owners ... (newsweek.com)
- https://www.merrickpetcare.com/online-support-form (merrickpetcare.com)
- https://www.merrickpetcare.com (merrickpetcare.com)
- Petsumer Report (petsumerreport.com)
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/detail.cfm?ID=V-057-2010 (fda.gov)
- United States Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov)
- Merrick Pet Care (merrickpetcare.com)
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