Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
26.98 + Shipping ($5.95)
$21.58 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
53.98 + Shipping (Free)
$35.09 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
53.98 + Shipping (Free)
$43.18 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
77.98 + Shipping (Free)
$50.69 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
77.98 + Shipping (Free)
$62.38 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
155.96 + Shipping (Free)
$124.77 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + 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 Salmon + 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 Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 38 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. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. 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.

  3. Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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

  7. Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

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

  14. 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.

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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 Crude Protein minimum of 30.00% is likely derived from the Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, and Whitefish Meal listed as the first three ingredients. These are all high-protein ingredients, with salmon being a particularly high-quality source of protein. The Pea Protein also contributes to this value.

The Crude Fat minimum of 15.00% most likely comes from the Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, and Whitefish Meal, as they contain a good amount of healthy fats. The Pork Fat and Sunflower Oil listed in the ingredients also contribute to this fat content.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.50% is likely derived from the Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Peas. These ingredients are known for their fiber content. The Flaxseed also contributes to this value, as it is a good source of dietary fiber.

The Calories of 3692.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients but are most directly influenced by the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of the food. The main contributors to caloric content are likely the Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Potatoes due to their high protein, fat, and carbohydrate content respectively.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients (like Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, and Vitamin E Supplement) don't directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values, but they are important for the overall health and wellbeing of the pet.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $4.03 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $23.88
10 lbs $40.15
15 lbs $54.42
20 lbs $67.53
30 lbs $91.53
40 lbs $113.57
50 lbs $134.26
60 lbs $153.94
70 lbs $172.80
80 lbs $191.00
90 lbs $208.65
100 lbs $225.80

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have praised Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe for its high quality and ability to alleviate certain health issues in their dogs. Many have noted that their dogs' coats became glossier and their skin allergies improved significantly after switching to this food. Dogs with sensitive stomachs also seemed to have no issues with this food.

However, some customers reported that their dogs had negative reactions to the food, including vomiting and diarrhea. It's important to note that every dog is different, and while some may thrive on this food, others may not respond as well. It's always recommended to gradually introduce new food to your pet's diet to avoid any potential digestive issues.

A few customers mentioned that the food is quite expensive, but most agreed that the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health made it worth the cost. Some also commented on the strong fishy smell of the food, but noted that their dogs seemed to enjoy it.

The size of the kibble was a minor issue for some customers, with a few stating that they found it too small for their dogs. However, others appreciated the smaller size, especially those with smaller breeds.

In terms of taste, the majority of dogs seemed to enjoy the flavor of Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe, although there were a few who reportedly did not like it. Again, this is largely dependent on individual taste preferences.

In conclusion, while there were a few negative reviews, the majority of customers were extremely satisfied with Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe and would highly recommend it to others.