Member’s Mark dog food has become a popular choice for dog owners looking for quality nutrition at a reasonable price. As a Sam’s Club store brand, it offers a variety of dry dog food recipes that have garnered attention and positive ratings from pet parents and review sites alike. But a common question arises when considering this brand: who makes Member’s Mark dog food? Understanding the manufacturer and the ingredients is crucial for making informed decisions about your dog’s diet. This article delves into the details of Member’s Mark dog food, analyzing its recipes, ingredients, and nutritional value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your furry companion.
Member’s Mark Dog Food: Brand Overview
Member’s Mark is the private label brand of Sam’s Club, a membership-based retail warehouse club owned and operated by Walmart Inc. Similar to Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, Member’s Mark offers a wide array of products, from groceries to household goods, including pet food. Private label brands like Member’s Mark are designed to provide value to consumers by offering comparable quality to national brands at a more competitive price point.
When it comes to pet food, private label brands often partner with established pet food manufacturers to produce their recipes. While Sam’s Club owns the Member’s Mark brand, the actual manufacturing is likely outsourced to a co-manufacturer specializing in pet food production. Unfortunately, Sam’s Club does not publicly disclose the specific manufacturer behind Member’s Mark dog food. This is a common practice in the private label industry, as retailers often keep this information proprietary.
Despite the mystery surrounding the exact manufacturer, the quality and nutritional value of Member’s Mark dog food are transparent and can be assessed through ingredient lists, nutritional analysis, and independent reviews, such as the one provided by DogFoodAdvisor, which rates the brand highly.
Recipe and Label Analysis: Focusing on Lamb and Brown Rice
To understand the composition and quality of Member’s Mark dog food, let’s examine a representative recipe: Member’s Mark Pasture Raised Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe. This grain-inclusive formula exemplifies the brand’s approach to dog nutrition.
Member’s Mark Pasture Raised Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe: Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredient list provides valuable insights into the recipe’s formulation. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Lamb: The primary ingredient is lamb, a quality protein source. However, it’s important to remember that raw lamb contains a high percentage of water, which reduces its volume after cooking.
- Chicken Meal: The second ingredient is chicken meal, a concentrated source of protein. Chicken meal is created by rendering chicken, resulting in a protein-rich ingredient with significantly less moisture than fresh chicken. It also provides glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, beneficial for joint health.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is included as a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It’s considered a digestible grain for dogs and provides energy.
- Ground Barley and Grain Sorghum: These grains contribute carbohydrates and fiber to the recipe. Sorghum, similar to corn in nutrient profile, is gluten-free and provides a source of energy.
- Dried Whole Peas: Peas are another carbohydrate source and provide dietary fiber. They also contribute to the overall protein content of the food.
- Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols): Poultry fat is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, essential for healthy skin and coat. The inclusion of mixed tocopherols indicates a natural preservative.
- Dried Egg Product: Dried egg product is a highly digestible and biologically valuable protein source.
- Dried Yeast: Dried yeast offers protein and B vitamins. While some concerns exist regarding yeast allergies in sensitive dogs, it’s generally considered a beneficial ingredient for most dogs.
- Other Notable Ingredients: Oatmeal, lamb meal, dried plain beet pulp, flaxseed, salmon oil, dried chicory root, taurine, and essential vitamins and minerals round out the ingredient list.
Nutrient Profile Analysis
Analyzing the guaranteed analysis and estimated dry matter nutrient content provides a clearer picture of the food’s nutritional composition:
- Protein: The guaranteed analysis shows a minimum of 26% protein, which translates to approximately 29% on a dry matter basis. This is considered above-average protein content for a dry dog food.
- Fat: With a guaranteed minimum of 14% fat, the dry matter basis fat content is around 16%. This is a near-average fat level for dry dog food.
- Carbohydrates: Estimated carbohydrates make up approximately 48% of the dry matter, which is below average compared to many dry dog foods.
- Fiber: The estimated dry matter fiber content is 3.5%.
The nutrient analysis suggests a balanced profile with above-average protein, near-average fat, and below-average carbohydrates, aligning with the nutritional needs of many adult dogs.
Ingredient Quality and Controversial Components
Member’s Mark dog food utilizes several quality ingredients, including lamb, chicken meal, and salmon oil. However, like many commercial dog foods, it also contains ingredients that are sometimes debated:
- Beet Pulp: Beet pulp, a byproduct of sugar beet processing, is a source of fiber. While some consider it a filler, it can provide benefits for intestinal health and blood sugar regulation.
- Generic Poultry Fat: While poultry fat is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, using a generic “poultry” source rather than a named source like “chicken fat” can be considered slightly lower quality.
- Non-Chelated Minerals: The mineral sources listed are not chelated, which means they may be less easily absorbed compared to chelated minerals found in some premium dog foods.
- Sodium Selenite: Sodium selenite is used as a source of selenium. Some consider selenium yeast to be a more natural and potentially better absorbed source of this mineral.
Despite these points, the overall ingredient quality of Member’s Mark is considered commendable for its price point, particularly when compared to other value-oriented brands.
Member’s Mark Dog Food Recall History
As of March 2025, there is no readily available public record of recalls specifically for Member’s Mark dog food. It’s always recommended to check the FDA website and other reliable sources for the most up-to-date recall information for any pet food brand you are considering. A clean recall history is a positive indicator of a brand’s commitment to safety and quality control.
Final Verdict: Is Member’s Mark a Good Choice?
Member’s Mark dog food, while a private label brand with an undisclosed manufacturer, presents itself as a highly recommended, 5-star rated option according to DogFoodAdvisor. Its grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog food recipes utilize a moderate amount of named meat meals as primary animal protein sources.
For dog owners seeking a balance of quality and affordability, Member’s Mark dog food offers a compelling option. It provides above-average protein, near-average fat, and below-average carbohydrates compared to typical dry dog foods, and incorporates quality ingredients like lamb, chicken meal, and salmon oil. While it contains some debated ingredients and lacks chelated minerals, its overall formulation and positive reviews suggest it’s a reliable choice for many dogs.
Who makes Member’s Mark dog food? While the specific manufacturer remains undisclosed, the brand’s commitment to producing well-rated, nutritionally balanced recipes is evident. By focusing on ingredient quality and nutritional analysis, dog owners can confidently assess Member’s Mark as a viable option for their canine companions, especially when considering value and accessibility through Sam’s Club.
Disclaimer: This review is based on the analysis of the provided source article and general knowledge of dog food ingredients. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual dog’s needs.
