Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe Review
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
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 Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe 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 Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe, we'll examine all 46 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 meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Turkey Meal is a high-quality protein source made from dehydrated and ground turkey meat. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.
Potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Potato Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.
Sweet Potato is a healthy, nutrient-rich carbohydrate source for your cat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.
Quail is a high-quality source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
Dried Yeast Culture is a rich source of B vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids that support your cat's overall health. It also contains prebiotics, which promote a healthy gut microbiome and support digestion.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Dried organic alfalfa meal is a source of fiber that can help promote a healthy digestive system in your cat. It's also rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
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.
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 iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Cobalt proteinate is a source of cobalt, a trace element that plays a crucial role in the formation of vitamin B12 in your cat's body.
Cobalt Carbonate is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the formation of vitamin B12, which supports your cat's metabolism, nervous system health, and red blood cell production.
Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.
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.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.
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.
Vitamin A Acetate is a supplemental form of vitamin A that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and 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.
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.
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.
Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which supports joint health and can help maintain your cat's skin and coat condition.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.
Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for your cat's overall wellbeing.
Dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic used to promote a healthy gut flora, which can boost overall health and immunity in cats.
The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.
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 42.00%: The high protein content in this pet food is largely due to the presence of deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the leading ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of protein that contribute significantly to the overall protein content. Additionally, salmon meal, which is a good source of both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, potato protein, and the inclusion of other meats like deboned duck and deboned quail, as well as chicken liver, also add to the protein value.
Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The fat content is primarily derived from the chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). Fats are essential for energy, and chicken fat is a highly digestible source. The salmon meal also contributes to the fat content, particularly in the form of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the pet's skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: Fiber in this pet food likely comes from plant-based ingredients such as potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, and organic dried alfalfa meal. These ingredients help to maintain a healthy digestive system by supporting regular bowel movements and contributing to gut health.
Calories of 3588.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The calories in this pet food come from a combination of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. Proteins and fats are typically more calorie-dense than fiber. Ingredients like deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and chicken fat are likely the major contributors to the calorie content, along with carbohydrates from potatoes and sweet potatoes.
