Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner Review

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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner

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 Real Duck Dinner 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 Real Duck Dinner, we'll examine all 30 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. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  2. Turkey broth can be a flavorful addition to dog food that also provides hydration and nutrients. It's a good source of protein and flavor for picky eaters.

  3. 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.

  4. Duck liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and wellbeing.

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

  17. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

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

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

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

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

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

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

  30. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis values for the Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner pet food product indicate the minimum or maximum levels of certain nutrients in the food.

1. Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: This value represents the minimum amount of protein in the pet food. The main source of protein in this product is from animal-based ingredients such as Deboned Duck, Chicken, Duck Liver, and Dried Egg Product. These ingredients are all high in protein, contributing to the overall crude protein content.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 7.00%: This value represents the minimum amount of fat in the pet food. The main sources of fat in this product are likely to be the Deboned Duck, Chicken, and Salmon Oil. These ingredients are known for their high fat content, which contributes to the overall crude fat content.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: This value represents the maximum amount of fiber in the pet food. The fiber content in this product is likely to be relatively low as most of the ingredients are animal-based, which are typically low in fiber. However, ingredients such as Locust Bean Gum and Guar Gum might contribute to the fiber content.

4. Calories of 1300.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy content of the pet food. All ingredients contribute to the caloric content of the food, but the main contributors are likely to be the high-protein and high-fat ingredients such as Deboned Duck, Chicken, Duck Liver, Dried Egg Product, and Salmon Oil. These ingredients are energy-dense, meaning they provide a high amount of calories relative to their weight.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner costs approximately $4.88 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $80.37
10 lbs $135.16
15 lbs $183.20
20 lbs $227.32
30 lbs $308.10
40 lbs $382.30
50 lbs $451.94
60 lbs $518.17
70 lbs $581.68
80 lbs $642.95
90 lbs $702.33
100 lbs $760.08

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have reported that Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner has been a hit with their dogs, even the pickiest of eaters. Many have noted that their dogs have shown visible excitement when it's time to eat, and some dogs who previously refused other foods have taken well to this product. The pate consistency of the food is appreciated by customers, as it mixes well with dry food and is great for hiding medication.

Several customers have highlighted that this product has been particularly beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as it is grain free and the first ingredient is deboned duck. Some have also mentioned that it seems to be gentle on their dogs' stomachs.

While some customers have reported that their dogs were not as enthusiastic about this flavor compared to others, the majority of reviews are positive. Customers also appreciate that this product is made with quality ingredients and offers nutritional benefits for their dogs.

However, a few customers have expressed concerns about inconsistencies in quality between batches, noting differences in texture and color. Despite this, the overall consensus is that Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner is a high-quality product that many dogs enjoy.

The Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner has also been praised for its quality ingredients, with several customers noting that they appreciate the use of real, wholesome ingredients. The fact that the first ingredient is deboned duck was particularly appreciated.

A few customers have noted that their dogs had loose stools after eating the product, although it's unclear whether this was due to the product itself or a change in diet. Meanwhile, some customers have reported that their dogs did not seem to enjoy this flavor as much as others.

Despite some mixed reviews, the majority of customers seem to be satisfied with Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner and would recommend it to others. Many have stated that they will continue to purchase this product for their dogs.