Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Beef Recipe Meal Or Mixer Review

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Review of Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Beef Recipe Meal Or Mixer

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 Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Beef Recipe Meal Or Mixer 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 Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Beef Recipe Meal Or Mixer, 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.

  1. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.

  3. Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides dogs with the energy they need for daily activities. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

  4. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

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

  6. Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.

  7. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

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

  9. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  10. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  11. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

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

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

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

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

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

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 40.00% is a significant amount, indicating that this pet food is high in protein. This value is primarily contributed by the deboned beef and beef liver, as these are animal-based proteins and are typically rich in amino acids. Potato protein also contributes to this protein content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the animal sources.

The crude fat minimum of 18.00% suggests a moderate to high level of fats, which is important for providing energy as well as supporting cell structure and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The deboned beef and beef liver are likely the primary contributors to this fat content, given that these ingredients naturally contain animal fats. The beef broth may also contain trace amounts of fat.

Crude fiber max of 3.00% indicates a relatively low fiber content in this pet food. Fiber is essential for digestive health, but too much can be unnecessary for carnivorous pets like cats and dogs. The dried potatoes, apples, carrots, and dried kelp are likely the sources of this fiber. These ingredients are less digestible plant materials that contribute to the overall dietary fiber in the product.

The caloric content of 3905.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This high caloric density is primarily due to the high protein and fat content from the beef and beef liver. Since fats provide more than double the calories per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates, the 18.00% crude fat content significantly influences the calorie content. The dried potatoes may also contribute to the caloric content as a source of carbohydrates.