Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
A third of this cup is starch, comfortably below the site average. Protein comes in at 28.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 28.0%
- Starch, derived
- 34.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 401
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Deboned Chicken
The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Sweet Potatoes
The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a...
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Potatoes
The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free...
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Salmon Meal
Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
Salt is listed at #16. The 16 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 28.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 16.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 34.5% |
| Calories | 401 kcal/cup |
The Open Score
Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.
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Protein, dry matter 31.5% 20/30
Protein is 31.5% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 28%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.
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Carbohydrate load 38.8% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 38.8% dry matter, between 30% and 40% dry matter, around the middle of the catalogue. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
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First five ingredients 3 named 15/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes and Salmon Meal. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10
1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.
A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.
Nutrition, dry matter
The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 89% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 28% | 31.5% | high |
| Fat | 16% | 18% | |
| Fibre | 4.5% | 5.1% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 34.5% | 38.8% | moderate |
Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,680 kcal per kilogram, or 401 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,680 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.
Recall history: Grain Free
1 FDA recall on record for Grain Free.
Get told if this changes
Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.
Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Ingredients and Their Impact on Canine Health and Longevity
Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners who are looking for a quality food option for their puppies. Let’s dive into its ingredients and analyze how they contribute to or detract from aspects of dog health such as energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall longevity.
1. Deboned Chicken: The presence of real chicken as the first ingredient is a positive aspect of this dog food. Chicken is a lean source of protein that provides essential amino acids for muscle development and repair. Dog owners have reported positive feedback regarding their puppies’ muscle mass and overall shape, which indicates the benefits of this ingredient.
2. Chicken Meal: While some dogs may be sensitive to chicken byproducts, it’s important to note that chicken meal is a concentrated source of proteins and nutrients. One review mentioned that a puppy had a healthy coat and was happy after consuming this food, which suggests that chicken meal in this formula does not cause any adverse reactions.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a highly nutritious ingredient, packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They provide complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of sustained energy for active puppies. Customers have praised this ingredient for its positive impact on coat condition, clean teeth, and healthy stools.
4. Potatoes: Potatoes are another source of carbohydrates, providing energy for puppies. However, some customers have mentioned concerns about excessive amounts of sweet potatoes and peas in grain-free foods potentially causing urinary tract issues. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure a balanced diet and avoid any potential health concerns.
5. Salmon Meal: Salmon meal is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat, joint health, and brain development in puppies. Positive feedback regarding coat condition and overall puppy health further emphasizes the potential benefits of this ingredient.
The Overall Sentiment: Customer Feedback and Canine Longevity
The majority of customer feedback for Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is positive. Dog owners appreciate the grain-free formula, as it is suitable for puppies with grain sensitivities. The fact that the food is made in the USA, with local ingredients sourced from Texas, adds to its appeal.
Many customers have reported that their puppies enjoy the food, have healthy coats, and maintain good energy levels. Additionally, several reviews have mentioned that the puppies’ stools were solid and easy to pick up, indicating good digestive health. These positive indicators align with the ingredients in the dog food, such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and salmon meal.
However, it is essential to consider the few negative reviews as well. Some customers have reported that their puppies didn’t like the food or experienced loose stools. One review also mentioned concerns about the excess of sweet potatoes and peas potentially causing urinary tract issues. While these experiences are not representative of the majority, they highlight the importance of individual dog sensitivities and the need for consultation with a veterinarian when choosing a puppy food.
Conclusion: Choosing a Dog Food for Longevity
When selecting a dog food for your puppy, it is crucial to evaluate the quality of the ingredients and their potential impact on your pet’s health and longevity. Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food contains high-quality main ingredients that provide essential nutrients for muscle development, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being.
While the majority of customer feedback is positive, it is important to remember that each dog is unique, and individual sensitivities may arise. Consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure that your puppy’s specific dietary needs are met and any potential health concerns are addressed.
Choosing the right dog food is an investment in your puppy’s long, healthy life. By considering ingredients, customer feedback, and consulting with professionals, you can make an informed decision that supports your puppy’s overall health and longevity.
