Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Two fifths of this cup is starch, above the site average. Protein comes in at 23.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 23.0%
- Starch, derived
- 41.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 371
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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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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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Peas
The seed of the pea plant, used whole, split or dried as...
Salt is listed at #12. The 7 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 23.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 14.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 41.5% |
| Calories | 371 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 25.8% 13/30
Protein is 25.8% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 23%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 22% and 26% dry matter, adequate but unremarkable.
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Carbohydrate load 46.6% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 46.6% 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 2 named 10/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes and Peas. 2 of them are a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives 1 found 6/10
We found: Menadione (vitamin K3), a synthetic form linked to toxicity at high doses and not permitted in human supplements.
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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 | 23% | 25.8% | moderate |
| Fat | 14% | 15.7% | |
| Fibre | 4.5% | 5.1% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 41.5% | 46.6% | 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 3,507 kcal per kilogram, or 371 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,507 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: Limited Ingredient Diet
1 FDA recall on record for Limited Ingredient Diet.
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 Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
An Introduction to Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners who are looking for a high-quality and nutritious option for their furry friends. Packed with deboned lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas, this dog food formula promises to provide a balanced and satisfying meal for dogs of all ages and sizes.
The Power of Deboned Lamb and Lamb Meal
One of the key ingredients in this dog food is deboned lamb, which offers a rich source of protein. Protein is essential for dogs as it helps to maintain their energy levels and supports muscle development. Additionally, lamb is often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities or allergies to other meat sources.
Lamb meal, another protein-rich ingredient found in this recipe, is a highly concentrated source of essential amino acids. These amino acids are crucial for maintaining a dog’s overall well-being and vitality. The presence of lamb and lamb meal in this dog food formula ensures that your canine companion receives the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Peas: The Carbohydrate Powerhouse
In addition to high-quality proteins, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food contains sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These ingredients serve as excellent sources of digestible carbohydrates, providing dogs with the necessary energy to fuel their daily activities.
Sweet potatoes, in particular, are known for their rich fiber content, which aids in promoting healthy digestion. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. The inclusion of potatoes and peas further enhances the carbohydrate profile of this dog food, ensuring a well-rounded meal for your four-legged friend.
Listed Benefits and Real-World Experiences
While the ingredients in Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food suggest numerous benefits for canine health, it is essential to consider the real-world experiences of dog owners who have tried this product.
Some dog owners have reported that their dogs did not enjoy the taste of this dog food, as evident from the feedback provided. It is important to note that taste preferences can vary among individual dogs, and what suits one may not suit another. However, it is worth considering such feedback, as dogs may be less likely to consume a food they find unappetizing.
In contrast, many dog owners have praised the high-quality ingredients found in Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. They have observed improvements in their dogs’ energy levels, coat condition, and overall well-being. This positive feedback suggests that the combination of deboned lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas can contribute to a dog’s overall health and longevity.
Addressing Concerns and Making Informed Choices
Some dog owners have expressed concerns about changes in the formulation of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food. It is important to consider these concerns and evaluate whether any changes in ingredients could impact your dog’s health and well-being.
For instance, one dog owner mentioned the addition of canola oil to the formula, which they perceived as a cost-cutting measure. While canola oil is generally considered safe for dogs, it is crucial to monitor your dog’s reaction to any changes in their diet. If your dog has specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, it may be necessary to explore alternative options that better suit their needs.
Conclusion
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a promising combination of high-quality ingredients that can contribute to a dog’s overall health and longevity. The presence of deboned lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas ensures a balanced and nutritious meal for your canine companion.
While individual dog preferences may vary, the collective feedback from dog owners suggests that this dog food can positively impact energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. It is important to consider any concerns raised by dog owners, particularly regarding potential changes in the formula, and make informed choices that align with your dog’s specific needs.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By paying attention to both the ingredients and real-world experiences, you can make an informed decision that promotes your dog’s health and longevity.
