Merrick Limited Edition Grain Free Pawlicious Picnic Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Edition Grain Free Pawlicious Picnic

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 Limited Edition Grain Free Pawlicious Picnic 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 Limited Edition Grain Free Pawlicious Picnic, 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Green beans are a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as dietary fiber. They can add valuable nutrients to your dog's diet and aid in weight management due to their low caloric content.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

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

  9. 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.

  10. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  11. 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.

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

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

  14. 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.

  15. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

  16. 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.

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

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

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. Potassium iodate is an important source of iodine, which can help maintain your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolic health.

  35. Cobalt glucoheptonate is a highly bioavailable source of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin B12. This ingredient supports your dog's overall health and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and vitality.

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

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 8.00% in this pet food likely comes primarily from the deboned chicken and dried egg product, as both are high-quality sources of protein. Chicken broth and turkey broth may also contribute some protein content, but to a lesser extent since they are mostly water. Potato protein, despite being lower down the ingredient list, may also add to the overall protein content.

The crude fat minimum of 3.00% is probably supplied by the deboned chicken, which contains natural fats, and the flaxseed oil, which is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The chicken and turkey broths may also contain trace amounts of fat from the cooking process of the meats.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 2.00% is relatively low, reflecting the grain-free nature of the food. The fiber present is likely derived from the vegetables in the ingredients list, such as green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is essential for the digestive health of pets.

The caloric content of 1043.00 calories per kilogram is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The deboned chicken, chicken broth, and turkey broth provide protein and fat calories, while the sweet potatoes, carrots, and potato starch contribute carbohydrate calories. The overall caloric density is influenced by the balance of these macronutrients and is designed to meet the energy requirements of pets.