About Merrick Dog Food
Merrick first game on the pet food scene in 1988, and at the time, they were a small company that specialized in natural dog treats. But over the years, they become more invested in offering pets the premium quality dog food that the need to meet their nutritional needs.
Merricks philosophy is simple: they believe that dogs should be fed the best possible food. To that end, all of the products they make contain natural ingredients that are sourced from local farmers and most reputable suppliers. Additionally, all of their ingredients are approved by the FDA and other agencies that ensure the quality of pet food. Put simply, Merrick is one of the highest quality dog foods on the market today and for the past 30 years!
Discussion Of Most Important Ingredients Good And Bad
Here were going to take a closer look at the first ten ingredients in Merrick Grain Free Chicken and Sweet Potato recipe.
Its also worth noting this dog food contains chelated vitamins and minerals which are more easily absorbed from the food. This will help your dog have a balanced diet and get all the nutrients they need.
It also contains various probiotics including Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product and Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product which aid digestion and promote a healthy digestive system.
Kal Kan Complete Adult
This dog food makes the list because of questionable ingredient quality that is not nutritional and is somewhat harmful to dogs.
The primary ingredient is corn, which we just mentioned does not provide the proper nutrition your dog needs.
The second ingredient is meat and bone meal which is a dry product from the mammal tissues, including bones, exclusive of any added hair, blood, hoof, hide trimmings, horn, manure, rumen contents, and stomach.
Meat and bone meal may have a lower digestibility than most of the other meat meals.
Scientists believe that this decreased absorption may be because of the lower essential amino acid and higher ash content in the ingredient.
The meat itself can come from any mixture of cattle, pigs, goats or sheep, making classifying impossible for particular food allergens.
Although meat and bone meals are still considered meat concentrates rich in protein, a generic ingredient like this cannot be considered a quality item.
Kal Kans third ingredient is a soybean meal which a by-product or leftover of soybean oil production more often found in farm animal feed.
Although soybean meal comprises about 48% of protein, this ingredient would be estimated to have a lower biological value than meat.
Inexpensive plant-based ingredients like this can boost the total protein, an element that must be considered while judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
I think you get the point that these types of ingredients are not ideal for your furry friend.
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Merrick 5 Stars Spring Seasonals Dog Food Giveaway
Merrick 5-Star Spring Seasonals Love Potion Number 9 Canned Dog Food is the ultimate enchanting dog food. Delicious beef, Yukon potatoes, zucchini and tomatoes all combine with fruits and vegetables to make a mouth-watering dinner for your dog. Merrick 5-Star Spring Seasonals Love Potion Number 9 Canned Dog Food is a 5-star gourmet food that your dog will love.
We were sent a few cans of Merrick Grain Free Love Potion #9 to try out. I love that these cans have easy pop open lids this way you dont need a separate can opener for the dog food you just pop and pull which is a feature that would make me more likely to pick up a can or two for a special occasion. You know what I mean I am sure you have see the Merrick Christmas Dinner or Thanksgiving Dinner and always thought about buying one as a special treat. In fact I remember seeing the cans for the first time when Indiana was taking puppy socialization classes at a pet store and they were selling the Thanksgiving dinner one which I thought was so neat. With Valentines Day just days away I knew this would be a great product to try out and tell our readers about. It is a grain free food with a list of ingredients you might use to make your own dinner.
Wet Food Toppers And Treats
Our grain free dog food line also includes a number of wet recipes, treats, and toppers in a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please your pup. Our grain free wet dog food recipes include classic like Grammys Pot Pie and Cowboy Cookout. Treats and toppers offer endless opportunities to give your dog some extra love and can spice up mealtime!
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Merrick Canned Dog Food
The full lineup of Merrick wet dog food includes almost five dozen recipes across half a dozen product ranges. Most canned products come in 12.7 oz cans, though the Lil Plates formulas for small breeds are sold in 3.5 oz tubs. Heres a list of the most popular items you can buy online:
- Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Teeny Texas Steak Tips Dinner
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Little Lamb Chop Stew
- Merrick Grain Free Cowboy Cookout
- Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Real Lamb Recipe
- Merrick Backcountry Chunky Beef Dinner in Gravy
- Merrick Backcountry Grain Free – Alpine Rabbit Stew
While wet food is less popular than kibble, Merrick dog food rating is over 4 out of 5 stars across the board. And I couldnt find a single Merrick canned dog food review complaining about the quality. Most negative posts are about finicky eaters, recipe changes, and prices.
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs. Therefore, if you have a puppy, its important to feed him a food that is specially formulated to meet his unique nutritional needs. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your growing dog. As always, real meat is the first ingredient, and in this formula, that protein is sourced from deboned chicken. Its also completely grain free, so there is no need to worry that it will cause any adverse reactions.
To ensure that your puppy pal is receiving the nutrition that he needs, Merrick has infused this recipe with DHA for healthy brain development. It also contains a range of nutrients, including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to ensure that all of your poochs vital systems are being nourished as he is growing. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, and peas are just some of the additional natural ingredients that are used in this puppy formula. Highly recommended by veterinarians and animal nutritionists as a well balanced diet for puppies, you can rest assured that your pup will be receiving the very best nutrition with this Merrick formula.
What We Like About It
Reasons to Complain
- Some users said that there were large clumps of food in the bag when they received it, which made it hard for their puppies to chew
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Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for the overall health and well being of your furry best friend. Carrying around excess weight can cause a number of issues, including joint and cardiovascular problems. Therefore, if your pup is packing on the pounds, its important to offer him a specially formulated dog food for weight loss. With Merricks Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe, you can not only help your pooch shed those unwanted pounds, but you will also be able to ensure that he is getting the vital nutrients that he needs.
This formula offers the perfect balanced of protein and fiber without the added calories that many other dog foods contain. Fewer calories leads to healthier weight. Just like all other Merrick formulas, their weight loss recipe features real meat as the first ingredient. In this recipe, the protein is sourced from premium quality beef that has been carefully deboned. It also contains a bevy of natural fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, apples, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. On top of all of that, this formula also contains flaxseed oil, organic alfalfa, salmon oil, and a wide range of vital nutrients that your dog needs to thrive. Most pet owners say that their dogs love to eat this food, and they are very pleased with the weight loss results that it offers.
What We Like About It
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers said that they didnt see any results regarding weight loss
Worst Dog Food Brands To Avoid In 2021
Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal!
Thats why its essential to learn about the worst dog food brands and discover the best dog foods of 2021 to ensure your furry friend is getting the nutrition they deserve.
The list is based on factual data regarding the percentage of all the ingredients used in the various dog foods.
What makes the dog food brands on this list worth avoiding is that they fail to provide many -if any- of those nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. Instead they use a variety of low-quality ingredients and types of filler.
These can be harmful or unnamed ingredients that make them bad choices.
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Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato
If youre looking for a dry dog food that is packed with nutrients, free of grain, and tastes great, too, then you and your pooch will love Merricks Grain Free Dry Dog Food Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato recipe.
This formula is completely gluten free, so if your dog has a sensitive stomach, hell be able to digest this with ease. If he has a gluten sensitivity, this dog food wont aggravate him, either. The first ingredient in this formula from Merrick is real Texas been, which has been carefully deboned. This high protein dog food will help your dog build healthy, lean muscles to keep his musculoskeletal system in-check. Additionally, its completely free of poultry products, so if your pooch has a sensitivity to chicken or turkey, you will be able to eat this formula from Merrick with ease. Other ingredients include a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and more! Its also been infused with essential nutrients, including amino acids, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, calcium, vitamins A, B, D, and E. Most customers say that their dogs love the taste of this Merrick formula, and feel as if they are offering a dog treat, as well as a well balanced meal.
What We Like About It
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers said that they felt that their dogs may have experienced a skin reaction to this food
Merrick Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis
Quoted from the manufacturers website: MerrickPetCare.com
- Crude protein 38.00 %
- Omega-6 fatty acid* 4.80 %
- Omega-3 fatty acid* 0.40 %
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride* 1200 mg/kg
- Chondroitin Sulfate* 1200 mg/kg
* If an item has an *, this nutrient is not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles.
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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food contains a blend of wholesome, balanced ingredients that provide the dog with natural nutrition. The ingredients come in small size kibbles specially formulated for the jaws of the small breed dogs. The primary ingredient in the recipe is real farm-raised deboned chicken that contains high protein levels. The chicken helps the small breed dogs to build stronger lean muscles.
A rich blend of whole grains that include quinoa and oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals also make a considerable part of the balanced nutritional diet in this Merrick dog food classic. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are also other essential ingredients that help to support the dogs healthy skin and shiny coat. For the joints, bones, and teeth, the recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin that give the much-needed support.
Other vital ingredients in the recipe include chicken meal, barley, peas, turkey meal, chicken fat, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed oil, among others. The formula is grain-free with no wheat, soy, or corn. It does not have artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Restore your pups lean and powerful frame with this low-fat beef-first formula rich in animal-based protein and fiber for healthy, issue-free digestion.
If your pooch needs to lose a couple of extra pounds, Merrick Healthy Weight dog food can help him become lean and strong again without sacrificing the flavor. This beef-based formula is packed with protein and fiber to ensure healthy digestion. And its easier on the tummy than any grain-based recipe. Besides, you dont have to worry about skin or joint issues, as the formula includes Omega 3 and 6 along with glucosamine and chondroitin for a shiny coat and strong bones and joints.
Despite all the positives of this formula, reviews on Merrick dog food arent all glowing. Many buyers complain about the recent switch to smaller bags without reducing the price tag. Besides, some canines do not lose weight even months after switching to this kibble. If you dont see any changes, consult the vet and look for an alternative weight management solution.
KEY FEATURES:
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Low-fat formula designed to promote healthy weight
- 80% of protein is animal-based
- Health supplements for skin, coat, and joints in every bag
- Grain-free formula easy on sensitive tummies
WHAT WE DIDNT LIKE:
- May take time to promote weight loss
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Merrick Grain Free Wet Dog Food
The last recipe from Merrick on our list is their Grain Free Wet Dog Food. If your pooch is finicky and doesnt like dry dog food, then feeding him a premium quality wet dog food, like this option from Merrick, is a great option. Some pups simply prefer the texture and taste of wet food and find that it is more palatable than dry foods. With this formula from Merrick, you can rest assured that your pooch will love the flavor, and you can have peace of mind knowing that his nutritional needs will be met.
As with all of the dog foods that Merrick makes, this wet food formula features real protein as the first ingredient, which is deboned salmon. Its also completely grain free, like all of the other products that this manufacturer makes. Real fruits and vegetables, including apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, are just some of the other ingredients that are offered to create a well rounded, wholesome meal. And of course, it contains all of the essential nutrients that your pooch will need. Made for all life stages and all breeds, its a great food for small dogs, food for large dogs, food for puppies, and senior dog food, too!
What We Like About It
- Features real deboned salmon as the first ingredient
- Offers a wide selection of fruits and vegetables
- Contains absolutely no grains
- Free of artificial flavors and colors, as well as preservatives
- Offers complete nutrition for dogs of all ages and all sizes
- Made in the USA
Reasons to Complain
Overall Is Merrick Dog Food A Good Choice
Yes, Merrick dog foods can be a good choice for your dog. However, we think that you need to look carefully at their labels and consider ingredients.
Like some other companies, Merrick appears to be in the process of making changes to some of their ingredients and introducing some new products that have fewer or no peas.
If you like Merrick, we suggest that you give some of these pea-free foods a try for your dogs.
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Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken And Sweet Potato Recipe
This grain-free formula contains 70 percent meat ingredients and 30 percent plant-based ingredients and vitamins.
The main bulk of the carbohydrates come from sweet potatoes, which are both healthy and flavorful, whereas the meat is a mixture of chicken meal and fresh chicken.
It contains plenty of the healthy fats a dog needs to stay in tip-top condition and is rich in omega fatty acids like Omega 6 and Omega 3 as well as Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
Pros:
- The small kibbles are good for smaller breeds, as well as large.
- Its grain-free formula may be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who have allergies.
- Made in the USA from quality ingredients.
- Contains chelated vitamins and minerals to help give your dog a balanced diet.
Cons:
thumbs-down
- While its advertised as made in the USA, its not necessarily made from American ingredients.
- Some customer reviews indicate dogs have been sick or had loose stools after switching to this food, but this is a minority.
Our Merrick Dog Food Rating
Now that youve read this article, we think youll agree that Merrick foods are a good choice for the majority of dogs.
There is a wide range of options to suit all kinds of dietary requirements and needs, so we think its only the slim minority of dogs that wont get on well with this brand.
That said, it doesnt cater specifically for seniors or large breeds , which we think is an oversight. Its also not the cheapest of choices, so it will be out of budget for some folks.
We give it a total rating of 4.5 out of 5.
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