Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Chicken Dinner In Gravy Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Chicken Dinner In Gravy
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Chicken Dinner In Gravy is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Chicken Dinner In Gravy, we'll examine all 38 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.
Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.
Dried pea is a nutritious legume that provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and potassium for your dog's overall health.
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.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Dried citrus pulp is a nutritious by-product of the citrus juice industry, providing an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This ingredient supports healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
Calcium lactate is an easily absorbed form of calcium that supports strong bones, teeth, and muscle function in your dog.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.
Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.
Potassium iodate is an important source of iodine, which can help maintain your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolic health.
Cobalt glucoheptonate is a highly bioavailable source of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin B12. This ingredient supports your dog's overall health and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and vitality.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle 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.
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.
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.
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dog food, but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe your dog's digestive system.
Sage is a natural herb that can be added to dog food for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system.
Thyme is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to your dog's food, but also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits can support your dog's immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary source of protein in this pet food product is deboned chicken, which is listed as the first ingredient. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein for pets. Additionally, chicken liver contributes to the protein content, offering a variety of nutrients and vitamins. The dried egg product is another ingredient that provides a good source of protein. The guaranteed minimum of 8.00% crude protein is largely due to these animal-based ingredients.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The fat content is at a minimum of 3.00%. This is likely to come from the deboned chicken and chicken liver, as both contain natural fats. Additionally, sunflower oil is included in the ingredients, which is a source of essential fatty acids and contributes to the fat content in the food.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, with a maximum of 1.40%. This is consistent with meat-based pet foods, which typically have lower fiber content than those with higher plant material. Ingredients such as dried peas and dried citrus pulp contribute to the fiber content. However, since these are not the main ingredients, the overall fiber content remains low.
Calories of 749.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is 749.00 kcal/kg. This energy value is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The deboned chicken and chicken liver are significant contributors to the calorie count due to their protein and fat content. The dried peas and potato starch also contribute to the caloric content by providing carbohydrates. Sunflower oil, which is high in fat, is another calorie-dense ingredient.
