Merrick Cowboy Cookout Dog Food 30lb Bag

I bought this dog food based on several recommendations. My dog is not impressed though. He refuses to eat it unless I mix it with his old dog food (Purina Lamb and Rice). This has been going on for quite a while so I don't think it's just a resistance to change thing. Plus, he devours the puppy food put out for our other dog if he gets a chance. The puppy, however, loves this Cowboy Cookout and will eat it whenever she finds leftovers.

Overall I like the product. The ingredients list is easy to decipher and the real pieces of fruit and veggies running through it make it look appetizing. And Amazon's price is currently competitive. I just wish my dog liked it as much. I think I might have a future customer in the puppy though when she changes over from puppy food.

Even my finicky Yorkie loves this dry dog food.

Is this brand considered an upgrade from Royal Canin?
I have a very picky eater and he only ate the Chihuahua breed formula from RC but recently I've heard bad things about RC so I bought a bag of this Merrick food. I love the packaging and the ingredients list looked okay but I think I saw by-products as one of the first ingredients listed. He doesn't like it right now so we have to coax him with his old food and some bits of chicken. I don't know Merrick's reputation. I refuse to buy any brand that is found in a grocery store and I especially refuse to buy Iams due to their exposed testing on animals. The reviews sound great. I wanted a formula for seniors but Petco didn't carry any so I got cowboy cookout. Since eating it he seems a little more active.