Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 37.5% of this cup, close to 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
- 37.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 370
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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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Turkey Meal
Turkey that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
Salt is listed at #11. The 18 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 30.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 12.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 37.5% |
| Calories | 370 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 42.1% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 42.1% dry matter, between 40% and 50% dry matter, high. 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 Turkey 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 | 30% | 33.7% | high |
| Fat | 12% | 13.5% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 37.5% | 42.1% | high |
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 3,492 kcal per kilogram, or 370 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,492 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: Merrick
1 FDA recall on record for Merrick.
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.
Assessing Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Introduction
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry companions, especially as they age. It’s important to provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated for senior dogs, aiming to address their changing nutritional needs. Let’s dive into the ingredients and customer reviews to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of this dog food in relation to canine longevity.
The Ingredients
Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food boasts a list of main ingredients that play a crucial role in supporting a senior dog’s health. These ingredients include deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turkey meal.
The presence of deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients is a positive sign. It indicates that the food is rich in protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and providing energy. Protein also supports a healthy immune system, ensuring that your senior dog can combat age-related health issues effectively.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are included as sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for your dog’s daily activities, keeping them active and engaged. Additionally, these ingredients are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gastrointestinal system.
Turkey meal is another valuable ingredient in this dog food. It offers a supplementary source of protein and essential amino acids. These nutrients contribute to strong bones, healthy skin, and a lustrous coat – all crucial factors in assessing a dog’s overall well-being.
Customer Feedback and Its Impact
When evaluating the impact of Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food on dog longevity, it’s essential to consider the feedback from actual dog owners.
Many reviewers have noticed positive changes in their senior dogs’ health since switching to this dog food. One dog owner mentioned that their older dogs had fewer digestive issues after transitioning to the senior diet. This feedback suggests that the ingredients in Merrick’s formula are gentle on a dog’s aging digestive system.
Another reviewer expressed satisfaction with the nutrient content of the food, particularly for their small senior dogs. They mentioned that their dogs’ energy levels remained high, despite their age. This observation aligns with the protein-rich ingredients in the dog food, which support muscle maintenance and overall vitality.
Additionally, some reviewers noted that their picky eaters eagerly consumed Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. This indicates that the taste and texture of the food are appealing to dogs, encouraging them to eat a balanced meal. For dogs that may have dietary restrictions due to age or dental issues, this is a significant advantage.
Potential Considerations
While the majority of customer feedback for Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is positive, it’s important to acknowledge that individual experiences may vary.
One reviewer mentioned that their dog experienced weight gain, potentially due to anxiety-related overeating. This feedback suggests that pet owners should monitor their dogs’ food intake and adjust portions accordingly. Obesity is a significant concern for senior dogs as it can lead to various health issues and reduce overall lifespan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a promising option for senior dogs. The inclusion of high-quality protein sources, such as deboned chicken and chicken meal, supports muscle maintenance and overall energy levels. The presence of sweet potatoes and potatoes provides necessary carbohydrates and fiber for digestion.
Customer feedback highlights the positive impact of this dog food on senior dogs’ well-being, with reports of improved digestion and sustained energy levels. The appealing taste and texture make it an excellent choice for picky eaters.
However, it’s crucial to be mindful of portion control, especially for dogs prone to weight gain. Overall, Merrick Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food seems to offer a nutritious and balanced option for supporting the longevity and vitality of your senior canine companion.
