Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner Review

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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken 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 Chicken 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 Chicken 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.

  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 broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  3. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  4. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  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. 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.

  7. 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.

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

  9. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  10. 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.

  11. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a food additive used in dog food to help maintain freshness and extend shelf life. It also acts as a binding agent, helping the dog food maintain its shape and texture.

  12. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

  20. 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.

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

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

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

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

  25. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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 likely contributed by the Deboned Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Dried Egg Product. These ingredients are all high in protein, which is essential for a pet's growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues.

The Crude Fat minimum of 7.00% is likely primarily provided by the Deboned Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Salmon Oil. These ingredients are high in fat, which provides the necessary energy for pets. Fat also assists in the absorption of certain vitamins, adds flavor to the food, and contributes to a healthy skin and coat.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.40% is likely contributed by the Locust Bean Gum and Guar Gum. These ingredients are commonly used in pet food as a source of dietary fiber. Fiber can help to support a pet's digestive health.

The Calories of 1230.00 per kg are derived from the combination of all the ingredients but primarily from the protein and fat sources - the Deboned Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, and Salmon Oil. These ingredients are energy-dense, and therefore, contribute significantly to the caloric content of the pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner costs approximately $4.64 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $80.87
10 lbs $136.01
15 lbs $184.35
20 lbs $228.74
30 lbs $310.04
40 lbs $384.70
50 lbs $454.78
60 lbs $521.42
70 lbs $585.33
80 lbs $646.98
90 lbs $706.73
100 lbs $764.85

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have praised Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner for its high quality and taste, with many stating that even their picky eaters love it. The product is also reported to be beneficial for the health of pets, with some customers noticing improvements in their dogs' coat condition and activity levels. The product is also appreciated for not containing peas or legumes, which some vets associate with heart issues in dogs.

Several users have reported that their dogs, who were previously indifferent or picky about their food, have shown a distinct preference for Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner. The product has been described as "bowl-licking good" and has been successful in encouraging dogs with health issues to eat. Some customers have also noted that it doesn't have an offensive smell, which is a common issue with many pet foods.

Despite some negative reviews, many customers have found that this product is a good alternative to other brands. For instance, one customer mentioned that it was a great substitute for Royal Canin when it was out of stock. Moreover, some customers have highlighted that their dogs, who previously turned up their noses at other foods, love the Merrick Real Chicken Dinner.

While some customers have expressed concerns about changes in the product's texture and smell, others have praised the Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner for its consistency and taste. One customer mentioned that it was a pleasant surprise to find that their senior dogs liked the product and were actually eating it. Another customer reported that their dog, who is the pickiest eater, loves this food and it's the only one he has gotten excited about.

A number of customers have shared heartwarming stories about how Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner has improved the health and vitality of their pets. One customer mentioned that their dog, who had congestive heart failure and was a picky eater, loved this food and it helped her get stronger. Another customer reported that a malnourished rescue dog was able to run and play after being fed this food.