Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 31.5% of this cup, comfortably below the site average. Protein comes in at 30.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 30.0%
- Starch, derived
- 31.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 389
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Deboned Lamb
The clean flesh of sheep, used fresh.
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Lamb Meal
Lamb that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Whitefish Meal
Whitefish 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 #14. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 30.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 17.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 31.5% |
| 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.
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Protein, dry matter 33.7% 26/30
Protein is 33.7% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 30%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 32% and 38% dry matter, comfortably above what an adult dog needs.
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Carbohydrate load 35.4% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 35.4% 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 Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whitefish 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 | 30% | 33.7% | high |
| Fat | 17% | 19.1% | |
| Fibre | 4.5% | 5.1% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 31.5% | 35.4% | 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 3,673 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 (3,673 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 Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis for Canine Longevity
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry companion, there are several factors to consider. One crucial aspect is the impact the food has on your dog’s health and overall well-being, including their longevity. In this analysis, we will delve into the benefits and drawbacks of Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food, based on customer feedback and scientific research.
Ingredients that Promote Energy and Vitality
The main ingredients in Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food are deboned lamb, lamb meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients play a vital role in providing dogs with the energy they need to live an active and fulfilling life.
Lamb: Lamb is a high-quality source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health. Protein is especially important for active dogs, as it helps repair and build tissues. The inclusion of lamb meal ensures a concentrated source of protein, providing dogs with long-lasting energy.
Whitefish meal: Whitefish meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. These fatty acids also contribute to a healthy and shiny coat, a visible sign of a dog’s well-being.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes: Sweet potatoes and potatoes are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These ingredients provide dogs with sustained energy throughout the day, helping them stay active and engaged. Complex carbohydrates also support digestive health, as they are easier to digest compared to simple carbohydrates.
Positive Impact on Digestive Health
Digestive health is a crucial aspect of a dog’s overall well-being and can significantly impact their longevity. Several customer reviews indicate that Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has had a positive effect on their dogs’ digestive systems.
One customer mentioned that their dogs experienced major gut problems like gas and diarrhea with other foods but saw a significant improvement after switching to Merrick. This improvement can be attributed to the absence of gluten grains in the food, as gluten can be challenging for some dogs to digest.
Another customer mentioned that their dog’s digestion and weight greatly improved after switching to this brand. These positive changes in digestive health can be attributed to the high-quality ingredients and the absence of fillers or artificial additives that may cause digestive upset.
Enhanced Coat Condition
A healthy and lustrous coat is often an indicator of a dog’s overall health and vitality. The reviews for Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food consistently mention improvements in coat condition after switching to this brand.
One customer stated that their dog’s coat became shinier and healthier after a few months of feeding them this food. This improvement can be attributed to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids from whitefish meal. These fatty acids nourish the skin and promote a glossy coat.
Overall Well-being and Longevity
The collective feedback from dog owners who have fed their dogs Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is overwhelmingly positive. Many customers report improved energy levels, weight management, and overall health in their dogs.
Several customers mentioned that their dogs have been on this food for years and are in excellent health. One customer even mentioned that their dog, who had diabetes, experienced positive results, including a shinier coat and increased energy, after switching to this brand.
A notable aspect of the customer feedback is the absence of any recalls associated with Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. This is a significant consideration for dog owners who prioritize the safety and quality of the food they provide to their pets.
Conclusion
Based on the ingredient list and the collective feedback from dog owners, Merrick Grain-Free Real Lamb + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a beneficial choice for promoting canine longevity. The high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids contribute to energy levels, digestive health, coat condition, and overall well-being.
While individual experiences may vary, the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback suggests that this food has had a significant positive impact on the health and longevity of many dogs. However, it is essential to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs and consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their diet.
Remember, providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet is a crucial step towards ensuring their long and healthy life.
