Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Salmon Recipe Pate Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Salmon 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 Salmon 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 Salmon Recipe Pate, 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.
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.
Fish Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that can help maintain your cat's hydration levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.
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.
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.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.
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.
Potassium iodate is an essential mineral that helps regulate your cat's thyroid function, supporting healthy metabolism and energy levels.
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.
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.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 11.00%: The primary contributor to the crude protein content in this pet food is the deboned salmon, which is a high-quality source of protein. Additionally, the pea protein and potato protein are plant-based protein sources that contribute to the overall protein content. The dried egg product also adds to the protein level, as eggs are known for their high biological value in terms of protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 9.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived mainly from the deboned salmon, which contains natural fish oils that are high in fat. Salmon oil, listed further down the ingredients, also contributes to the total fat content. These sources provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: The crude fiber content in this pet food is relatively low, which is typical for wet foods. Ingredients such as guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum may contribute to the fiber content. These ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers in pet foods but also provide a small amount of dietary fiber.
Calories of 1359.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The high-calorie contributors are likely the deboned salmon and the salmon oil, due to their fat content. Proteins and carbohydrates also contribute to the calorie content, but fats are more calorie-dense, providing more than double the calories per gram compared to proteins or carbohydrates.
