Merrick Purrfect Bistro Gourmet Shreds Ocean Whitefish + Tuna Recipe Review

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Review of Merrick Purrfect Bistro Gourmet Shreds Ocean Whitefish + Tuna Recipe

According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Gourmet Shreds Ocean Whitefish + Tuna Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Purrfect Bistro Gourmet Shreds Ocean Whitefish + Tuna 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. Whitefish is a lean and easily digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  2. Fish Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that can help maintain your cat's hydration levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.

  3. Salmon Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that enhances the taste and texture of your cat's food, while also providing hydration and essential nutrients.

  4. Beef Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly high in vitamin A, which supports vision, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism.

  5. Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.

  6. Lamb is a nutrient-rich meat that provides your cat with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health and well-being.

  7. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.

  8. Tuna is a flavorful and nutrient-rich fish that provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  9. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  10. Potato starch is often used as a carbohydrate source and thickening agent in cat food. While it's not harmful, it doesn't contribute much nutritional value for cats.

  11. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  12. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  13. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  14. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  15. Chickpea flour is a grain-free source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, providing essential nutrients for your cat's health.

  16. Sunflower Oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's skin and coat health, while also supporting their immune system.

  17. Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.

  18. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  19. Ground Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which support your cat's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  20. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  21. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.

  22. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  23. Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.

  24. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.

  25. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  26. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

  27. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  28. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  29. Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.

  30. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  31. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  32. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  33. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  34. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  35. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  36. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  37. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  38. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  39. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  40. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  41. Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer used in cat food to improve texture and consistency, ensuring a more palatable and enjoyable meal for your feline friend.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 9.50% is primarily derived from the deboned whitefish, tuna, beef liver, and dried egg product. These ingredients are high in protein, which contributes significantly to the overall protein content of the pet food. The addition of lamb and pea protein also helps to increase the protein level.

Crude fat at a minimum of 3.00% is likely to come from the deboned whitefish and tuna, as fish are naturally oily and contain healthy fats. The beef liver and lamb may also contribute to the fat content, along with the sunflower oil, which is added as a separate ingredient. Sunflower oil is a source of essential fatty acids that help to maintain a healthy coat and skin.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.20% is relatively low, indicating that the food is not heavily focused on plant-based fiber. However, ingredients like spinach, carrots, and ground flaxseed contribute to the fiber content. The inclusion of chickpea flour and potato starch may also add small amounts of fiber to the diet.

The calorie content of 940.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy the food can supply. While the guaranteed analysis does not directly correlate ingredients to caloric content, the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from all the listed ingredients, including the meats, vegetables, and added starches, will cumulatively determine the calorie count.