Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Tuna + Chickpeas Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Tuna + Chickpeas Recipe
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 Tuna + Chickpeas Recipe 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 Tuna + Chickpeas Recipe, we'll examine all 40 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.
Tuna is a flavorful and nutrient-rich fish that provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Tuna Meal is a highly digestible, nutrient-dense source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients for your cat's growth and maintenance.
Chickpea is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to support your cat's digestive health and maintain a healthy weight.
Lentil is a legume that offers a rich source of protein and fiber in your cat's diet. The high-quality plant-based protein helps support muscle growth, while the fiber aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.
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.
Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a healthy fat source rich in omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall wellness. The added mixed tocopherols act as natural preservatives to maintain the oil's freshness.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
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.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
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.
Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.
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.
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.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Cobalt proteinate is a source of cobalt, a trace element that plays a crucial role in the formation of vitamin B12 in your cat's body.
Cobalt Carbonate is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the formation of vitamin B12, which supports your cat's metabolism, nervous system health, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Vitamin A Acetate is a supplemental form of vitamin A that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
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.
Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for your cat's overall wellbeing.
Dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic used to promote a healthy gut flora, which can boost overall health and immunity in cats.
The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 30.00% is likely primarily contributed by the deboned tuna and tuna meal, which are the first two ingredients and are high-quality sources of animal protein. Additionally, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and pea protein also contribute to the overall protein content, though they are plant-based proteins.
The Crude Fat minimum of 13.00% could mainly come from the deboned tuna, as fish are generally good sources of fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower oil, listed in the ingredients, is also a significant source of fat in the diet. Flaxseed may contribute as well, providing not only fat but also fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is relatively low, which is suitable for a carnivorous diet. This fiber likely comes from the plant-based ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, peas, and particularly from the organic dried alfalfa meal. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is essential for gastrointestinal health.
The calorie content of 3526.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the relative amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the food. Given that fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates, the fat content from the sunflower oil and the natural fats present in the tuna will contribute significantly to the calorie count. The carbohydrates from chickpeas, lentils, and peas also contribute to the overall energy content.
