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

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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck Recipe Pate For Adult Cats, we'll examine all 29 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. Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.

  2. Water is an essential component of your cat's diet, as it helps maintain proper hydration levels, supports digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It's crucial for maintaining your cat's overall health and well-being.

  3. 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.

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

  5. 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.

  6. Magnesium Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that supports various bodily functions in cats, such as nerve function, muscle health, and energy production. This chelated mineral is easily absorbed, ensuring your cat receives the full benefits of magnesium.

  7. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  8. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  9. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  10. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

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

  12. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

  13. Tricalcium Phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function in cats.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

  22. 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.

  23. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  24. 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.

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

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

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 9.00% in this cat food is primarily derived from the deboned duck and pea protein listed in the ingredients. Duck is a high-quality source of animal protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health, while pea protein is a plant-based protein that complements the animal protein.

The crude fat content of at least 3.00% is likely to come from the deboned duck, as animal meat contains natural fats. Additionally, flaxseed in the ingredients may also contribute to the fat content, as it is known to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats for cats.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 1.40% indicates the product has relatively low fiber content, which is typical for wet cat food. The fiber present may be attributed to ingredients such as flaxseed and possibly pea protein, as these ingredients can contain some dietary fiber. However, the overall low fiber percentage suggests that the food is focused on high digestibility.

The calorie content of 1071.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy that the food can supply. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. While specific carbohydrate sources are not listed (e.g., grains or vegetables), the natural flavor and other components like guar gum may contribute negligible amounts of calories. However, the majority of the caloric content is likely coming from the protein (duck and pea protein) and fat (duck and flaxseed) in the recipe.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe Pate For Adult Cats costs approximately $7.62 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $175.83
10 lbs $295.70
15 lbs $400.80
20 lbs $497.31
30 lbs $674.06
40 lbs $836.37
50 lbs $988.74
60 lbs $1133.62
70 lbs $1272.56
80 lbs $1406.61
90 lbs $1536.52
100 lbs $1662.86

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have multiple cats with different needs, such as age, dietary restrictions, or pickiness, have found success with Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Duck Recipe Pate. They appreciate that it caters to various preferences and health requirements, and some have noted it as a cost-effective alternative to other brands.

Many cats with digestive issues have thrived on this diet, showing improvements in symptoms of IBD and allergies. Owners of cats with sensitivities are relieved to find a product that their pets not only tolerate but also enjoy, leading to better overall health and vitality.

While some customers have experienced inconsistency in the product's texture, ranging from too runny to overly dry, the majority of positive reviews highlight that their cats love the taste. Owners of cats with special dietary needs, such as the need for high-protein, easily digestible food, have found this product to be a good fit.

Despite some reports of dented cans and variability in batch quality, loyal customers continue to purchase the food, hoping for a return to the consistency they trust. The product's ability to mask the taste of medicine has also been praised by pet owners who need to medicate their cats regularly.

For older cats and those with few teeth, the soft consistency has been a boon, making it easier for them to eat and enjoy their meals. The lack of fish or by-products in the formula is a significant plus for those with cats suffering from allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients found in other cat foods.