Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts With Chicken + Duck In Gravy Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts With Chicken + Duck In Gravy
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for adult cats and growing kittens. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts With Chicken + Duck In Gravy is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult cats and growing kittens.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts With Chicken + Duck In Gravy, we'll examine all 39 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
Duck Broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more palatable and ensuring proper hydration.
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.
Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.
Dried Egg Whites are a highly digestible source of protein that supports your cat's muscle development and overall health. They also provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to ensure a balanced and complete diet.
Potato starch is often used as a carbohydrate source and thickening agent in cat food. While it's not harmful, it doesn't contribute much nutritional value for cats.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function.
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.
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.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.
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.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Sodium Carbonate is a safe and commonly used ingredient in cat food that helps to maintain the proper pH balance in your cat's digestive system. This promotes a healthy gut environment and supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
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.
Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
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.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
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.
Rosemary is a natural herb that provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your cat's immune system and overall health.
Sage can provide some antioxidant benefits, but it's not a necessary part of a cat's diet.
Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties and can contribute to your cat's overall well-being.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of 9.50% is likely provided by the deboned chicken, deboned duck, chicken liver, and dried egg whites. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that are essential for a kitten's growth and muscle development. The inclusion of both chicken and duck provides a range of amino acids which contribute to the overall protein content.
Crude fat at a minimum of 4.00% is primarily coming from the deboned chicken, deboned duck, and chicken liver, as these meats naturally contain fats. Additionally, salmon oil is a significant contributor to the fat content, which also provides essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a kitten's skin and coat health.
The maximum crude fiber content of 1.20% is relatively low, reflecting the diet's meat-centric formulation. The fiber present may come from ingredients such as potato starch and inulin. These are included in small amounts as they are not the main focus of a carnivorous diet but are necessary to aid in digestion and maintain intestinal health.
The caloric content of 959.00 kcal per kg is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The high-quality proteins and fats are calorie-dense, which contributes significantly to the overall energy content of the food. Carbohydrates from potato starch also contribute to the caloric value, albeit to a lesser extent, as the product is grain-free and likely has a lower carbohydrate content compared to diets that include grains.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts With Chicken + Duck In Gravy costs approximately $8.96 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $128.11 |
| 10 lbs | $215.45 |
| 15 lbs | $292.02 |
| 20 lbs | $362.34 |
| 30 lbs | $491.12 |
| 40 lbs | $609.38 |
| 50 lbs | $720.40 |
| 60 lbs | $825.96 |
| 70 lbs | $927.19 |
| 80 lbs | $1024.86 |
| 90 lbs | $1119.51 |
| 100 lbs | $1211.56 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many kittens and cats appear to enjoy the taste and texture of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe Cuts with Chicken + Duck in Gravy, with several pet owners observing their feline friends eagerly consuming the food and exhibiting healthy growth and energy levels. The gravy, in particular, is a hit among the feline crowd, with many cats licking it up enthusiastically before moving on to the meaty chunks.
While some reviewers have pointed out that the size of the chunks may be too large for younger kittens, others have noted that their kittens manage just fine or that they simply mash the chunks to make them more manageable. This suggests that while chunk size may be an issue for some, it is not a universal problem and can be adjusted by pet owners if necessary.
A few negative reviews mention that some cats may not take to the food or that the ingredients could be improved. However, these seem to be isolated cases, and many pet owners still recommend the product, citing their own positive experiences and the overall quality of the food. It's also worth noting that cats are known for their individual preferences, and what one cat dislikes, another may love.
Some kittens have been reported to only lick the gravy and leave the chunks behind, indicating a preference for the sauce over the meat. Despite this, many pet owners are satisfied with the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits provided to their kittens. Additionally, the convenience of the easy-to-open pouches is frequently mentioned as a positive feature.
In summary, while there are some concerns about the size of the food chunks and individual taste preferences, the majority of reviews for Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Kitten Recipe are positive, with many kittens enjoying the product and thriving on it. Pet owners appreciate the grain-free recipe and the brand's reputation for creating premium pet foods.
