Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 35 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 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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

  10. 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.

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

  12. 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.

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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  20. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  21. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

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

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

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

  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. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  35. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 24.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned chicken and chicken meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered from chicken, removing water and fat, leaving a dry, high-protein ingredient. Pea protein and potato protein also contribute to the overall protein content, although they are less digestible for dogs than animal proteins.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The chicken fat is the most significant contributor to the crude fat content. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Flaxseed may also contribute some fat content, as it contains healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, although it is present in smaller amounts compared to chicken fat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas are the main sources of dietary fiber in this pet food. These ingredients provide the bulk of the non-digestible carbohydrates that help support healthy digestion and stool quality. The maximum crude fiber content indicates that the food is not excessively high in fiber, which is suitable for maintaining a balanced diet for dogs.

Calories of 3651.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The deboned chicken and chicken meal, being rich in protein and fat, contribute significantly to the calorie count. The fats, especially chicken fat, are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates, hence they have a substantial impact on the overall caloric value. Sweet potatoes and potatoes also contribute to the caloric content as carbohydrate sources.