Merrick Lil' Plates Rascally Rabbit Stew For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Rascally Rabbit Stew For Small Breed Dogs
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 Lil' Plates Rascally Rabbit Stew For Small Breed Dogs 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 Lil' Plates Rascally Rabbit Stew For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 39 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.
Rabbit is a lean, novel protein source that is easily digestible and can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Venison Broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that can also provide some protein and minerals.
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.
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.
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.
Dried egg whites are a high-quality, low-fat protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle growth, maintenance, and overall health in dogs. They also contain vitamins and minerals that support immune system function.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.
Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.
Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Cobalt amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that supports the production of vitamin B12 and overall red blood cell health in dogs.
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.
Cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant benefits for your dog's overall health.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.
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.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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 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.
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.
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of 8.00% in the Merrick Lil' Plates Rascally Rabbit Stew is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients listed, such as deboned rabbit, chicken liver, deboned chicken, and dried egg whites. These ingredients are rich in proteins, which are essential for muscle development and overall health in dogs, especially for small breeds that may have higher metabolic rates.
The crude fat minimum of 3.50% is most likely contributed by the deboned rabbit, chicken liver, and deboned chicken, as well as the sunflower oil included in the ingredients. Fats are a crucial source of energy for dogs and also support skin and coat health. Sunflower oil is a good source of essential fatty acids, which can contribute to the overall fat content.
Crude fiber, with a maximum value of 1.40%, comes from the plant-based ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, apples, and peas. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support a healthy gut. The low fiber content is consistent with the diet of a carnivorous animal like a dog, which does not require large amounts of fiber.
The caloric content of 910.00 kcal per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from all the macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the deboned meats and sunflower oil are calorie-dense ingredients that contribute significantly to the total caloric value. Carbohydrates from potatoes and peas also contribute to the caloric content, providing energy for active small breed dogs.
