Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner Review
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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner
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 Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner 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 Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner, we'll examine all 32 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.
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.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Bison is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.
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.
Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.
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.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree. It is often used in dog food to improve texture and consistency, and has been deemed safe for consumption by dogs. While it does not provide significant nutritional value, it can help create a more appealing texture for your dog's food.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
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.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 9.00% is primarily contributed by the deboned beef, deboned lamb, and deboned bison in the ingredients list. These ingredients are all high in protein, which is crucial for muscle growth and repair in pets. The beef liver is also a significant source of protein.
The Crude Fat minimum of 5.00% is likely derived from the deboned beef, deboned lamb, deboned bison, and salmon oil in the ingredients. These ingredients are rich in fats, which provide energy and help in the absorption of vitamins for pets. Salmon oil, in particular, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.40% is probably due to the locust bean gum and guar gum in the ingredients. These ingredients are typically used as thickening agents in pet foods, and they contribute to the fiber content, which aids digestion in pets.
The Calorie content of 1111.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients in the pet food, but especially from the protein and fat sources- the deboned beef, deboned lamb, deboned bison, and salmon oil. These ingredients are energy-dense, meaning they provide a high amount of calories.
The minerals and vitamins listed in the ingredients, such as Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin, are all added to ensure a balanced diet for pets, supporting various bodily functions including bone health, immune response, and metabolic processes.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner costs approximately $4.79 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $92.44 |
| 10 lbs | $155.47 |
| 15 lbs | $210.72 |
| 20 lbs | $261.46 |
| 30 lbs | $354.39 |
| 40 lbs | $439.73 |
| 50 lbs | $519.84 |
| 60 lbs | $596.01 |
| 70 lbs | $669.06 |
| 80 lbs | $739.53 |
| 90 lbs | $807.83 |
| 100 lbs | $874.26 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers reported that their dogs loved the Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner. The food is described as high-quality and nutritious, and several pet owners noted that their dogs, who are typically picky eaters, enjoyed the taste. Some customers mentioned that the food's smell and taste were appealing to their pets. A few reviewers also indicated that the food was beneficial for dogs with allergies, as it didn't cause any reactions.
Several customers praised the food for its ingredients and the fact that it doesn't contain any fillers or artificial ingredients. They also appreciated that it didn't contain any chicken, peas, or potatoes, which some dogs are allergic to. Some pet owners mentioned that they liked the fact that the food was not dry and had a lot of "gravy". A few also noted that the food had a pate-like consistency, which their dogs seemed to enjoy.
Some customers, however, had issues with the consistency of the food. They felt that it was too runny or had too much gravy. A few also mentioned that their dogs didn't like the food's texture. Some customers also reported that their dogs had digestive issues after eating the food, including diarrhea and vomiting. However, others said their dogs had no problems and enjoyed the food.
A few customers mentioned that they appreciated the small packaging of the food, as it helped keep the food fresh. Some also noted that the food was a good value for the price, given its quality and the health benefits it provided to their dogs. Some pet owners also liked that they could mix the food with kibble to provide their dogs with a varied diet.
Some customers were disappointed with the food's texture, describing it as too runny or too much like a pate. A few also mentioned that they had to pour off excess grease from the food, which they didn't appreciate. Despite this, many customers reported that their dogs enjoyed the food and that they would continue to purchase it.
