Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts
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 Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts 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 Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts, we'll examine all 36 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.
Salmon Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that enhances the taste and texture of your cat's food, while also providing hydration and essential nutrients.
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.
Trout is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's overall health, including skin and coat condition, brain function, and immune system.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
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.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: This value is indicative of the amount of protein in the food, which is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues in pets. The primary contributors to this value in Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts are the deboned chicken, chicken liver, trout, and dried egg whites. These ingredients are high-quality sources of animal protein, which is important for a carnivorous diet.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.50%: Crude fat is a measure of the essential fatty acids and a source of energy in the food. The deboned chicken, chicken liver, and trout are likely the main contributors to the fat content. Fats are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting overall health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.20%: Fiber is important for the digestive health of pets, aiding in bowel regularity. The crude fiber content is relatively low in this food, which is typical for wet foods. The ingredients contributing to this fiber content are likely to be the potato starch and inulin, which are plant-based ingredients that provide dietary fiber.
Calories of 900.00 per kg: The calorie content gives an idea of the energy provided by the food. The main contributors to the caloric content are the protein and fat sources - deboned chicken, chicken liver, and trout - as well as the potato starch, which provides carbohydrates as an additional energy source. The overall caloric value is influenced by the balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the recipe.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts 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 | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $213.29 |
| 10 lbs | $358.71 |
| 15 lbs | $486.19 |
| 20 lbs | $603.27 |
| 30 lbs | $817.68 |
| 40 lbs | $1014.58 |
| 50 lbs | $1199.41 |
| 60 lbs | $1375.17 |
| 70 lbs | $1543.71 |
| 80 lbs | $1706.31 |
| 90 lbs | $1863.90 |
| 100 lbs | $2017.17 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have shared that their pets, particularly cats, have a strong preference for Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts. One cat owner expressed delight in finding a food that their picky eater enjoys, noting that their cat leaves nothing behind, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the meal. Another pet owner mentioned the apparent improvement in their cats' health and energy levels, along with shinier coats, attributing these positive changes to the brand.
While some pets may not take to this particular treat or food option, as seen in the case of the guinea pigs and a few cats, others have had remarkable success. For instance, one cat has a special meow just for this food, showcasing her excitement and enjoyment. Another customer highlighted that their cats are not only enthusiastic about this brand but also seem to prefer it over other wet foods, suggesting that Merrick has effectively catered to feline tastes.
In response to the review where a cat preferred only the liquid part of the meal, it's worth noting that individual pet preferences can vary widely. However, the overall consensus from the positive reviews is that Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Chicken + Trout Recipe Cuts is highly palatable to many cats, with one owner even planning to explore other flavors due to their pet's enjoyment.
