Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe, 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Chickpea is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to support your cat's digestive health and maintain a healthy weight.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Dried organic alfalfa meal is a source of fiber that can help promote a healthy digestive system in your cat. It's also rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K.
Dried Yeast Culture is a rich source of B vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids that support your cat's overall health. It also contains prebiotics, which promote a healthy gut microbiome and support digestion.
Ground Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which support your cat's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
Zinc Amino Acid Complex is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports various bodily functions in cats, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and wound healing.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various body functions, such as the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and immune health.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Cobalt proteinate is a source of cobalt, a trace element that plays a crucial role in the formation of vitamin B12 in your cat's body.
Cobalt Carbonate is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the formation of vitamin B12, which supports your cat's metabolism, nervous system health, and red blood cell production.
Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin A Acetate is a supplemental form of vitamin A that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.
Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for your cat's overall wellbeing.
Dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic used to promote a healthy gut flora, which can boost overall health and immunity in cats.
The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 34.00% is primarily contributed by the deboned chicken and chicken meal listed as the first two ingredients. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids, and chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken with most of the water and fat removed, which means it has a higher protein content by weight.
The crude fat minimum of 14.00% is most likely coming from the chicken fat and the ground flaxseed. Chicken fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and is rich in essential fatty acids, which contribute to the fat content. Ground flaxseed also contains oils that are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, further contributing to the total fat content.
The maximum crude fiber content of 4.00% is associated with the chickpeas, peas, and organic dried alfalfa meal. These ingredients are known for their fiber content, which aids in digestive health. The fiber in the diet helps with bowel regularity and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
The caloric content of 3588.00 per kg is a result of the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates provided by all the ingredients. However, the primary contributors to the caloric density are likely the protein sources (deboned chicken and chicken meal) and the fat source (chicken fat), as fats provide more than twice the calories per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates.
