Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Large Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Large Breed Dogs
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 Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Large Breed Dogs 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 Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Large Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 40 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 meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
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.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.
Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
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.
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.
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.
Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle 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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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 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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the food. The primary contributors to this value in the ingredient list are the deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered and contains less water than whole chicken. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, though it is a plant-based protein source.
Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The crude fat content is indicative of the amount of fats and oils in the pet food. Ingredients like chicken fat, salmon oil, and the fats naturally present in deboned chicken and salmon meal are the main contributors to this value. Fats are essential for energy, cell function, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Crude fiber represents the indigestible portion of plant material in the pet food, which aids in digestion. Ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and flaxseed contribute to the fiber content. These ingredients help to regulate the digestive system and can assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
Calories of 3724.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. All the ingredients contribute to the total calorie count, but the main sources of calories are typically the proteins and fats, particularly the deboned chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and salmon meal. Carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and potatoes also contribute to the calorie content, providing energy for the dog's daily activities.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Large Breed Dogs costs approximately $3.25 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
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Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally have a high regard for the Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe, especially for large breed dogs. Many have noted improvements in their dogs' health, such as better skin conditions, less paw licking due to allergies, and an overall increase in energy levels. Dogs with sensitive stomachs also seem to fare well on this diet, with owners reporting no gastrointestinal issues and an eagerness to eat the food.
Despite some concerns about the size of the kibble not being large enough for some large breed dogs, the positive effects of the food seem to outweigh this issue. Dogs are described as loving the taste, with one owner mentioning that their dog begs for the food and stays full until the next meal. The food's natural ingredients and grain-free recipe are appreciated, particularly by those with pets having sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
While there are some negative comments regarding the sourcing of ingredients and changes in the formula, these are relatively few compared to the positive feedback. Owners have praised the food for contributing to healthier coats, better joint health, and overall satisfaction in their dogs' diets. The sentiment is that Merrick's recipe is a strong contender for those seeking a quality, grain-free option for their pets.
