Merrick Grain Free Smothered Comfort Review

Review of Merrick Grain Free Smothered Comfort

According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Merrick Grain Free Smothered Comfort is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Grain Free Smothered Comfort, we'll examine all 44 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.

1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

2. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

6. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

7. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

14. 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.

15. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

16. 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.

17. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

18. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Gum ghatti is a natural, plant-based binder and thickener that can help improve the texture of your dog's food while also acting as a source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion.

24. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

25. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

26. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

27. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

28. 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.

29. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

30. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

31. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

35. Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

36. 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.

37. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dog food, but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe your dog's digestive system.

42. Sage is a natural herb that can be added to dog food for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system.

43. Thyme is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to your dog's food, but also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits can support your dog's immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.

44. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 8.00% is primarily derived from the chicken and dried egg product in the ingredients list. Chicken is a high-quality protein source for pets, and egg products are also known for their high biological value in terms of protein content. Chicken liver may also contribute to this value, as organ meats are rich in protein.

For the crude fat minimum of 5.00%, the main contributors are likely the chicken, as it contains natural fats, and the added oils such as flaxseed oil and salmon oil. These oils are included not only for their fat content but also for providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.40% is relatively low, which is typical for wet pet foods. The ingredients contributing to this fiber content include the sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples. These are sources of dietary fiber which help with digestive health. The various gums listed (xanthan gum, gum ghatti, cassia gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum) may also contribute to the fiber content, although their primary function is likely as thickeners or stabilizers in the food.

Lastly, the calorie content of 973.00 per kg is a measure of the energy that the food provides. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the food. The chicken and fats (like the oils) are calorie-dense ingredients, while the sweet potatoes and other vegetables provide carbohydrates that also contribute to the overall caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Smothered Comfort costs approximately $3.64 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.