Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Rabbit 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 Rabbit 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 Rabbit Recipe Cuts, 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.
Rabbit is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source that supports your cat's muscle development and overall health, while providing a delicious taste they'll love.
Lamb broth is used to increase the moisture content of the food, making it more appealing and easier to chew for your cat.
Beef broth adds moisture to the food, making it more appealing to cats, and can also provide some additional nutrients.
Beef Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly high in vitamin A, which supports vision, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism.
Lamb is a nutrient-rich meat that provides your cat with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health and well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 9.00% is primarily contributed by the deboned rabbit, which is the first ingredient and thus the most abundant in the recipe. Rabbit is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and overall health in pets. Additional protein contributions come from beef liver, deboned lamb, and dried egg whites. These ingredients are also rich in essential amino acids necessary for a pet's health.
Crude fat at a minimum of 3.00% is likely provided by the natural fats present in the deboned rabbit, lamb broth, beef broth, and beef liver. The salmon oil, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols, also contributes to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for a healthy coat and skin.
The maximum crude fiber content of 1.20% is relatively low, indicating that this is a meat-rich and grain-free product. The fiber present may come from the potato starch and inulin (a source of soluble fiber). These ingredients help with digestion and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Lastly, the calorie content of 944.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy that the food can supply. The caloric content is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The meats and fats are the most calorie-dense components, with the potato starch providing additional carbohydrates for energy.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts costs approximately $9.01 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 | $204.42 |
| 10 lbs | $343.80 |
| 15 lbs | $465.99 |
| 20 lbs | $578.20 |
| 30 lbs | $783.69 |
| 40 lbs | $972.41 |
| 50 lbs | $1149.56 |
| 60 lbs | $1318.01 |
| 70 lbs | $1479.54 |
| 80 lbs | $1635.39 |
| 90 lbs | $1786.43 |
| 100 lbs | $1933.32 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express satisfaction with Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Rabbit Recipe Cuts, highlighting the sizeable chunks and the presence of gravy, which their cats seem to enjoy. Several reviews mention that the ingredients list is decent and the product is a hit with their feline friends, leading to repeated purchases.
Some cats with dietary restrictions or allergies have benefited from this rabbit-based food, as it offers an alternative protein source that is not commonly found in other cat foods. Owners of such cats appreciate the product's ability to cater to sensitive or allergic cats.
While there are instances where customers report their cats being indifferent or even averse to the food, these cases seem to be balanced by the number of cats that absolutely love it. The enthusiasm of cats for this particular flavor is often highlighted, with some cats even rummaging through the trash to find the empty packaging.
A few negative reviews mention concerns about the product's consistency and appeal to their pets, but these are often countered by the overall positive reception from other cats. Some owners have found creative solutions, such as mashing the chunks or adding extra broth to make the food more appealing to their pets.
The product's packaging is frequently mentioned as convenient, and the food itself is described as a life-saver for pets with specific health issues, such as IBS. The positive impact on pets' health and well-being is a recurring theme in the reviews.
Lastly, there are mentions of supply issues, with some customers expressing hope that the availability of the product will improve so they can continue to provide their cats with a food they love.
