Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe Review

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Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe

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, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe 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, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 41 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. 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.

  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. 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.

  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. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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

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

  27. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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. 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.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

  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. 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 for Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe states that it contains a minimum of 30.00% crude protein. This protein likely comes from the deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, and pea protein listed in the ingredients. These are all high-protein ingredients, with meat meals often having a higher protein content than fresh meats due to their lower water content.

The next value in the guaranteed analysis is a minimum of 17.00% crude fat. The primary sources of fat in this recipe are likely the deboned beef, chicken fat, and possibly some from the salmon meal. Fats are essential for providing energy, absorbing vitamins, and maintaining healthy skin and coat in pets.

The maximum crude fiber content is listed as 3.50%. Fiber in pet food can come from various sources, but in this recipe, it likely comes from the peas, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and possibly some from the dried yeast. Fiber is crucial for supporting digestive health in pets.

The caloric content of this pet food is 3662.00 calories per kg. Calories in pet food come from the three macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this recipe, the primary contributors to the caloric content will be the protein sources (deboned beef, chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, and pea protein), the fat sources (deboned beef, chicken fat, and salmon meal), and the carbohydrate sources (potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, and tapioca). These ingredients are all energy-dense, contributing to the high caloric content of this pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $4.09 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $23.92
10 lbs $40.22
15 lbs $54.52
20 lbs $67.65
30 lbs $91.69
40 lbs $113.77
50 lbs $134.49
60 lbs $154.20
70 lbs $173.10
80 lbs $191.33
90 lbs $209.00
100 lbs $226.19

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers love the Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe for their dogs due to its high protein content and grain-free formulation. Many have noticed a positive impact on their dogs' energy levels, coat health, and bowel movements. The kibble size is also appreciated as it's perfect for dogs of all sizes.

Some customers noted that their dogs, who were previously uninterested in their food, showed excitement and eagerness to eat this Merrick recipe. They also appreciated the real protein source and the potential benefits to their dogs' joint health.

While the product was generally well-received, a few customers reported that their dogs had digestive issues or allergic reactions after consuming the food. Some dogs also did not seem to enjoy the taste. However, these cases appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

A few customers expressed concerns about the price of the product, suggesting that it may be too expensive for some dog owners. Despite this, many customers still recommend the product due to the quality of the ingredients and the observable benefits to their dogs' health and well-being.

Some customers reported that their dogs had an adverse reaction to a change in the ingredients of the Merrick dog food. However, others have praised the product for its quality and the positive effects it has had on their dogs' health and vitality.

Overall, the Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Bison + Sweet Potato Recipe is highly recommended by most customers, especially for its high-quality ingredients, grain-free formulation, and the positive impact on their dogs' health.