Choosing the right dry dog food is crucial for your furry friend’s health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Member’s Mark Dog Food, Sam’s Club’s private label brand, has gained popularity among budget-conscious pet parents seeking quality nutrition without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the dry formulas, analyzing ingredients, nutrient profiles, and ratings from trusted sources like Dog Food Advisor. With an average rating of 5 stars across its lineup, Member’s Mark Dog Food stands out for its use of named meat meals and balanced nutrition suitable for all life stages.
Member’s Mark Dog Food bag featuring lamb and brown rice recipe
Rated highly by experts including founder Mike Sagman and pet nutritionist Laura Ward, this brand emphasizes real meat as the first ingredient. Whether you’re feeding a playful puppy, an active adult, or a senior dog, these recipes meet AAFCO standards for all life stages. Let’s break down the details to help you decide if Member’s Mark Dog Food is the right choice for your pup.
Our Verdict on Member’s Mark Dog Food
Member’s Mark Dry Dog Food consists of four standout recipes, each earning ratings from 4.5 to 5 stars. The overall average is an impressive 5 stars, placing it among the top recommended dry dog foods.
Here’s a quick overview of the lineup, including our ratings and AAFCO nutrient profiles (G for Growth/puppy, M for Maintenance/adult, A for All Life Stages):
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Member’s Mark Chicken + Brown Rice | 4.5 | A |
| Member’s Mark Pasture Raised Lamb + Brown Rice | 5 | A |
| Member’s Mark High Protein Grain Free + Chicken and Vegetable | 5 | A |
| Member’s Mark Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato | 5 | A |
These formulas prioritize high-quality proteins and digestible carbs, making them ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. For best results, consult your veterinarian to match your dog’s specific needs, such as activity level or sensitivities.
Detailed Recipe and Label Analysis
To give you a transparent look, we selected the Member’s Mark Pasture Raised Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe for in-depth scrutiny. This representative formula highlights the brand’s commitment to wholesome ingredients.
Key Nutrient Breakdown (Dry Matter Basis)
- Protein: 28.9%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Carbohydrates: 47.5%
- Fiber: 3.5%
Guaranteed analysis: 26% protein, 14% fat. On a calorie-weighted basis, it’s 25% protein, 33% fat, and 42% carbs—above average for protein and balanced for everyday maintenance.
Ingredients list: Lamb, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), brown rice, ground barley, grain sorghum, dried whole peas, poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried egg product, dried yeast, oatmeal, lamb meal, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, ground flaxseed, salmon oil, salt, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, taurine, choline chloride, mixed tocopherols (preservative), dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, and essential vitamins/minerals.
This recipe supports joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal, while salmon oil provides omega-3s for skin and coat.
In-Depth Ingredients Analysis
Member’s Mark Dog Food shines with lamb as the #1 ingredient—a fresh meat source rich in protein, though cooking reduces its moisture content. Following is chicken meal, a concentrated protein (nearly 300% more than fresh chicken) that’s highly digestible and nutrient-dense.
Brown rice and barley offer complex carbs for sustained energy and fiber for digestion, outperforming simpler grains in nutritional value. Grain sorghum is gluten-free with stable blood sugar benefits, similar to corn but better tolerated by many dogs.
Dried peas add fiber and plant protein (27%), boosting overall quality without excess fillers. Poultry fat delivers essential omega-6s like linoleic acid, though generic sourcing is noted. Dried egg product provides complete protein with high biological value.
Controversial items like dried yeast (45% protein, potential immune support but allergy risk for sensitive dogs) and beet pulp (fiber for gut health) are used reasonably. Flaxseed and salmon oil supply omega-3s, while chicory root acts as a prebiotic for gut bacteria. Taurine supports heart health, especially vital in grain-inclusive diets.
Chelated minerals (e.g., iron proteinate) enhance absorption, though some like sodium selenite are less ideal. Overall, meat-based proteins dominate, with plant ingredients complementing without overwhelming.
Pet nutritionist Laura Ward verifies these align with canine needs, drawing from her experience in the industry.
Nutrient Profile and Comparison
On dry matter basis, the Lamb + Brown Rice recipe offers 29% protein, 16% fat, and 48% carbs—above-average protein compared to typical dry foods (26-30%). Brand averages: 32% protein, 16% fat, 44% carbs, with a 49% fat-to-protein ratio.
This profile suits active dogs, supporting muscle maintenance and vitality. Compared to competitors, it’s cost-effective yet nutrient-rich, ideal for multi-dog households or large breeds.
Recall History for Member’s Mark Dog Food
Transparency is key in pet food reviews. While the core dry recipes analyzed here have no recent issues, Member’s Mark has faced recalls:
- November 2021: Sam’s Club recalled Member’s Mark Beef Stick Dog Treats (not dry kibble) due to potential metal contamination.
- 2023-2024: Mid America Pet Food (a contract manufacturer) recalled specific lots of Member’s Mark Beef and Brown Rice Recipe and Salmon varieties due to Salmonella contamination. Affected products had best-by dates before 10/31/2024. A $5.5M settlement was reached in 2025 for impacted consumers.
Current production appears shifted to safer facilities. Always check lot codes and FDA alerts. No recalls reported for the Lamb, Chicken, or Grain-Free Chicken recipes as of November 2025.
Final Rating and Recommendations
Member’s Mark Dry Dog Food earns 5 stars for its grain-inclusive and grain-free options, moderate named meat meals, and AAFCO compliance. It’s highly recommended for value-driven pet parents prioritizing quality.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros: Affordable, high protein, joint support, probiotics.
Cons: Some past recalls (manufacturer-specific), generic fats.
Compare to top brands like Merrick or Nutro—Member’s Mark holds its own at a fraction of the cost. Transition gradually over 7-10 days, monitor stool and energy.
In conclusion, Member’s Mark Dog Food delivers reliable nutrition for healthy, happy dogs. Pair with vet check-ups, fresh water, and exercise for optimal results. Ready to try? Shop at Sam’s Club and share your pup’s experience in the comments!
References:
- Dog Food Advisor (Updated Oct 18, 2024): Member’s Mark Review
- FDA Pet Food Recalls: Mid America Pet Food
- AAFCO Nutrient Profiles
- Pet Nutrition Alliance Manufacturer Reports
