Merrick Limited Edition Howl-O-Ween Stew Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Edition Howl-O-Ween Stew

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 Howl-O-Ween Stew 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 Howl-O-Ween Stew, we'll examine all 38 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. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

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

  5. 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.

  6. Dried pumpkin is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and a strong immune system. The dietary fiber in dried pumpkin can help regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, making it a beneficial ingredient for dogs with digestive issues.

  7. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  8. 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.

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

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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

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

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

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

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

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

  23. 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.

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

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

  26. 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.

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

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

  33. 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.

  34. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  35. 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.

  36. Cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant benefits for your dog's overall health.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary contributor to the crude protein content in this pet food is the deboned chicken, which is a high-quality source of animal protein. Secondary contributors include chicken liver and dried egg product, both of which are also rich in protein. Peas may also add to the overall protein content, although they provide a plant-based protein which is generally considered less complete for carnivorous pets like dogs compared to animal protein sources.

Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the deboned chicken and chicken liver, as these animal-based ingredients naturally contain fats. Additionally, flaxseed oil and sunflower oil are specifically added as fat sources, which also contribute essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The crude fiber in the food is probably provided by the plant-based ingredients such as peas, sweet potatoes, and dried pumpkin. These ingredients are known for their fiber content, which aids in digestive health. The maximum value indicates that the product is not very high in fiber, which is appropriate for carnivorous pets that require a diet lower in fiber compared to omnivores or herbivores.

Calories of 1122.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients in the food (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates). The chicken and chicken liver are calorie-dense due to their fat and protein content. The carbohydrates in the sweet potatoes and peas also contribute to the overall caloric content, as do the added oils. The caloric density is important for maintaining a pet's energy balance and supporting their daily activities.