Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe, we'll examine all 42 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.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.
Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Dried celery is a low-calorie vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall health.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
Cumin is a natural spice that adds flavor to dog food and may provide potential antioxidant benefits to support overall health.
Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.
Cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant benefits for your dog's overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 8.00% in this puppy food is primarily provided by the deboned beef and beef liver. These are high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute to the growth and muscle development of puppies. Additionally, potato protein also contributes to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent than the animal-based ingredients.
Crude Fat minimum of 3.00% is likely to come from the deboned beef, which naturally contains fats, as well as from added oils such as flaxseed oil and salmon oil. These oils not only contribute to the fat content but also provide essential fatty acids that are important for the overall health of the puppy, including skin and coat health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is relatively low, which is typical for meat-based pet foods. The fiber in this food likely comes from the vegetables included in the ingredients, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as from other plant-based ingredients like flaxseed. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements.
The caloric content of 1009.00 per kg provides an idea of the energy density of the food. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the protein and fat sources, particularly the deboned beef and the oils. Carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and apples also contribute to the total calorie content, providing energy for active puppies.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe costs approximately $4.76 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $64.71 |
| 10 lbs | $108.84 |
| 15 lbs | $147.52 |
| 20 lbs | $183.04 |
| 30 lbs | $248.09 |
| 40 lbs | $307.83 |
| 50 lbs | $363.92 |
| 60 lbs | $417.24 |
| 70 lbs | $468.38 |
| 80 lbs | $517.71 |
| 90 lbs | $565.53 |
| 100 lbs | $612.03 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers are generally very pleased with Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe, emphasizing the high quality of ingredients and the visible chunks of meat and vegetables. One German Shepherd puppy owner highlighted the sizeable beef chunks and the presence of carrots, expressing satisfaction with the ingredient quality and intention to repurchase. Another customer, whose puppy Chloe tried the food, praised both the healthy composition and the flavor that left her puppy wanting more.
Many reviews focus on the positive reaction of puppies to the food, with dogs showing excitement and eagerness at mealtime. One dog owner noted that the beef recipe was a welcome change for their dog, who enjoyed the stew-like consistency, suggesting it could be an excellent topper for dry food. The presence of real beef in a thick gravy was highlighted by a customer who received the product for free, pointing out the absence of "soupy stuff" and the abundance of meat.
Even for picky eaters, Merrick's beef recipe seems to be a hit, with one review mentioning that their twin pups "went nuts" over the food, leaving the bowl squeaky clean. The food's aroma, resembling beef roast, was also a plus point. Another customer shared that their dogs, despite being picky eaters, devoured the food quickly, indicating a strong preference for the flavor.
Despite a few negative experiences, such as one dog's refusal to eat the food, the context provided by the owner suggests that this may be more related to the dog's individual pickiness rather than the quality of the product. Several reviews also mention receiving the product for free, but assure that their opinions are genuine and not influenced by this fact.
In summary, the Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe is well-received for its natural ingredients, appealing taste, and positive impact on puppy health and digestion. The food's ability to appeal to even picky eaters and the satisfaction with the grain-free formula are common themes among the positive reviews.
