Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Lamb Dinner In Gravy Review

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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Chunky Lamb Dinner In Gravy

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 Grain Free Chunky Lamb Dinner In Gravy 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 Grain Free Chunky Lamb Dinner In Gravy, we'll examine all 37 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. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  2. 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.

  3. Vegetable broth provides not only hydration but also essential nutrients and flavor to make the meal more appealing to dogs.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  7. 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.

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

  9. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  10. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  11. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  12. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  13. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

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

  15. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.

  16. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

  17. Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

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

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

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

  21. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  22. 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.

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

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

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  30. Dried celery is a low-calorie vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall health.

  31. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

  32. 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.

  33. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  34. Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.

  35. Cumin is a natural spice that adds flavor to dog food and may provide potential antioxidant benefits to support overall health.

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

  37. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food product are the deboned lamb and deboned beef, which are animal-based proteins and are listed first among the ingredients, indicating their predominance by weight. Beef liver and dried egg product also contribute significantly to the overall protein content. These ingredients are high-quality sources of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in pets.

Crude Fat (min) of 5.00%: The fat content is likely coming from the deboned lamb and beef, as well as the beef liver, which are naturally rich in animal fats. Flaxseed oil is another ingredient that contributes to the fat content, providing a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, as expected for a meat-based wet food. The fiber present may be derived from vegetable broth and dried celery, which can provide some dietary fiber. Potato starch, cassia gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum may also contribute small amounts of fiber, though they are primarily used as thickeners and stabilizers in the gravy.

Calories of 1271.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the proteins and fats, particularly from the lamb and beef. Carbohydrates, such as those from potato starch, also contribute to the total caloric content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the protein and fat sources.