Merrick Grain Free Real Rabbit + Sweet Potato Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Rabbit + 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 Rabbit + 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 Rabbit + Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 47 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.
Rabbit is a lean, novel protein source that is easily digestible and can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
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.
Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
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.
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.
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.
Dehydrated organic alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health. It's also an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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 value of crude protein at a minimum of 34.00% is likely to be primarily contributed by the deboned rabbit, chicken meal, and pork meal, as these are animal-based proteins and are typically high in protein content. The inclusion of pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content. Protein is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in pets.
The crude fat minimum of 16.00% is likely derived from the chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in pet foods, as well as the sunflower oil and salmon oil present in the ingredients list. Fats are a concentrated source of energy for pets and are also important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude fiber, with a maximum of 3.50%, is a measure of the indigestible portion of the pet food that helps in the digestive process. Ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, and organic dehydrated alfalfa meal contribute to the fiber content. Fiber aids in gastrointestinal health and can help manage weight by providing a feeling of fullness.
The caloric content of 3660.00 kcal per kg indicates the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While the guaranteed analysis does not directly break down the carbohydrate content, ingredients like sweet potatoes and potatoes are sources of complex carbohydrates and contribute to the overall caloric value.
Overall, the ingredients listed provide a comprehensive view of the sources for each guaranteed analysis value, with proteins coming from meat and legumes, fats from animal fats and oils, and fiber from vegetables and plant materials.
