Orlando (Feb. 20) – Amarillo-based Merrick Pet Care is expanding its dog food line with the introduction of Grain Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato that caters to canines’ carnivorous appetites while meeting the growing demand for grain-free options. Merrick’s new red-meat recipe joins its successful line up of 11 dog food recipes that started a “revolution in a dog bowl” last year.
“With our Texas roots and the growing grain-free demand, it only made sense to use natural, locally sourced Texas beef to help dogs everywhere satisfy their craving for hearty red meat and nutritious fresh vegetables. After all, they want what we want – real whole food worthy of a fork,” said Greg Shearson, chief executive officer for Merrick Pet Care.
Interest in grain-free pet foods has risen dramatically within the natural pet specialty channel. Grain-free natural dog foods have grown six times faster than foods with grains, account for 61 percent of the total category growth and represent 25 percent of all natural dog foods now sold, according to GfK Natural Dog Food & Treat category data.1
Merrick’s new Grain Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe offers a healthy balance of meat and fresh produce, with the first five ingredients consisting of deboned beef, beef liver, lamb meal, sweet potato and peas. With no chicken ingredients, the food is safe for dogs that are allergic to poultry.
The product will be sold in 4 lb., 12 lb. and 25 lb. bags when it comes to store shelves this spring at Petco, independent pet specialty stores and select online retailers via www.merrickpetcare.com.
The new red meat recipe joins a full line of Grain Free foods for dogs and will coincide with the release of the new 96-percent Grain Free Real Texas Beef Canned Dog Food.
In addition to its Grain Free recipes, Merrick offers a complete line of Classic Recipes featuring a healthy balance of meat/poultry/fish, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. All Merrick recipes are made in the USA according to the highest nutritional standards.
1 GfK Natural Dog Food & Treat Category; Data Through September 2012
About Merrick Pet Care Inc.
Founded in 1968, Amarillo-based Merrick Pet Care Inc. is a leader in the super-premium pet food category. With a mission to create the most nutritious and wholesome food it can to help families take better care of their pets, Merrick has a passion for cooking up nutritious, real whole foods for pets. All foods are made in the USA using only the freshest ingredients grown by local farmers. The company offers Classic, Grain Free and a wide variety of treats from sausages to chews. Merrick’s pet food brands are available nationally at independent pet specialty stores, including Petco, and online. For more information, visit www.merrickpetcare.com
Contact:
media@merrickpetcare.com