Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts, we'll examine all 36 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 source of protein that helps to build and maintain your cat's muscles.
Beef broth adds moisture to the food, making it more appealing to cats, and can also provide some additional nutrients.
Lamb broth is used to increase the moisture content of the food, making it more appealing and easier to chew for your cat.
Beef Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly high in vitamin A, which supports vision, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism.
Lamb is a nutrient-rich meat that provides your cat with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health and well-being.
Dried Egg Whites are a highly digestible source of protein that supports your cat's muscle development and overall health. They also provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to ensure a balanced and complete diet.
Potato starch is often used as a carbohydrate source and thickening agent in cat food. While it's not harmful, it doesn't contribute much nutritional value for cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.
Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Sodium Carbonate is a safe and commonly used ingredient in cat food that helps to maintain the proper pH balance in your cat's digestive system. This promotes a healthy gut environment and supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the beef, beef liver, and deboned lamb. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that help to meet a dog's nutritional requirements for amino acids. Dried egg whites also contribute to the overall protein content, as eggs are known for their high biological value in terms of protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived mainly from the beef and deboned lamb, as both red meats contain natural fats. Additionally, salmon oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, also contributes to the fat content. The fat in the diet is essential for energy, as well as for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: The crude fiber content is relatively low in this food, which is typical for wet pet foods. Ingredients that may contribute to the fiber content include potato starch and inulin. Inulin can also serve as a source of prebiotic fiber to support gut health, though it is present in smaller amounts.
Calories of 942.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the proteins (beef, beef liver, and lamb) and fats (including the salmon oil). Carbohydrates, such as those from potato starch, also contribute to the overall caloric content, albeit to a lesser extent since they are not as calorie-dense as fats.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts costs approximately $9.01 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $204.91 |
| 10 lbs | $344.61 |
| 15 lbs | $467.09 |
| 20 lbs | $579.57 |
| 30 lbs | $785.55 |
| 40 lbs | $974.71 |
| 50 lbs | $1152.28 |
| 60 lbs | $1321.13 |
| 70 lbs | $1483.05 |
| 80 lbs | $1639.27 |
| 90 lbs | $1790.66 |
| 100 lbs | $1937.90 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have found Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Cuts to be an excellent choice for their cats, especially for those with a natural hunting instinct. The texture and gravy of the food closely mimic a natural diet, leading to visible health benefits such as shiny fur and overall vitality. This diet has even garnered positive remarks from veterinarians regarding the health and strength of the pets.
Many cat owners appreciate the variety offered by Merrick, with rabbit flavor being a particular favorite among their feline friends. The inclusion of different meats like rabbit and beef helps to keep cats interested and caters to their diverse tastes. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy the flavors and textures, with some cats showing a clear preference for the beef variety.
Despite some cats being less enthusiastic about the beef cuts, the overall response to the food's quality and appeal is positive. Owners of cats with specific dietary needs, such as chicken allergies, have successfully incorporated this food into their pets' diets. The grain-free aspect is also a significant plus for those looking to avoid grains in their cats' nutrition.
On the other hand, some customers have reported quality control issues, such as expired or improperly sealed packages. However, these seem to be isolated incidents, and the general consensus remains that the food is of high quality and well-received by cats. The additional gravy is especially appreciated for cats that tend not to drink much water, aiding in their hydration.
Lastly, the impact of this high-quality diet on cats' health is frequently mentioned, with owners noting improvements in their cats' coats and physical condition. Although the cost is higher than some other options, many feel that the benefits to their cat's health justify the expense, with the aim of preventing long-term health issues through proper nutrition.
