Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Carolina Style With Smokey Sausage Review

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Review of Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Carolina Style With Smokey Sausage

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 Slow Cooked BBQ Carolina Style With Smokey Sausage 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 Slow Cooked BBQ Carolina Style With Smokey Sausage, we'll examine all 48 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. Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.

  3. Vegetable broth provides not only hydration but also essential nutrients and flavor to make the meal more appealing to dogs.

  4. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.

  5. Bell pepper is a low-calorie, vitamin-rich ingredient that provides essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, to support your dog's overall well-being.

  6. Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides dogs with the energy they need for daily activities. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

  7. Dried pea is a nutritious legume that provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and potassium for your dog's overall health.

  8. Dried egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that can help to build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  9. Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.

  10. Dried tomato is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, helping to support a strong immune system and overall health in dogs.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat in dogs, while also supporting heart health and immune function.

  14. Tapioca starch is a grain-free carbohydrate source derived from the root of the cassava plant. It is used in dog food as a binding agent and energy source. Tapioca starch is easily digestible, making it a suitable ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain allergies.

  15. 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.

  16. Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.

  17. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  18. 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.

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

  20. 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.

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

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

  23. Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.

  24. Dried celery is a low-calorie vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall health.

  25. Cumin is a natural spice that adds flavor to dog food and may provide potential antioxidant benefits to support overall health.

  26. 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.

  27. Cane molasses is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to your dog's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable.

  28. Apple cider vinegar is a natural source of probiotics and enzymes that can help support your dog's digestive and immune system health.

  29. Fruit juice color is a natural food coloring derived from fruit sources, providing a safe and visually appealing appearance to your dog's food.

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

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

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

  33. 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.

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

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

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

  37. 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.

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

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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. Cobalt glucoheptonate is a highly bioavailable source of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin B12. This ingredient supports your dog's overall health and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and vitality.

  47. 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.

  48. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned beef, beef broth, beef liver, and dried egg product. These ingredients are high in protein, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of a pet's muscles and overall health.

Crude Fat (min) of 2.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the deboned beef, beef liver, flaxseed oil, and salmon oil. Fats are an important energy source for pets and also support healthy skin and coat. The relatively low minimum percentage reflects a controlled fat content, which may be beneficial for weight management.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.00%: The fiber in this pet food product is most likely provided by the vegetable ingredients such as bell peppers, dried potatoes, dried peas, carrots, and apples. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, but the low maximum percentage indicates that this is not a high-fiber food, which is typical for meat-centric pet diets.

Calories of 1011.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of energy derived from all macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The deboned beef and fats like flaxseed oil and salmon oil are calorie-dense ingredients that contribute significantly to the overall energy content of the food. Carbohydrates from dried potatoes, peas, and other vegetable sources also add to the calorie count.