Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Beef Dinner In Gravy Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Beef Dinner In Gravy
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Beef Dinner In Gravy is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Beef Dinner In Gravy, we'll examine all 37 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.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
Dried celery is a low-calorie vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall health.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.
Cumin is a natural spice that adds flavor to dog food and may provide potential antioxidant benefits to support overall health.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the pet food. The primary contributors to this value in the ingredient list are deboned beef, beef broth, and beef liver, all of which are rich in animal proteins. Dried egg product is also a significant source of protein in the mix.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The crude fat content is the minimum amount of fat present in the food. The deboned beef and beef liver likely contribute to this value, as animal tissues contain fats. Additionally, flaxseed oil and salmon oil are high in fatty acids, which would also add to the overall fat content of the product.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: Fiber is derived from plant-based ingredients in pet food. In this product, the fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for wet foods. There are no major fiber-rich ingredients listed, but the dried celery, along with the cassia gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum, may contribute small amounts of fiber. These ingredients are often used as thickeners but also provide some dietary fiber.
Calories of 1716.00 per kg: The calorie content is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The animal-based ingredients (deboned beef, beef broth, and beef liver) are calorie-dense due to their protein and fat content. The potato starch also contributes to the caloric content as a source of carbohydrates. Flaxseed oil and salmon oil are high in calories due to their fat content, further contributing to the overall energy value of the food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Beef Dinner In Gravy costs approximately $4.76 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $59.46 |
| 10 lbs | $99.99 |
| 15 lbs | $135.53 |
| 20 lbs | $168.17 |
| 30 lbs | $227.93 |
| 40 lbs | $282.82 |
| 50 lbs | $334.34 |
| 60 lbs | $383.34 |
| 70 lbs | $430.32 |
| 80 lbs | $475.65 |
| 90 lbs | $519.58 |
| 100 lbs | $562.30 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who feed their dogs a grain-free diet have reported that their pets love Merrick Backcountry Chunky Beef Dinner in Gravy. This suggests that the flavor and quality of the food meet the approval of dogs with specific dietary needs, making it a suitable choice for grain-free diets.
While there are comments about the food's appearance and texture, it's important to note that the primary concern for most pet owners is whether their dogs enjoy and benefit from the meal. In this case, even picky eaters seem to have taken well to the beef dinner, indicating that despite some concerns, the product is palatable to dogs.
