Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken 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 Chicken 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 Chicken Recipe Cuts, 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 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
Turkey Broth is a flavorful and nutritious liquid that helps to keep your cat's food moist and palatable. It provides essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
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.
Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall 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.
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 is a natural herb that provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your cat's immune system and overall health.
Sage can provide some antioxidant benefits, but it's not a necessary part of a cat's diet.
Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties and can contribute to your cat's overall well-being.
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%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to this value in the ingredient list are deboned chicken, chicken liver, deboned turkey, and dried egg whites. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a pet's muscle development and overall health. Chicken and turkey are lean meats that are commonly used in pet foods for their high protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The crude fat content is a measure of the essential fatty acids and energy provided by the food. The deboned chicken and chicken liver, along with salmon oil, are likely the main contributors to the fat content. Fats are crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and also provide a concentrated source of energy.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: This value represents the maximum amount of fiber in the food. Fiber is important for digestive health. While the product is grain-free, ingredients such as potato starch and inulin (a type of soluble fiber) contribute to this value. Fiber can aid in digestion and help maintain bowel health.
Calories of 926.00 per kg: This number gives the caloric content per kilogram of the pet food. The calories are provided by the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The deboned chicken, deboned turkey, and chicken liver provide the bulk of the calories through proteins and fats, while ingredients like potato starch also contribute to the caloric content through carbohydrates. Salmon oil is another calorie-dense ingredient that adds to the total caloric value of the food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Cuts costs approximately $8.96 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 | $207.30 |
| 10 lbs | $348.64 |
| 15 lbs | $472.54 |
| 20 lbs | $586.33 |
| 30 lbs | $794.72 |
| 40 lbs | $986.09 |
| 50 lbs | $1165.74 |
| 60 lbs | $1336.55 |
| 70 lbs | $1500.36 |
| 80 lbs | $1658.40 |
| 90 lbs | $1811.57 |
| 100 lbs | $1960.53 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally praise the Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Cuts for being a hit with their cats, particularly noting that even picky eaters seem to enjoy the chicken flavor. The food's quality ingredients and absence of by-products or additives are appreciated by pet owners who are conscious about their cats' diet.
While some cats have reacted poorly to the food, experiencing vomiting or digestive issues, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule. For those cats, other flavors like rabbit have been better tolerated. It's worth noting that individual cats may have specific sensitivities or dietary needs.
Older cats and those with dental issues appear to find the food easier to eat and digest, which has led to improved appetites and weight gain for some. The soft texture of the chicken and the presence of gravy are particularly noted as beneficial for these cats.
The portion size and gravy content have received mixed feedback, with some customers expressing a desire for more gravy, while others find the amount sufficient. The chunks of meat are sometimes too large for some cats, but this can be remedied by breaking them into smaller pieces.
Lastly, the food has been well-received by rescue cats and kittens, highlighting its broad appeal. The lack of a chemical taste is reassuring to pet owners who are mindful of the quality of food they provide to their pets. Overall, many customers are satisfied and plan to continue purchasing this product for their feline friends.
