Meet Our Experts - Merrick Pet Care

Expert nutrition for every dog and cat

Our team of experts

When you want the best for your pets, you want to know that the food you’re giving them has been developed by pet nutrition experts. That’s why we have an experienced team of veterinarians, animal nutritionists, scientists and chemists, as well as specialists in food production, quality, and safety.

Our experts work together to formulate, review, analyze, and approve each Merrick diet to ensure we are crafting the highest-quality and safest food and treats for our dogs and cats.

Quality nutrition you can trust

Merrick is also backed by the nutritional pioneers in the pet food industry. As a Nestlé Purina PetCare business unit, we have access to unparalleled research, experience and resources. Their team of more than 500 nutritionists, veterinarians, behaviorists and researchers around the world are always working to discover nutritional breakthroughs to help advance the lives of pets and help ensure we are delivering high quality, safe nutrition you can rely on for your dog or cat.

Crafted with love for over 30 years

Back in 1988, we got our start in Garth Merrick’s family kitchen and continue to operate our own canneries and dry food production facility in Hereford, Texas. As we say down in Hereford, “this isn’t our first rodeo” – we’ve been delivering the best food ever for the best pets ever for more than 30 years.

RuthAnn Lobos, DVM, CCRT, CVAT

Lead Veterinarian

Dr. RuthAnn brings more than 15 years’ experience in the pet food industry. She loves sharing the power of pet nutrition with colleagues, pet parents and friends – quality nutrition can make a visible difference in the appearance and activity of dogs and cats and can strengthen the amazing relationships we share with them. In her undergraduate studies, Dr. RuthAnn pursued an animal science degree. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). She pursued additional training to become a certified therapist in both canine rehabilitation and veterinary acupuncture. She is an avid marathoner and triathlete and proud mama to three active pups, Rigolets, Stella and Finn. To learn more about Dr. RuthAnn, we invite you to watch this video, check out the recent Q&A with her on the Merrick blog or follow her at @VetLobos.

Kevin Wise

Director of Research and Development

Kevin has been formulating and testing pet food for more than 21 years and is committed to ensuring every recipe delivers the complete and balanced nutrition our pets need. He joined Merrick in 2015 to lead product research, innovation and development. Prior to his current role, he managed product development for several Nestlé Purina brands and served as a production manager at various manufacturing facilities within the Purina network. Kevin received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in agriculture engineering, food processing specialty and biochemistry. And, with two dogs at home, his four-legged family members – Jasper and Nikki – are happy to help Kevin with any extra research needs!

Janika Hull

Research and Development Manager

Janika joined the Merrick team in 2016, and our team quickly realized that her background in the human food industry coupled with her passion for pets is a powerful combination. She received her Master of Science (M.S.) in nutritional biochemistry with a concentration in functional food product development and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in food science and technology with minors in animal science and chemistry. Whether in the R&D house in Hereford, at her home or around town, her sweet and loyal pups – Roscoe (pictured) and Cookie – can always be found by her side.

trust the merrick difference

★★★★★

Ceadams1107

Quality Ingredients

"I can pronounce every ingredient.... I can't say enough good things about this food!!!!"

★★★★★

Mlm123wranglet

Great food

"I have used this type for the last two years. Amazing results, hair,colour has improved. One of the best choices."

★★★★★

Piggy

My Pitts luv this food

"Merrick you guys should give it they have cat and dog food it's the best five stars 2 thumbs up."

Real is our recipe. The best dog ever deserves the best food ever.

The best dog ever deserves the best food ever

satisfaction guarantee

At Merrick, we promise your pet will not only love the taste of our food, they’ll be happier and healthier too. That’s why if you (or your pet) are not 100%, absolutely, totally, completely satisfied with Merrick, return it for your money back.