Our Story > Timeline

Our timeline takes you chronologically through the storied history of Merrick Pet Care.

2012

Capitalizing on more than 20 years of innovation in the pet food industry, Merrick begins a Food Revolution by reformulating the existing products into the Classic and Grain Free lines. The new recipes are unsurpassed in quality, nutrition and health benefits.

The New Merrick Revolution begins with all-new recipes.

2012

Merrick acquires Castor & Pollux.

2010

Merrick Pet Care products debut in the natural section of Petco stores nationwide.

2009

Summer

- Merrick Seasonals debut with four unique summer flavors available for a limited time. Fall, winter and spring flavors follow.

Fall

- Merrick launches Whole Earth Farms, which consists of holistic wet and dry formulas at affordable prices.

2008

Merrick launches Before Grain

- a line of grain-free canned and dry food for dogs and cats.

2005

New dog canned flavors are introduced. Smothered Comfort and Wing-a-ling quickly become best-sellers.

2004

Fall

- Merrick launches six new dry foods based around the themes of fresh meat and healthy fruits and vegetables. A canned food product line for cats is also launched with nine unique flavors.

2003

Merrick launches eight unique canned recipes for dogs - Grammy's Pot Pie, Turducken, Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Cowboy Cookout, Wilderness Blend, Mediterranean Banquet, Puppy Plate and Senior Medley.

2002

Development begins on creating a gourmet line of pet food featuring real meat as the #1 ingredient, -plus fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

1999

Merrick launches its first Internet retail site, and begins shipping treats across the U.S. direct to pet owners.

1996

The most popular Merrick treat of all time - the Flossie - is created. Merrick opens two Merrick Pet Delicatessen retail stores, which offer Merrick treats and food direct to local communities.

1995

Planning begins to build a cannery and the first Merrick beef, turkey and venison cans are created.

1992

Merrick Pet Care develops Merrick Premium brand dry food and Beef N More dry food. Beef N More is eventually sold in Sam's Club stores nationwide.

1988

Garth Merrick develops a line of natural treats for dogs including bones, chews and variety packs. The product line gains popularity in pet specialty retail stores, with new products and merchandising options introduced yearly. Merrick treats are one of the first natural treat lines to utilize unique display racks, end cap corrugated displays and holiday packaging.