Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Mature Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Mature Recipe
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 Raw Infused Mature Recipe 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 Raw Infused Mature Recipe, we'll examine all 50 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.
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.
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.
Sweet Potato is a healthy, nutrient-rich carbohydrate source for your cat, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support digestive health.
Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
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.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
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 sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.
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.
Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which supports joint health and can help maintain your cat's skin and coat condition.
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.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Vitamin A Acetate is a supplemental form of vitamin A that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 38.00% is a substantial amount, indicating that this pet food is high in protein. The primary contributors to this protein content are the animal-based ingredients listed at the beginning of the ingredient list: deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal. These ingredients are concentrated sources of protein, and their placement at the start of the ingredient list suggests they are present in significant quantities. Chicken meal and turkey meal are rendered products with much of the water and fat removed, which makes them a denser source of protein compared to fresh chicken.
The crude fat minimum of 13.00% is likely contributed by the deboned chicken, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), and salmon meal, as well as the salmon oil and sunflower oil listed further down. Fats from animal sources, such as chicken fat and salmon oil, are high-quality sources of essential fatty acids, which are crucial for a pet's health, including skin and coat condition.
A maximum of 4.00% crude fiber indicates the amount of indigestible plant material present in the food. Ingredients like peas, pea fiber, sweet potatoes, and organic dried alfalfa meal contribute to the fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support the gut microbiome.
The caloric content of 3516.00 kcal per kilogram shows the energy density of the food. This value is influenced by the balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. Since fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates, the listed sources of fat in the food, along with the protein-rich ingredients, are the primary contributors to the caloric content. Carbohydrate sources like potatoes and sweet potatoes also contribute to the overall calorie count, although to a lesser extent than fats and proteins.
