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

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Review of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + 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 Chicken + 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 Chicken + 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  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. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  6. 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.

  7. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  16. 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.

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

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

  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 protein content in this pet food are the deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that will help support your pet's muscle growth and maintenance. The quinoa and brown rice also contribute to the protein content, though to a lesser extent.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The main sources of fat in this recipe are the chicken fat and sunflower oil. Fats are essential for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and protecting the body's organs. Flaxseed and chia seeds also contribute to fat content and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The primary sources of fiber in this pet food are likely the brown rice, barley, oatmeal, flaxseed, and the fruits and vegetables (carrots and apples). Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to keep your pet's gastrointestinal system running smoothly.

Calories of 3711.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food comes from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources - the various meats and the chicken fat and sunflower oil. The grains, such as brown rice and barley, and the fruits and vegetables, also contribute to the overall caloric content. The caloric content is important for providing your pet with the energy they need for daily activities.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains costs approximately $3.57 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $21.16
10 lbs $35.59
15 lbs $48.23
20 lbs $59.85
30 lbs $81.12
40 lbs $100.65
50 lbs $118.99
60 lbs $136.43
70 lbs $153.15
80 lbs $169.28
90 lbs $184.91
100 lbs $200.12

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have praised Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe for its high-quality ingredients and the positive effects it has had on their dogs. Dogs seem to enjoy the taste and owners have noticed improvements in their pets' health, such as shinier coats and better digestion.

However, some customers have reported their dogs falling ill after consuming this product, with symptoms such as diarrhea and excessive scratching. These cases seem to be isolated incidents rather than the norm, as many other customers have had positive experiences with this product.

Some customers also expressed concerns about changes to the product, such as a noticeable difference in the color of the food and the removal of a resealable strip on the packaging. Despite these concerns, many customers have remained loyal to the brand due to the overall quality of the product.

In terms of the product's nutritional content, some customers were disappointed to find that fruits and vegetables were listed after salt in the ingredients list. However, others were pleased with the inclusion of grains in the recipe, as they believe this is beneficial for their dogs' health.

Overall, while there have been some negative experiences shared, the majority of customers are satisfied with Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe and have seen positive results in their dogs' health and wellbeing after switching to this product.