Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Tuna Recipe Pate For Adult Cats Review
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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Tuna 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 Tuna 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 Tuna Recipe Pate For Adult Cats, we'll examine all 32 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.
Water Sufficient for Processing ensures that your cat's food has the right consistency and texture, making it easier for them to chew and digest. Adequate water content in cat food is essential for maintaining proper hydration and overall health.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.
Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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 of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Tuna Recipe Pate for Adult Cats starts with a minimum crude protein content of 10.00%. This value is directly related to the primary ingredient, deboned tuna, which is a high-quality source of animal protein. Additionally, pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, supplementing the animal protein from the tuna.
Next, the crude fat minimum of 6.00% is likely to come from the deboned tuna as well, since fish is a good source of healthy fats. Flaxseed oil is another contributor to the fat content, as it is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a cat's skin and coat health.
The maximum crude fiber content of 1.40% is relatively low, reflecting the diet's focus on meat-based ingredients. The organic dried alfalfa meal is a potential source of this fiber, though given its position lower on the ingredient list, its contribution is likely minimal. This low fiber percentage is typical for a carnivorous diet, as cats require a diet high in protein and fat with less emphasis on fiber.
Lastly, the caloric content of 1234.00 kcal/kg provides an estimate of the energy provided by the food. This is a cumulative result of all macronutrients in the diet – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – with fat being the most calorie-dense component. The deboned tuna and flaxseed oil are the main contributors to the caloric content, with the pea protein and other minor ingredients also playing roles.
Overall, the primary ingredients of deboned tuna and pea protein are the main contributors to the protein content, while the tuna and flaxseed oil are the primary sources of fat. The fiber content is low, as expected in a carnivorous diet, with minimal contribution from ingredients like alfalfa meal. The caloric value reflects the combined energy from all macronutrients in the diet.
