Merrick Grain Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe
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 + Sweet Potato Recipe 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 + Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 45 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.
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.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
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.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
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.
Duck fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fat source that can provide essential fatty acids, support skin and coat health, and improve the taste of your dog's food.
Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Dried organic alfalfa meal is a good source of fiber which aids in digestion, and also provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
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.
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.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
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.
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.
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.
Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.
Cobalt carbonate is a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin B12, supporting your dog's metabolism, energy production, and overall health.
Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.
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.
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 acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
The dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora.
Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.
Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of Merrick Grain Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe shows the minimum and maximum percentages of key nutrients in the pet food.
1. Crude Protein (min) of 34.00%: This is a high protein content, which is essential for the growth, development, and overall health of pets. The main contributors to this protein content are the deboned duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, and whitefish meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein. The pea protein and potato protein also contribute to the overall protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: This is a moderate level of fat, which provides essential fatty acids and is a concentrated source of energy for pets. The primary contributors to this fat content are the chicken fat and sunflower oil. Flaxseed also contributes some fat, along with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: This is a relatively low fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps to keep pets feeling full. The main sources of fiber in this food are the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. The organic dehydrated alfalfa meal also contributes some fiber.
4. Calories of 3678.00 per kg: This is a high-calorie content, which provides the energy pets need for their daily activities. All the ingredients contribute to the caloric content, but the primary contributors are the protein sources (duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, whitefish meal) and the fat sources (chicken fat, sunflower oil). The sweet potatoes and potatoes also contribute a significant number of calories.
Overall, this pet food product appears to be a high-protein, moderate-fat, low-fiber diet with a high caloric content, making it suitable for active pets or those needing to gain weight.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $3.80 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 | $21.48 |
| 10 lbs | $36.13 |
| 15 lbs | $48.97 |
| 20 lbs | $60.76 |
| 30 lbs | $82.35 |
| 40 lbs | $102.19 |
| 50 lbs | $120.80 |
| 60 lbs | $138.50 |
| 70 lbs | $155.48 |
| 80 lbs | $171.85 |
| 90 lbs | $187.73 |
| 100 lbs | $203.16 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have found that Merrick Grain Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe is a hit with their dogs, even those who are typically picky eaters. The product is praised for its high quality and the variety of flavors available. This allows pet owners to switch up their dogs' diet without compromising on nutritional value.
Many customers have also highlighted the positive impact of the food on their dogs' health. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin in the recipe is appreciated, as these ingredients have been beneficial for their senior dogs' joint health.
Although one customer mentioned that their dog didn't enjoy the duck and sweet potato flavor, they noted that the same dog loves the chicken and sweet potato variety. This suggests that while taste preferences may vary, the quality of Merrick's product line is consistently high.
A few customers have expressed a desire for smaller bags to include a velcro closure feature like the larger bags do. However, this did not detract from their overall satisfaction with the product. They praised the smell of the food and reported that their dogs eagerly devour it.
The grain-free nature of Merrick's dog food is another point of praise among customers. They appreciate this feature as it suits the dietary needs of their pets. One customer even noted that their dog, who has food allergies, loves this food.
