Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + 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
- 389
-
Deboned Duck
The clean flesh of the duck, with or without skin, used fresh.
-
Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
-
Turkey Meal
Turkey that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
-
Sweet Potatoes
The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a...
-
Potatoes
The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free...
Salt is listed at #16. The 13 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 | 389 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
First five ingredients 3 named 15/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
-
Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
-
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 3,678 kcal per kilogram, or 389 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,678 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 Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Power of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to our beloved furry friends, we want nothing but the best for them. And one essential aspect of their well-being is the food they consume. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully consider the ingredients in the dog food we choose. Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food boasts a lineup of high-quality ingredients, including deboned duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.
One of the standout ingredients in this formula is the deboned duck. Duck is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for maintaining a dog’s energy levels, muscle development, and overall health. The inclusion of chicken meal and turkey meal further enhances the protein content, ensuring that our furry friends receive a well-rounded diet.
A Holistic Approach to Canine Health
The collective feedback from dog owners who have tried Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food tells a compelling story. Many pet owners have noticed significant improvements in their dogs’ health after switching to this brand. One customer even mentioned that their dog’s persistent odor disappeared within just five days of starting this diet. This positive change can likely be attributed to the high-quality ingredients and the absence of fillers or artificial additives.
Furthermore, numerous customers have reported that their dogs experienced improved coat condition and digestive health while on this particular formula. These positive outcomes can be attributed to the carefully selected ingredients in the food. Sweet potatoes, for example, are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes healthy bowel movements. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in sweet potatoes contribute to a shiny and lustrous coat.
Longevity and Overall Well-Being
The ultimate goal of any dog owner is to ensure their pet’s longevity and overall well-being. Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food seems to align with this objective, as evidenced by the feedback from satisfied customers. Many have reported that their dogs have maintained high energy levels, ideal body weights, and excellent overall health while on this diet.
One dog owner even shared that their Golden Retrievers, who previously suffered from gastrointestinal issues, experienced significant improvements after switching to Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. This positive change could be attributed to the absence of gluten grains and the inclusion of easily digestible ingredients like sweet potatoes and potatoes.
Considerations and Conclusion
While the majority of customer reviews for Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food are positive, a few individuals mentioned that their dogs did not seem to enjoy the taste of this particular formula. It’s important to remember that every dog is unique, with individual preferences and dietary needs. However, these isolated cases should not overshadow the overall positive feedback and the benefits that many dogs have experienced while on this diet.
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry companion, it’s crucial to prioritize high-quality ingredients that contribute to their health and longevity. Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food checks all the boxes, with its focus on protein-rich sources like deboned duck, chicken meal, and turkey meal, as well as nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and potatoes.
By selecting a dog food that nourishes their bodies and supports their overall well-being, we can provide our furry friends with the foundation they need for a long and fulfilling life. Remember, always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
