Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate For Adult Cats Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate For Adult Cats

According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate For Adult Cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate For Adult Cats, we'll examine all 33 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 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.

  2. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.

  3. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  4. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  5. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  6. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  7. 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.

  8. Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.

  9. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  10. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  11. 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.

  12. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  13. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  14. Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system and overall well-being.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.

  18. Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.

  19. 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.

  20. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

  21. Cobalt Glucoheptonate is a chelated form of cobalt that is easily absorbed by your cat's body, supporting vitamin B12 synthesis, red blood cell production, and overall health.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  25. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  26. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  33. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value of Crude Protein (min) of 8.00% is largely contributed by the deboned chicken and chicken liver listed in the ingredients. Both are high-quality sources of animal protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. The chicken liver also adds to the overall protein content and is rich in nutrients.

The Crude Fat (min) of 5.00% is also primarily derived from the deboned chicken and chicken liver. These ingredients contain natural fats that are crucial for a cat's energy, skin, and coat health. Additionally, fats from these sources can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40% is relatively low, which is typical for cat food since cats require a diet that is low in fiber. The ingredients do not list any prominent fiber sources such as vegetables or grains, suggesting that the small amount of fiber present is likely incidental from the chicken ingredients or possibly from the whole flaxseed, which can contribute to the fiber content.

Lastly, the calorie content of 1176.00 per kg provides the energy value of the food. The calories in this cat food come from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The primary contributors to the calorie content would be the deboned chicken and chicken liver due to their protein and fat content, with some contribution from the whole flaxseed which also contains fats. The chicken broth, while contributing to the moisture content and making the pate more palatable, would not significantly contribute to the calorie count.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate For Adult Cats costs approximately $8.21 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $149.63
10 lbs $251.64
15 lbs $341.08
20 lbs $423.21
30 lbs $573.63
40 lbs $711.76
50 lbs $841.43
60 lbs $964.72
70 lbs $1082.96
80 lbs $1197.03
90 lbs $1307.59
100 lbs $1415.10

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers with cats that have sensitive stomachs or IBS have reported positive experiences with Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken Recipe Pate. One cat owner shared that their cat, Yuri, loves the chicken flavor without any tummy trouble, indicating that the food is well-tolerated and enjoyable for cats with dietary sensitivities.

Many reviewers appreciate that this food meets their criteria of having no concerning ingredients, a single protein source, minimal fillers, and a reasonable price. Cats seem to enjoy the flavor, even those that typically don't prefer chicken, and pet owners have noticed improvements in their cats' digestive health since switching to this diet.

Despite some inconsistency in texture and moisture content from batch to batch, many cats still enjoy the food, and owners are relieved to find a product that satisfies picky eaters and cats with specific dietary needs. The absence of carrageenan is also a significant plus for pet owners concerned about potential inflammation caused by food additives.

A few negative reviews mention a change in the product's quality, with some cats refusing to eat it or experiencing adverse reactions. However, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule, as the majority of feedback is positive. Customers with cats that have thrived on this diet for years continue to recommend it, emphasizing its benefits for cats with food sensitivities and allergies.