Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Pate Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Pate
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 Real Beef Recipe Pate is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Beef Recipe Pate, 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.
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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.
Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.
Potato Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.
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.
Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Salmon Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy immune system. Salmon oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit cats with joint issues or allergies.
Agar-Agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent derived from seaweed, which is often used as a gelatin substitute in pet foods. It is safe for your cat and may provide some prebiotic benefits for digestive health.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Locust Bean Gum is a natural thickening agent that helps maintain the texture and consistency of your cat's food, while also providing a source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer used in cat food to improve texture and consistency, ensuring a more palatable and enjoyable meal for your feline friend.
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.
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, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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.
Zinc Amino Acid Complex is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports various bodily functions in cats, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and wound healing.
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.
Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various body functions, such as the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and immune health.
Cobalt Glucoheptonate is a chelated form of cobalt that is easily absorbed by your cat's body, supporting vitamin B12 synthesis, red blood cell production, and overall health.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 12.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned beef and deboned chicken, which are high-quality sources of animal protein. Additionally, the chicken liver, pea protein, and potato protein also contribute to the overall protein content. The dried egg product is another excellent source of protein that likely adds to this value.
Crude Fat (min) of 4.00%: The crude fat content is primarily derived from the deboned beef and deboned chicken, as these meats contain natural fats. Chicken liver may also contribute a small amount of fat. Additionally, salmon oil, listed further down the ingredients, is a significant source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which would contribute to the total fat content.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: Fiber in pet food can come from various sources, but in this grain-free formula, the fiber is likely coming from ingredients such as the flaxseed and perhaps some from the guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum. These ingredients are used as thickeners and stabilizers but also have some dietary fiber content. The relatively low crude fiber content is consistent with a diet that emphasizes more meat, which is typical of a pate-style pet food.
Calories of 1016.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a measure of the energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet. The deboned beef and chicken, being the first ingredients, likely contribute the most to the calorie count due to their protein and fat content. The pea and potato protein may also contribute to the caloric content, albeit to a lesser extent. The fats, particularly from the salmon oil, are calorie-dense and would significantly contribute to the overall energy content of the food.
