Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Hearty Duck + Venison Stew Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Hearty Duck + Venison Stew
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 Hearty Duck + Venison Stew 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 Hearty Duck + Venison Stew, we'll examine all 39 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
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.
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 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.
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.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Green beans are a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as dietary fiber. They can add valuable nutrients to your dog's diet and aid in weight management due to their low caloric content.
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.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
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.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.
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.
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 crude protein content is primarily provided by the animal-based ingredients listed, such as deboned duck, deboned chicken, and deboned venison. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth and maintenance of pets. Dried egg product also contributes to the protein content, as eggs are a high-quality source of protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the animal-based ingredients as well, since meats naturally contain fats. Additionally, the inclusion of flaxseed oil and salmon oil would contribute to the fat content. These oils are not only sources of fat but also provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 2.50%: The crude fiber comes from the plant-based ingredients in the food, such as carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes. These ingredients contain dietary fibers which are important for the digestive health of pets. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and can aid in managing weight by providing a feeling of fullness.
Calories of 1123.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The meats contribute to the calorie count through proteins and fats, while ingredients like sweet potatoes and potato starch provide energy in the form of carbohydrates. The overall caloric value is important for ensuring that pets receive the necessary energy for their daily activities.
