Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Whitefish Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Whitefish 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 Whitefish 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 Whitefish Recipe Cuts, we'll examine all 35 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.
Whitefish is a lean and easily digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Salmon Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that enhances the taste and texture of your cat's food, while also providing hydration and essential nutrients.
Herring Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid made from herring that helps to hydrate and enhance the taste of your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable.
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.
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.
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.
Sunflower Oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's skin and coat health, while also supporting their immune system.
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.
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 whitefish, beef liver, deboned lamb, and dried egg whites. Whitefish, being the first ingredient, suggests it is the most abundant and thus the largest contributor to protein content. Beef liver and lamb are also high-quality sources of animal protein, while dried egg whites are an excellent source of highly digestible protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The fat content is likely to come from the deboned whitefish, beef liver, and deboned lamb. These ingredients naturally contain fats, which are essential for a pet's diet. Additionally, sunflower oil is included in the ingredients list, which is another source of fat, contributing to the overall fat content of the product.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: The fiber in this food product is relatively low, which is typical for wet pet foods. Ingredients that contribute to the fiber content include potato starch and inulin. Potato starch may provide a small amount of dietary fiber, while inulin (a type of soluble fiber) serves as a prebiotic to promote digestive health.
Calories of 904.00 per kg: The caloric content is derived from the combined macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – present in the ingredients. The deboned whitefish, beef liver, and deboned lamb provide the calories from protein and fat, while the potato starch and natural flavors may contribute calories from carbohydrates. The overall caloric density is influenced by the balance of these macronutrients.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Whitefish 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 | $212.35 |
| 10 lbs | $357.12 |
| 15 lbs | $484.04 |
| 20 lbs | $600.60 |
| 30 lbs | $814.06 |
| 40 lbs | $1010.09 |
| 50 lbs | $1194.11 |
| 60 lbs | $1369.08 |
| 70 lbs | $1536.88 |
| 80 lbs | $1698.76 |
| 90 lbs | $1855.66 |
| 100 lbs | $2008.24 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with senior and picky eaters have praised Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Whitefish Recipe Cuts for its palatability. One reviewer mentioned their older cat, who had been eating poorly, now finishes her meals with enthusiasm thanks to this product. Another reviewer was pleased to find that their finicky cat enjoyed the food, noting the generous amount of gravy and large chunks that seem to appeal to their pet.
Some cats that are particular about their food have been reported to take to this whitefish recipe with no coaxing needed, indicating the taste and moisture content are well-received. One owner highlighted the convenience of the packaging, as well as the sufficient quantity for multiple feedings, which suggests good value for money.
In response to those few cats that did not take to the food, it's worth noting that taste preferences can vary greatly among felines. While some reviews indicated a lack of interest from their pets, this was not a universal experience. For those seeking alternatives, it might be beneficial to explore other grain-free options with different textures or protein sources that could better suit their cat's individual tastes.
Lastly, even among cats who prefer the gravy to the chunks, some owners have found creative ways to encourage their pets to eat the entire meal by chopping up the food. This suggests that with a little adjustment, the product can still be a success for cats that are more selective about their wet food preferences.
