Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Meal Or Mixer Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Meal Or Mixer
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 Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Meal Or Mixer 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 Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Meal Or Mixer, we'll examine all 25 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.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.
Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
Dried Pea is a natural source of fiber and protein, supporting your cat's digestive health and muscle development.
Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and essential nutrients for your cat.
Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which supports joint health and can help maintain your cat's skin and coat condition.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.
Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
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.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.
Salmon Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy immune system. Salmon oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit cats with joint issues or allergies.
Vitamin D Supplement is essential for your cat's bone health and calcium absorption, helping to maintain strong teeth and bones, as well as supporting immune system function.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein minimum of 38.00% is primarily provided by the first ingredient, chicken, which is a high-quality source of protein. The inclusion of chicken liver also contributes significantly to the protein content, as organs are typically rich in protein. These animal-based ingredients are the main contributors to the high protein level, which is essential for muscle development and maintenance in pets.
The crude fat minimum of 16.00% is likely due to the presence of chicken, which naturally contains fat, and additional fat sources such as chicken liver and salmon oil. Chicken liver not only provides protein but also contains a fair amount of fat. Salmon oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, contributing to the overall fat content and providing benefits for a pet's coat and skin health.
The maximum crude fiber content of 3.00% is relatively low, indicating that this food is not heavily based on fibrous plant materials. The dried peas, dried potatoes, and carrots may contribute to this fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in a diet focusing on high protein and fat from animal sources, the fiber content is expected to be lower.
The caloric content of 3968.00 kcal/kg is reflective of the energy provided by the combination of protein and fat in the diet. The high protein and fat levels, coming from chicken and the added fats, contribute to the caloric density of the food, making it energy-rich for active pets. The dried peas and dried potatoes also contribute to the caloric content as carbohydrate sources, although to a lesser extent compared to the animal ingredients.
