Ok, so please tell me I'm not the only one that is completely out of the loop on these things. Apparently Purina bought Merrick and Castor & Pollux way back in July.

Article Here

Better article here

I feel kind of sad. Everything Purina owns sucks. Do any of you use Merrick?

Yep I was bummed out when I heard of this a couple weeks ago.. I like to give Mylo merrick canned food from time to time (mixed with his dr tims kibble).

My cat gets Merrick. It is hard to get any food that isn't owned in some fashion by a questionable brand. I think unless you are going to buy some really hard to find backwoods brand made by a farmer in small batches or if you feed raw there's no way around it. Just about everything is owned by Purina or Diamond so you have to pick your poison.

I like my Orijen too much. The one thing that has happened is that people are knocking their food off and selling it on the internet. They strongly urge to only buy from a licensed retailer. Besides that, it's such a good food.

Sorry David. At least you still have the Dr. Tim.

Yeah you're right Jen. It's unfortunate that another company joined the corporate monster but it happens I suppose. Maybe I need some better perspective lol.I think once Mike and I get our house might switch loki to raw or something. Our groomer does raw and loves it.

Then instead of recalls and mergers I get to stress over parasites and pathogens lol. /facepalms at myself

Move to a house on some acreage and raise your own beef and chickens to feed the dogs. Then you have less to worry about with parasites and diseases.

Lol! Not a lot of those around here. There are lots of squirrels though... What do you think is better for them: Purina or dumpster squirrels?

Squirrels are good eating. Throw them in a stew and you're golden. If you pressure cook them a little first it really tenderizes the meat nicely.

Is it Thanksgiving already?! Pressure cooked rodent. Sounds succulent.

I had seen this just a few days ago, and well I was disappointed, I was planning on making the switch to Merrick's. According to their website, they will not be making any changes, business as usual. The purpose of Purina was to make it easier to get Merrick's food available to more people. After the big lawsuit Purina has had with Blue, I think Purina wanted to get in on the grain free market. As of now the only foods that I believe (someone please make changes if I am wrong) are privately owned and sourced USA or Canada are Fromm, Earthborn, Acana, Orijen, Dr. Tims, and I imagine a few more. I will be making the switch to Merrick's, for possible rotation diet for Miya and her baby sister coming in October, and I will watch for any changes. Luckily I do feed a partial raw diet, and may just have to buy a freezer and go all raw.

Ah! New puppy! So exciting!

I was bummed out because Merrick is one of two foods on this entire earth Mr. Loki eats. I did not realize orijen was USA made. I've been wanting to try orijen but I've only seen large bags of it at our stores and it's hella expensive for something he might turn his nose up at. If I could get a small bag somewhere it might be a different story lol.

Tyler what flavor of it do you get?

Danielle, Orijen and Acana I do believe are made in Canada, so they are safe. Yes they are expensive. I'm still going to go over to Merrick, and just watch for any changes. I do know that Chewy's carries both, and do offer 5 pound bags, if that helps.

wow, didn't know that. i usually buy here treats need to keep a close eye on my boys for any strange reactions to the treats specially my old man Joey. might have to start making my own chicken jerky treats lol.
I just hope that they don't loss the quality like blue buffalo did when they sold there company and had questionable sources, crosses fingers.

Ahhh, Renee! Why did you tell me about Chewy's?! I just spent way too much money there LOL! I read up on those brands and saw Eathborn. When I looked at the reviews it seemed like the people really liked it so I ordered a sample baggie (and an elk antler and a backpack and some treats...). I hope this goes well!

Ronin let me know how it goes! I'm all ears when it comes to treat recipes lol.

Rumflower wrote:

Ah! New puppy! So exciting!

I was bummed out because Merrick is one of two foods on this entire earth Mr. Loki eats. I did not realize orijen was USA made. I've been wanting to try orijen but I've only seen large bags of it at our stores and it's hella expensive for something he might turn his nose up at. If I could get a small bag somewhere it might be a different story lol.

Tyler what flavor of it do you get?

I have Koda on the puppy right now. She DEVOURS it! It is expensive, but I believe it's worth it.

Earthborn is a good company. They are based in Evansville, IN which is only about and hour or two from where I live.

This is what I feed Diz now. It has been the best food I have found by a long shot. I have him on venison, but I plan to rotate through the turkey and lamb flavors.

http://www.brotherscomplete.com/LEARN-MORE

Also, FWIW, keep an eye on stool when you switch to Merrick. The amount that was coming out of Diz was, ah hem, quite a bit more than any other food, which to me meant that there was a lot of useless ingredients in that food going to waste. I feed Diz 1.5-2 cups a day and a 25 lb bag lasts about 3 months.