Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Duck Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck Recipe Cuts, 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 an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.
Duck Broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more palatable and ensuring proper 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.
Turkey Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
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.
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 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%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned duck, turkey liver, deboned turkey, and dried egg whites. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that are essential for a pet's muscle development and overall health. Duck and turkey, being lean meats, are particularly rich in proteins.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.50%: The crude fat content is most likely derived from the deboned duck, which naturally contains fats, and the salmon oil, which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and also contributes to the fat content. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and promoting healthy skin and coat.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: Fiber is not as prominently featured in this food, given its low maximum percentage. The ingredients that do contribute to the fiber content include potato starch and inulin. Fiber plays a role in digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support the gut microbiome.
Calories of 998.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a measure of its energy-providing potential, coming from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Deboned duck and turkey, being the primary ingredients, contribute significantly to the calorie count, along with the fats from salmon oil and the carbohydrates from potato starch.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Duck 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 | $192.35 |
| 10 lbs | $323.48 |
| 15 lbs | $438.45 |
| 20 lbs | $544.03 |
| 30 lbs | $737.39 |
| 40 lbs | $914.95 |
| 50 lbs | $1081.64 |
| 60 lbs | $1240.13 |
| 70 lbs | $1392.12 |
| 80 lbs | $1538.76 |
| 90 lbs | $1680.87 |
| 100 lbs | $1819.09 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally have positive things to say about Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Duck Recipe Cuts for cats. Many cats seem to enjoy the duck flavor, which is a relief for owners of felines with chicken allergies. The grain-free recipe is also appreciated by those seeking healthier options for their pets. Some cats prefer the gravy over the chunks, prompting their owners to mash up the food for easier consumption, but the overall response is that cats love the taste and variety offered by this brand.
Although the food is slightly pricier, many cat owners find it worth the cost due to the high-quality ingredients and the fact that it caters to cats with specific dietary needs, such as allergies and sensitivities. The unique flavors like duck, rabbit, and beef are a hit, providing a welcome change from the usual cat food options. Even picky eaters seem to take to this food well, with reports of cats eagerly awaiting their meals and enjoying every bite.
Despite some concerns about the size of the chunks and the texture of the food, which a few cats seem to find less appealing, the overall consensus is that Merrick Backcountry is a successful choice for many feline households. Owners of cats with health issues such as hyperthyroidism or urinary tract problems have also recommended this food, noting its beneficial properties for their cats' specific conditions. The convenience of the pouches, despite being a bit messy, is also mentioned as a positive aspect of the product.
