Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Venison + Beef Dinner In Gravy Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Venison + 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 Venison + 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 Venison + Beef Dinner In Gravy, we'll examine all 40 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.
Venison is a lean, high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development and maintenance. It is also a novel protein, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
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.
Turkey broth can be a flavorful addition to dog food that also provides hydration and nutrients. It's a good source of protein and flavor for picky eaters.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.
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.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
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.
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.
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.
Cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant benefits for your dog's overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients such as deboned venison, deboned beef, and beef liver. These are high-quality sources of protein that are essential for the growth and maintenance of pets. The dried egg product also adds to the protein content, as eggs are well-known for being protein-rich.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The fat content in this product likely comes from the deboned venison, deboned beef, beef liver, and the oils such as flaxseed oil and salmon oil. These ingredients not only provide essential fatty acids necessary for a healthy coat and skin but also contribute to the overall energy content of the food.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: Fiber is an important component for digestive health. The maximum crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for wet pet foods. Ingredients such as potato starch and the various gums (cassia gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum) may contribute to this fiber content, albeit in small amounts. These ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers in pet food.
Calories of 1041.00 per kg: Calories in pet food come from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this product, the calories are likely derived from the deboned venison and beef, which are energy-dense ingredients due to their protein and fat content. The inclusion of flaxseed oil and salmon oil also contributes to the calorie count, as fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The potato starch may also add to the caloric content as a carbohydrate source, although its primary function is likely as a thickener.
