Merrick Backcountry Game Bird Real Duck Sausage Cuts Review

Review of Merrick Backcountry Game Bird Real Duck Sausage Cuts

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 Game Bird Real Duck Sausage Cuts, we'll examine all 5 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.

1. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

2. Dried Cultured Skim Milk is a rich source of probiotics, which promote a healthy gut flora in dogs. It's also high in calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance.

3. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

4. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

5. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: The primary source of protein in this pet food product is the deboned duck, which is listed as the first ingredient, indicating it is the most prevalent in the formula. Duck meat is a high-quality source of protein that contributes significantly to the protein content. The guaranteed minimum of 25.00% crude protein is substantial, reflecting the meat-centric nature of the product.

Crude Fat (min) of 32.00%: Duck meat is also naturally rich in fats, which likely contributes to the high crude fat content of 32.00%. The fat in duck provides a concentrated source of energy for pets and also contributes to the taste and palatability of the product. Since fat content is directly related to the richness and flavor of the food, this high percentage indicates that the product is designed to be both nutritious and appealing to pets.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.50%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, with a maximum of 1.50%. This is consistent with the ingredient list, which does not include any significant sources of fiber such as vegetables or grains. The low fiber content suggests that the product is intended to be highly digestible and is focused on providing protein and fat rather than serving as a source of dietary fiber.

The other ingredients listed, such as dried cultured skim milk, salt, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), and rosemary extract, do not contribute significantly to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. The skim milk may provide a minimal amount of additional protein, but its primary role is likely for flavor or texture. Salt is used as a flavor enhancer and preservative, while mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract are natural preservatives that help maintain the freshness of the product. These ingredients are included in smaller amounts and do not have a major impact on the nutritional profile as reflected in the guaranteed analysis.