Dr. Marty dog food is proudly featured in the holiday romantic comedy Merv.
The filmmakers chose Nature's Blend by Dr. Marty Pets for scenes with the film's beloved dog character because they wanted real, veterinarian-developed food on screen. Nature's Blend fit naturally into the story since it reflects the kind of high-quality, biologically appropriate nutrition a caring pet parent would pick in real life.
This article shares the full story behind the partnership and why Nature's Blend was a perfect match for Merv. If you watched the movie and wondered what dog food appeared on screen, or why it was chosen, you will find everything you need here.
Merv is a 2025 holiday romantic comedy available on Prime Video. The film stars Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox, Chris Redd, and Patricia Heaton. The story follows former couple Anna and Russ who find themselves in an awkward co-parenting situation when their dog Merv loses his spark after their breakup.
Russ takes Merv to a Florida dog beach hoping that a change of scenery might help. Anna unexpectedly arrives, and the trio begins a journey where healing the dog's emotional slump creates space for their own reconnection.
The dog Merv is central to the story. His well-being drives the plot, which makes the appearance of real, veterinarian-developed dog food especially meaningful.
The filmmakers wanted to feature real dog food, not a fictional bag created for the set. Their goal was to show a product that a health-conscious pet parent would realistically choose. After reviewing several premium dog food brands, Nature's Blend by Dr. Marty Pets was selected for three reasons:
Nature's Blend simulates what nature intended for dogs to eat. It is freeze-dried raw, not kibbled, and made with real meats, organ meats, omega-rich fish, fruits, and vegetables.
The freeze-dried texture and aroma made Nature's Blend ideal for on-set use. Dogs respond enthusiastically to the formula, which made filming smoother.
The signature green and yellow packaging of Nature's Blend is easy for audiences to recognize. It supports viewer recall and strengthens on-screen authenticity.
“Dogs deserve real food made from real ingredients. Nature's Blend follows what nature intended for dogs to eat, and I am thrilled to see it appear in a film that celebrates the bond we share with our pets.”
— Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM
Nature's Blend appears during scenes filmed on a Florida dog beach. In one moment, Russ is resting on a towel with Merv nearby, and the recognizable Nature's Blend bag is positioned near the beach gear. The filmmakers intentionally placed the bag within the scene to support authenticity.
The on-screen product is the same formula available to pet parents today.
To celebrate the movie's release, Dr. Marty visited a Florida dog beach for a livestream known among fans as the Marty Cam. He met dogs passing by, shared Nature's Blend samples, and connected with pet parents about the value of real-food nutrition.
Dogs reacted with excitement, sniffing the bags and happily tasting the formula. The scene echoed the themes in the movie. Sunshine, connection, and a pup regaining his spark.
The activation supported an animal welfare charity through proceeds from the Mervinator shirt, creating a feel-good tie between the film, the brand, and real world dogs who benefit from the support.
Dr. Marty Pets was founded by Marty Goldstein, a pioneer in integrative veterinary medicine with over forty years of clinical experience. He is widely respected for advancing canine nutrition and has been featured in documentaries, national broadcasts, and major publications.
The brand is known for its commitment to biologically appropriate, veterinarian-designed pet food that preserves nutrients through freeze-drying. No artificial preservatives. No fillers. Never kibbled.
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Many pet parents discover the brand through Dr. Marty's educational work, which has helped millions of pet owners understand the benefits of real-food nutrition.
Nature's Blend is designed to mirror a dog's ancestral eating pattern.
Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, and organ meats provide high quality protein and essential amino acids.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, spinach, cranberries, and pumpkin seed support energy, digestion, and overall vitality.
Freeze-drying removes moisture while preserving the natural nutritional profile of raw ingredients. Pets get the benefits of a raw-style diet with the convenience of a dry food.
Serving amounts vary by age, activity level, and weight, but the flexibility of freeze-dried raw makes adjusting meals simple.
The Nature's Blend formula featured in Merv is available for purchase online and in stores across the United States.
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A portion of sales from the Mervinator shirt supports a charitable organization that focuses on animal welfare. This connection reinforces the shared values between the film's creative team and Dr. Marty Pets, making the partnership meaningful beyond product placement.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone who noticed the product on screen or heard about the partnership:
This collaboration highlighted the role dogs play in helping people reconnect, which made the use of a real, nutrient-rich, veterinarian-developed food a natural fit.
At its core, Merv is a story about love, connection, and the healing power of a dog who brings two people back together. Featuring a real, nutrient-rich food like Nature's Blend made perfect sense. It reflects the theme of caring deeply for the animals who care for us right back.
If you enjoyed seeing Merv on screen, you can bring a little of that warmth into your own home by feeding your dog the same food featured in the film.
What dog food is in the movie Merv?
Nature's Blend by Dr. Marty Pets is the dog food shown in the film.
Is the food in the movie a real product?
Yes. It is the exact Nature's Blend formula available today.
Why did the filmmakers choose Dr. Marty Pets?
They wanted a real, veterinarian-designed food that matched how a thoughtful pet parent would feed a dog like Merv.
Where does Nature's Blend appear in the film?
It appears in a Florida dog beach scene near Russ and Merv's beach gear.
Did the dog actor actually eat Nature's Blend on set?
Yes. The formula was used during filming because of its appealing aroma, freeze-dried texture, and easy handling.
Is freeze-dried raw food safe for dogs?
Freeze-drying helps preserve nutrients and maintain shelf stability. Many pet parents choose it because it keeps the natural integrity of raw ingredients without the need for refrigeration.
How is Nature's Blend different from regular kibble?
Kibble is cooked at high temperatures. Nature's Blend is freeze-dried, which helps protect the natural nutrients found in whole food ingredients.
Where can I buy the food seen in Merv?
You can buy Nature's Blend online at drmartypets.com or at retail locations listed in the store locator.
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