Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned (With Healthy Grains) Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned (With Healthy Grains)

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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned (With Healthy Grains) 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned (With Healthy Grains), we'll examine all 31 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. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  5. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  6. 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.

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

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

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

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

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  25. 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.

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

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 8.00% in this pet food is primarily provided by the deboned chicken and chicken liver. These are high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute to the overall protein content. Chicken is a meat that is typically rich in protein, which is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of a pet's body tissues.

The crude fat minimum of 5.00% is also likely to come from the deboned chicken and chicken liver. Both ingredients contain natural fats that are important for a pet's energy, cell structure, and function. Fats also contribute to the palatability of the food and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.40% is relatively low, which is typical for canned pet foods. The brown rice and oatmeal in the ingredients list are the likely sources of this dietary fiber. While they provide some fiber, their inclusion at controlled levels ensures that the food is not too high in fiber, which could interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

The calorie content of 1140.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The deboned chicken and chicken liver contribute to the calorie content through protein and fat, while the brown rice and oatmeal contribute calories through carbohydrates. The overall calorie content is influenced by the proportion of each of these macronutrients in the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned (With Healthy Grains) costs approximately $5.15 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $96.84
10 lbs $162.86
15 lbs $220.74
20 lbs $273.89
30 lbs $371.24
40 lbs $460.63
50 lbs $544.55
60 lbs $624.34
70 lbs $700.87
80 lbs $774.69
90 lbs $846.24
100 lbs $915.82

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients in Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, noting that it appeals to dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs. Many have reported that their dogs, including those rescued from difficult backgrounds, eagerly consume the food without experiencing any digestive upset. The food's ability to maintain consistency in dogs' diets and the brand's reputation have also been positively highlighted.

Despite some dogs initially rejecting the food or experiencing digestive issues, others have shown a preference for its taste and texture, with owners observing improvements in their pets' stool consistency. The food's smell is generally well-received, being described as pleasant and not overpowering, unlike some other wet dog foods. Additionally, the food's firm texture and lack of a fishy smell have been positively noted.

For those with picky eaters, the food has been successful in winning over their dogs' palates, with many pets showing excitement at meal times. Owners also appreciate the food's contribution to their dogs' overall health and energy levels. Even dogs with specific dietary needs due to age or medical conditions have benefited from this food, with owners noting better digestion and a lack of adverse reactions.

The food has received accolades for being a cost-effective alternative to prescription diets without compromising on the dogs' health. Many have found it to be a suitable option for their dogs' sensitive stomachs, often resulting in shiny coats and a good appetite. The simplicity and recognizability of the ingredients have also been a major selling point for conscientious pet owners.

In summary, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned Dog Food has garnered positive feedback for its high-quality ingredients, palatability, and the health benefits it provides to dogs, particularly those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions.