Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
25.98 + Shipping ($4.95)
$16.89 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
25.98 + Shipping ($5.95)
$20.78 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
75.98 + Shipping (Free)
$49.39 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
75.98 + Shipping (Free)
$60.78 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & 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 Salmon & 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 Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 36 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. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  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. Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.

  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. 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.

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

  11. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

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

  13. 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.

  14. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  15. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  16. 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.

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

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

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

  25. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  26. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

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

  28. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

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

  36. 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

The guaranteed analysis of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe lists a minimum crude protein content of 24.00%. This protein content is likely derived primarily from the deboned salmon and salmon meal, as these are the first two ingredients listed and are known to be high in protein. The pea protein and potato protein listed further down the ingredient list would also contribute to this protein content.

The minimum crude fat content of 14.00% is probably derived from the salmon and salmon meal, as well as the canola oil and flaxseed. These ingredients are known to be rich in fats.

The maximum crude fiber content of 4.50% is likely to come from the sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and flaxseed. These ingredients are known to be high in dietary fiber.

The calorie content per kilogram (3701.00 kcal/kg) would be derived from all the ingredients combined, but especially from those ingredients high in fats and proteins, as these are the most calorie-dense nutrients. Therefore, the salmon, salmon meal, canola oil, and flaxseed would be major contributors to the calorie content.

The minerals and vitamins listed in the ingredients are added to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional needs of the pet. They do not directly contribute to the protein, fat, or fiber content, but they are essential for the overall health of the pet.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $3.92 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $22.70
10 lbs $38.18
15 lbs $51.75
20 lbs $64.21
30 lbs $87.03
40 lbs $107.98
50 lbs $127.66
60 lbs $146.36
70 lbs $164.30
80 lbs $181.61
90 lbs $198.38
100 lbs $214.69

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe to be a great fit for their dogs, especially those with allergies or sensitive stomachs. They appreciated the limited ingredients and the fact that it is grain-free. Several customers mentioned that their dogs' health improved after switching to this food, with less itching and digestive issues.

Some dogs with chicken allergies have benefited from the salmon and sweet potato recipe. A few customers also noted that their dogs, who are generally picky eaters, really enjoyed this food. The size of the kibble was also appreciated by some dog owners, particularly those with smaller dogs.

However, a few customers reported that their dogs did not react well to the salmon recipe and preferred other flavors from Merrick. Some also expressed a wish for more protein options in the Limited Ingredient Diet line. One customer mentioned that the food did not seem to satiate their dogs as much as other brands.

A few customers mentioned that their dogs were initially hesitant to try the food due to the smaller kibble size, but eventually enjoyed it. While some dogs loved the salmon flavor, others were less enthusiastic, with a few owners mentioning that their dogs preferred the grain-inclusive version of this food.

Lastly, a few customers mentioned that while they appreciate the quality of the ingredients and the benefits for their dogs, they found the food to be a bit pricey. Despite this, many still felt that the benefits of the food outweighed the higher cost.