Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Extra Small Dogs Review

Review of Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Extra Small Dogs

According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Extra Small Dogs, we'll examine all 10 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. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

2. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

3. Vegetable glycerin is used as a natural sweetener and texture enhancer in dog foods.

4. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

5. 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.

6. Sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier that helps improve the texture and consistency of dog food. It also provides essential fatty acids, choline, and inositol to support brain function, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

7. Calcium alginate is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed, which helps maintain the texture and consistency of your dog's food. It can also provide a source of dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion and supports overall gastrointestinal health.

8. Alfalfa Extract is a concentrated form of Alfalfa, a plant rich in vitamins and minerals. It can aid in digestion and provide a boost of antioxidants to support overall health.

9. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

10. Spearmint Oil is often used for its pleasant aroma and potential digestive benefits. It can also contribute to freshening your dog's breath.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 13.00%: The crude protein content is a measure of the amount of protein present in the pet food. In this product, the protein likely comes from the gelatin, which is a protein derived from collagen obtained from various animal by-products. The peas in the pea starch may also contribute a small amount of protein, although starches are primarily a source of carbohydrates. The "natural flavor" listed could also be a source of protein, depending on its origin, but without more detail, it's difficult to assess its contribution.

Crude Fat (min) of 0.50%: The crude fat content is quite low in this product, which suggests it is not intended to be a high-energy food source but rather a dental chew. The minimal fat present may come from the sunflower seed lecithin, which is a fat-rich substance used as an emulsifier. There isn't any other significant source of fat listed in the ingredients, which aligns with the low guaranteed minimum.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.50%: The crude fiber content represents the portion of the food that is not digestible by the dog. Ingredients such as tapioca starch and pea starch contribute to this fiber content. While starches are primarily a source of carbohydrates, they also contain some dietary fiber. The vegetable glycerin and gelatin are not significant sources of fiber. The natural flavor, depending on what it is derived from, may or may not contribute to the fiber content. The spearmint and peppermint, while present in small amounts to freshen breath, might also contribute a negligible amount of fiber.

It's important to note that this product is designed as a dental treat to freshen breath and is not intended to be a complete dietary source. The primary function of these ingredients is to create a chewable texture that helps clean the teeth, with the added benefit of freshening the dog's breath with mint.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally express satisfaction with Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint treats for extra small dogs, highlighting the product's effectiveness in freshening breath and cleaning teeth. Dogs seem to eagerly anticipate their treat, with one owner noting that their pet waits by the pantry door if they forget to give her the treat after her walk. The minty smell is also appreciated by pet owners who are happy to have no bad dog breath in their homes.

Despite a few concerns about hard textures in some batches and a preference for more organic ingredients, many dogs, including picky eaters, enjoy the treats and their minty flavor. The treats are praised for being good for dental health, with some dogs showing visible improvements in teeth whiteness and gum health. A veterinarian even noticed a significant reduction in plaque for one customer's dachshund after using these treats.

Some negative reviews mention issues with the treats causing gum bleeding or digestive upset, but these seem to be isolated incidents. The majority of reviewers report that their dogs love the treats and benefit from the fresh breath and dental cleaning properties. The treats are also noted for being well-sized for small dogs and for containing natural ingredients, making them a popular choice among health-conscious pet owners.