Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 28.5% of this cup, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 34.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 34.0%
- Starch, derived
- 28.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 388
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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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Turkey Meal
Turkey 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...
Salt is listed at #13. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 34.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 17.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 28.5% |
| Calories | 388 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 38.2% 30/30
Protein is 38.2% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 34%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.
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Carbohydrate load 32% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 32% 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, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 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 | 34% | 38.2% | very high |
| Fat | 17% | 19.1% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 28.5% | 32% | 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 3,668 kcal per kilogram, or 388 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,668 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.
Analysis: Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, it’s essential to consider both the ingredients and the feedback from other dog owners. One popular option on the market is the Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. In this analysis, we’ll explore how the ingredients in this dog food contribute to canine longevity, taking into account the collective experiences of dog owners.
Ingredients
The main ingredients of the Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. Let’s look at how each of these ingredients can impact various aspects of a dog’s overall well-being and longevity.
Protein for Energy and Vitality
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are excellent sources of protein. Protein is essential for a dog’s energy levels, muscle development, and overall vitality. The positive feedback from dog owners suggests that the protein-rich nature of this dog food has been beneficial for their pets’ energy levels and overall health.
High-Quality Carbohydrates
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are included as sources of carbohydrates in this dog food. These complex carbohydrates provide a sustained release of energy, keeping dogs active and satisfied throughout the day. The inclusion of these ingredients may contribute to the positive experiences shared by dog owners, who have noticed increased energy and satisfaction in their pets.
Coat Condition and Digestive Health
The quality of a dog’s coat is often an indicator of their overall health. The Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food contains ingredients that can positively impact a dog’s coat condition. The protein from chicken and turkey, along with the vitamins and minerals present in sweet potatoes, can help promote a healthy and shiny coat.
Additionally, the presence of sweet potatoes and potatoes as sources of dietary fiber can contribute to digestive health. Fiber aids in digestion and can prevent common digestive issues in dogs. The positive feedback regarding the flavors and freshness of this dog food suggests that it may have a positive impact on digestive health.
Overall Well-being and Longevity
The collective feedback from dog owners who have tried the Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food indicates that it has had a positive impact on their pets’ overall well-being. Dogs have shown increased energy levels, improved coat condition, and a more positive attitude towards mealtime.
When considering the relationship between diet and longevity, it is important to note that a balanced and nutritious diet, such as this one, can play a crucial role. The high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and beneficial vitamins and minerals in this dog food contribute to a dog’s overall health and, potentially, a longer lifespan.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has received positive feedback overall, it’s important to mention a potential drawback. The guaranteed analysis of this dog food reveals a starch content of 29.5%. High amounts of starch in a dog’s diet can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to maintain a healthy body weight.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food is a decision that can significantly impact a dog’s health and longevity. The Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a blend of ingredients that provide essential nutrients for energy, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being.
Based on the positive feedback from dog owners, it is clear that this dog food has been well-received by furry friends. The inclusion of deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes contributes to the positive experiences shared by dog owners, indicating that this dog food may be a valuable choice for those seeking to enhance their pet’s longevity.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the starch content in this dog food and monitor your dog’s weight to prevent potential health issues associated with high starch intake. Remember, every dog is unique, and it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your furry friend. By considering the ingredients and feedback from other dog owners, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your dog’s health and longevity.
