Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork Review

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Review of Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork

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 Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork 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 Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork, we'll examine all 42 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. Pork is a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance, and provides vital nutrients for your dog's 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. Pork liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which help support your dog's overall health.

  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. 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.

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

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

  9. Whey Protein Concentrate is a high-quality protein source that can support muscle development, immune function, and overall health in dogs.

  10. 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.

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

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

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

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

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

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

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  27. 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.

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

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

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

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

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

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary source of protein in this pet food is the deboned pork, which is the first ingredient listed, indicating it is the most abundant by weight. Pork liver also contributes to the overall protein content. The dried egg product is another high-quality protein source in the mix. Whey protein concentrate further boosts the protein content, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in pets.

Crude Fat (min) of 2.00%: The fat content is relatively low in this pet food, with the minimum set at 2.00%. The deboned pork and pork liver naturally contain some fat, but additional fats are likely provided by the sunflower oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil listed in the ingredients. These oils are not only sources of fat but also provide essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 1.00%: Fiber is an important component for digestive health. The maximum fiber content is limited to 1.00%, indicating this is a low-fiber diet. The sources of fiber in this pet food are likely to be the vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, as well as the potato starch. The fiber content helps to regulate the digestive system without being too high, which could interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

Calories of 804.00 per kg: The caloric content of this pet food is provided by a combination of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The deboned pork and pork liver are calorie-dense due to their protein and fat content. Carbohydrates from potatoes and carrots, as well as cane molasses, also contribute to the overall energy density of the food. The oils added for fat content, such as sunflower oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil, are also high-calorie ingredients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork costs approximately $4.88 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $130.02
10 lbs $218.66
15 lbs $296.38
20 lbs $367.75
30 lbs $498.44
40 lbs $618.47
50 lbs $731.14
60 lbs $838.28
70 lbs $941.02
80 lbs $1040.14
90 lbs $1136.20
100 lbs $1229.63

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are raving about the Merrick Slow Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style With Chopped Pork dog food, with many noting that their dogs are enthusiastic eaters of this product. Pet owners are pleased by the high-quality ingredients and the absence of artificial preservatives, as well as the fact that the food is made in the USA. The BBQ aroma seems to be a hit, with several reviews mentioning that the food smells like real barbecue, which is enticing to both dogs and their owners.

Despite a few negative reviews concerning dogs with sensitive stomachs or those that simply didn't take to the flavor, the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Some dogs who are typically picky eaters have been converted by this food, licking their bowls clean and showing great excitement at mealtime. Pet owners appreciate the meaty chunks and thick gravy, and some have even noted that the food looks and smells appetizing enough for humans.

For those concerned about their dog's dietary needs, one reviewer from the veterinary field gave the food a thumbs-up, though they suggested a little more fiber would be beneficial. The product is also described as suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, including those with dental issues. Overall, many customers have expressed their intent to repurchase and recommend Merrick's BBQ-flavored dog food to others.