Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains Review

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Review of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains

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 Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains 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 Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains, we'll examine all 47 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. 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.

  2. Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.

  3. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  4. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  5. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  6. Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.

  7. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  8. 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.

  9. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  10. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious dog food.

  11. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  12. 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.

  13. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  14. Dehydrated organic alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health. It's also an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

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

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

  17. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  18. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  19. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

  20. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  21. 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.

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

  23. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

  24. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  25. 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.

  26. Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.

  27. Cobalt carbonate is a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin B12, supporting your dog's metabolism, energy production, and overall health.

  28. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  29. Chia seed is a superfood for dogs, providing omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin, as well as fiber to support digestion and overall health.

  30. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  31. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

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

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

  34. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  35. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

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

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

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

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

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  44. The dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora.

  45. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  46. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  47. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 26.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients such as deboned beef, pork meal, salmon meal, and lamb meal. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth and maintenance of pets' muscles and overall health. The inclusion of multiple meat sources provides a broad spectrum of amino acids.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the pork fat, deboned beef, and salmon meal. Pork fat is a high-energy ingredient that contributes to the palatability and energy content of the food. Salmon meal not only provides protein but also contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. Sunflower oil may also contribute some fat content, providing additional essential fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The fiber in this pet food comes from plant-based ingredients such as brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa, and flaxseed. These grains and seeds provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion and can help maintain bowel regularity. Organic dehydrated alfalfa meal also contributes to the fiber content, offering both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Calories of 3648.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The high-calorie contributors are the fats from pork fat and salmon meal, as well as the carbohydrates from grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. The protein sources also contribute to the overall caloric content, as proteins can be metabolized for energy.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains costs approximately $3.78 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $22.42
10 lbs $37.71
15 lbs $51.11
20 lbs $63.42
30 lbs $85.95
40 lbs $106.65
50 lbs $126.08
60 lbs $144.56
70 lbs $162.27
80 lbs $179.37
90 lbs $195.93
100 lbs $212.04

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have positive experiences with Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains often highlight their dogs' enjoyment of the taste and the health benefits observed. For example, one dog owner noticed significant improvements in their dog's heart health, weight, and energy levels after switching to this food. Another mentioned their dog's shiny coat and healthy appearance as a result of the diet.

Some dogs with specific dietary needs, such as allergies to chicken or sensitivities to grain-free diets, have thrived on this food. Owners appreciate the absence of poultry and the inclusion of healthy grains. Additionally, several reviews mention the food's positive impact on digestive health and the resolution of diarrhea issues when switching to this recipe.

Despite some negative experiences, many dogs seem to love the taste of this food, with owners reporting their pets eagerly anticipating meal times. The food's formulation, which avoids common allergens and includes beneficial grains, is often cited as a reason for improved health and vitality in dogs. Customers also appreciate the variety of bag sizes, which cater to different needs and the ability to find a poultry-free option that still includes grains.