Merrick Backcountry Biscuits Real Salmon + Whitefish Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Biscuits Real Salmon + Whitefish Recipe
According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Biscuits Real Salmon + Whitefish Recipe, we'll examine all 9 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.
Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.
Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of at least 30.00% in the Merrick Backcountry Biscuits Real Salmon + Whitefish Recipe is primarily contributed by the deboned salmon, salmon meal, and deboned whitefish. Salmon meal, in particular, is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and contains less water than fresh salmon. The inclusion of potato protein also adds to the overall protein content, although it is a less biologically valuable protein source for carnivorous pets compared to fish.
The crude fat minimum of 8.00% can be attributed mainly to the deboned salmon and deboned whitefish, as fish are natural sources of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Canola oil is also a significant contributor to the fat content in this recipe, providing additional fatty acids and contributing to the overall dietary fat percentage.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 3.00%, which is relatively low, indicating that the biscuits are not designed to be high-fiber treats. The fiber present in the product likely comes from the potatoes and possibly the tapioca starch. Both of these ingredients are carbohydrate sources that contain some level of dietary fiber. However, since they are not inherently high-fiber ingredients, they keep the overall fiber content within the moderate range listed in the guaranteed analysis.
The mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract are not directly related to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, or fiber, but they are important for the freshness and shelf stability of the product. Mixed tocopherols are a form of vitamin E used as a natural preservative, while rosemary extract also has antioxidant properties that can help preserve the fats in the biscuits from rancidity.