Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Small Dogs Review

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Review of Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Small Dogs

According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint For Small Dogs, we'll examine all 10 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. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  2. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  3. Vegetable glycerin is used as a natural sweetener and texture enhancer in dog foods.

  4. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

  5. 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.

  6. Sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier that helps improve the texture and consistency of dog food. It also provides essential fatty acids, choline, and inositol to support brain function, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  7. Calcium alginate is a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed, which helps maintain the texture and consistency of your dog's food. It can also provide a source of dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion and supports overall gastrointestinal health.

  8. Alfalfa Extract is a concentrated form of Alfalfa, a plant rich in vitamins and minerals. It can aid in digestion and provide a boost of antioxidants to support overall health.

  9. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  10. Spearmint Oil is often used for its pleasant aroma and potential digestive benefits. It can also contribute to freshening your dog's breath.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 13.00% is most likely contributed by the gelatin in the ingredients list. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen obtained from various animal by-products and is commonly used in pet foods as a source of protein. The other ingredients, such as tapioca starch, pea starch, and vegetable glycerin, are primarily sources of carbohydrates and do not significantly contribute to the protein content.

With a minimum crude fat content of 0.50%, this product contains very little fat. This low amount could be attributed to the natural flavor and sunflower seed lecithin present in the ingredients. Sunflower seed lecithin can contain some fats, but given the low percentage, it is clear that the product is not designed to be a significant source of dietary fat for dogs.

The maximum crude fiber content of 2.50% suggests that there is a modest amount of fiber in the product. The primary contributors to this fiber content are likely to be the tapioca starch and pea starch. These ingredients, while being carbohydrate sources, can also contain dietary fibers which can aid in digestion and contribute to the structural integrity of the dental treat.

The peppermint and spearmint oil are not significant contributors to the guaranteed analysis values but are included for their breath-freshening properties. Turmeric is used for its color and potential health benefits but does not contribute notably to protein, fat, or fiber content.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally very pleased with Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint for Small Dogs, noting that their pets are very fond of the treats. Many appreciate the quality of the brand, preferring it over alternatives like Greenies. Dogs seem to enjoy the taste and owners are happy with the breath-freshening effect and the natural ingredients included in the chews.

Several pet owners have observed noticeable improvements in their dogs' dental health, with some even mentioning that their veterinarians have remarked on the good condition of their pets' teeth. The treats are also praised for being more challenging to consume quickly, which is seen as beneficial for dental hygiene. The minty smell is often mentioned positively, indicating the use of real mint in the product.

While there are some negative reviews concerning digestive issues or pets not liking the flavor, these are relatively few compared to the positive feedback. In cases where dogs have experienced digestive upset, owners tend to switch to different flavors that are better tolerated. Some customers also note that they break the treats into smaller pieces to make them more suitable for their smaller dogs or to make the product last longer, indicating versatility in use.

In summary, Merrick Fresh Kisses Double-Brush Infused With Real Mint for Small Dogs receives high marks for its quality, effectiveness in freshening breath, and the use of natural ingredients. The majority of dogs seem to love them, and many owners are repeat buyers, which speaks to the product's success in satisfying both pets and their parents.