Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies

According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 40 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. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  4. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

  5. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  6. 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.

  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. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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.

  12. Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.

  13. 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.

  14. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

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

  16. 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.

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

  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. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  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. 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.

  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. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  26. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of this pet food product indicates the minimum and maximum amounts of certain nutrients that are essential for a puppy's growth and development.

1. Crude Protein (min) of 28.00%: This value indicates the minimum amount of protein in the food. The main sources of protein in this recipe are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, and Potato Protein. The primary ingredient, Deboned Chicken, is a high-quality source of protein, alongside Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal which are meat concentrates containing almost 300% more protein than fresh chicken or turkey.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: This value represents the minimum amount of fat in the food. The main sources of fat are Chicken Fat and Salmon Oil. Chicken Fat is a quality source of essential fatty acids and energy, while Salmon Oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the skin, coat, and brain.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: This value indicates the maximum amount of fiber in the food. The main sources of fiber in this recipe are Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, and Flaxseed. These ingredients are not only a good source of dietary fiber but also provide other essential nutrients.

4. Calories of 3664.00 per kg: This value indicates the amount of energy that the food provides. All the ingredients contribute to this value, but the main contributors are likely the primary ingredients such as Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Potatoes due to their high nutrient content.

In conclusion, the ingredients in this pet food product are well-balanced to provide puppies with the necessary nutrients for growth and development. The high-quality sources of protein and fat, combined with the fiber from vegetables and grains, ensure a well-rounded diet. The added vitamins and minerals further enhance the nutritional value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $4.08 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $16.46
10 lbs $27.68
15 lbs $37.52
20 lbs $46.56
30 lbs $63.10
40 lbs $78.30
50 lbs $92.56
60 lbs $106.13
70 lbs $119.13
80 lbs $131.68
90 lbs $143.85
100 lbs $155.67

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally have a positive experience with Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe for Puppies. Many have been loyal customers for years, feeding this brand to their dogs and seeing positive outcomes such as shiny coats, healthy weights, and high energy levels. Some customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the fact that the brand is based in the USA.

Although the product is on the pricier side, customers feel that the quality justifies the cost. They are particularly pleased with the grain-free option, which suits dogs with sensitive stomachs. The small size of the kibble is also appreciated by owners of small to medium puppies.

However, there are a few negative reviews, mainly related to the size of the kibble and the taste, which some dogs did not seem to enjoy. Some customers also expressed concern about potential links between grain-free dog food and heart issues in dogs.

Despite these concerns, the majority of customers recommend Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe for Puppies, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also appreciate the brand's commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients.

A few customers have reported their dogs experiencing health issues after eating this food, but it is unclear whether these issues were directly related to the product. It is always advisable for pet owners to consult with their veterinarians when changing their pets' diets.

Overall, most customers are satisfied with this product, praising its quality, nutritional value, and the positive effects it has on their dogs' health. However, as with any pet food, individual dogs' reactions may vary.