Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb 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 Lamb 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 Lamb Recipe, we'll examine all 30 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.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Water sufficient for processing is a necessary component in wet dog food recipes. It provides the required moisture to create a palatable texture and consistency, making it easier for your pet to consume and digest their food.
Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 7.00% is primarily contributed by the deboned lamb and lamb liver listed in the ingredients. These are high-quality sources of animal protein that are necessary for muscle development and overall growth in pets.
The Crude Fat minimum of 9.00% is likely derived from the deboned lamb, lamb liver, and sunflower oil. Fat is an essential part of a pet's diet, providing necessary fatty acids, aiding in the absorption of certain vitamins, and serving as a concentrated source of energy.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.40% is a relatively low value. This suggests that the food is not heavily based on plant materials. However, ingredients like locust bean gum and guar gum are likely contributors to this value. These ingredients are often used as thickening agents in pet food, and they do provide some dietary fiber.
The Calories of 1353.00 per kg is determined by the overall mix of ingredients, but primarily driven by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. In this case, the deboned lamb and lamb liver (protein and fat sources) and the sunflower oil (fat source) are likely the main contributors to the caloric content.
The minerals and vitamins listed are added supplements to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional needs of pets. They do not significantly contribute to the protein, fat, or fiber values, but they are essential for various biological processes in the pet's body. For example, calcium carbonate contributes to bone health, while the B-vitamins help with energy metabolism.
Taurine, an essential amino acid for cats, is also added as a supplement. It is crucial for heart and eye health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Recipe costs approximately $4.79 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $75.87 |
| 10 lbs | $127.60 |
| 15 lbs | $172.95 |
| 20 lbs | $214.60 |
| 30 lbs | $290.87 |
| 40 lbs | $360.91 |
| 50 lbs | $426.66 |
| 60 lbs | $489.18 |
| 70 lbs | $549.14 |
| 80 lbs | $606.98 |
| 90 lbs | $663.04 |
| 100 lbs | $717.56 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have praised Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Recipe for being a great choice for dogs with specific dietary needs or allergies. Dogs with allergies to chicken, beef, or wheat have reportedly done well on this food. The limited ingredients and absence of common allergens make it an ideal choice for sensitive dogs. Some customers have also noted that their dogs, who are notoriously picky eaters, thoroughly enjoyed this food.
A few customers have reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues, such as diarrhea, when eating this food. However, it's important to note that any change in diet can cause temporary digestive upset. Additionally, each dog's system is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. Therefore, it's always recommended to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your pet's reaction.
Several customers have expressed satisfaction with the quality of the ingredients in Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Recipe. Some have noted that their dogs' overall health improved after switching to this food. A few customers have mentioned that their dogs' weight issues were resolved after introducing this food into their diet.
Some customers have raised concerns about the consistency of the food, describing it as "soupy" or containing too much liquid. However, others have found this consistency to be beneficial, especially for senior dogs with dental issues or for mixing with dry food. It's also worth noting that the texture of canned food can vary depending on storage conditions and the specific batch.
Despite some negative reviews, many customers have reported that their dogs love the taste of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Lamb Recipe. Even some picky eaters and dogs with food sensitivities have reportedly enjoyed this food. Some customers also appreciate the fact that the food is made with locally sourced ingredients in Texas.
