Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken 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 Chunky Colossal Chicken 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 Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner, we'll examine all 37 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 8.00% in the Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner is most likely contributed by the Deboned Chicken, Turkey Broth, and Dried Egg Product. These are all high-protein ingredients, with chicken and turkey being lean sources of animal protein and eggs providing a complete amino acid profile.
The Crude Fat minimum of 3.00% is likely derived from the Deboned Chicken, Flaxseed Oil, and Salmon Oil. The chicken provides animal-based fats, which are essential for energy, while the flaxseed and salmon oils contribute plant-based fats and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.80% is probably contributed by the Carrots, Peas, and Potato Starch. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
The Calories of 972.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but mainly from the protein and fat sources - the Deboned Chicken, Turkey Broth, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed Oil, and Salmon Oil. These provide the energy content of the food. Carbohydrates from ingredients like peas and potato starch also contribute to the caloric content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are likely added to ensure a balanced diet for the pet. They don't directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but are essential for overall pet health. For example, the listed minerals and vitamins help support immune system function, bone health, metabolic processes, and more.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner costs approximately $4.51 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $99.46 |
| 10 lbs | $167.27 |
| 15 lbs | $226.71 |
| 20 lbs | $281.31 |
| 30 lbs | $381.29 |
| 40 lbs | $473.10 |
| 50 lbs | $559.29 |
| 60 lbs | $641.25 |
| 70 lbs | $719.84 |
| 80 lbs | $795.66 |
| 90 lbs | $869.15 |
| 100 lbs | $940.61 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have praised Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner for its large chunks of chicken and inclusion of vegetables like peas and carrots. Dogs of various breeds, from pitbulls to terriers to golden retrievers, seem to love the taste. The gravy in the canned dog food was also appreciated as it allowed owners to mix the wet food with kibble, creating a meal their dogs eagerly devoured.
Some customers mentioned that their dogs, who were typically picky eaters, enjoyed this product. The large size of the chicken chunks was a hit with larger dogs, though a few customers had to cut them into smaller pieces for their smaller dogs.
However, some customers noted that the quality of the product seemed to have changed, with the chicken appearing grayish in color and the consistency being different. Some dogs who used to love this product reportedly started refusing to eat it. There were also reports of dogs getting sick after consuming this product.
Despite these negative reviews, many customers remained loyal to the brand, stating that their dogs loved the food and that they would continue purchasing it. Some even mentioned that their dogs, who were previously picky eaters, were now eating this product with enthusiasm.
There were also customers who added that the product was easy on their dogs' stomachs and well-received by all their dogs, regardless of breed. The canned food was also used as a topper on dry food, which was a hit with their dogs.
In conclusion, while there were some negative reviews regarding a perceived change in the quality of the product, many customers and their dogs continue to enjoy Merrick Grain Free Chunky Colossal Chicken Dinner.
