Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 43.5% of this cup, above the site average. Protein comes in at 21.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 21.0%
- Starch, derived
- 43.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 384
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Deboned Salmon
The flesh of salmon, an oily cold-water fish, used fresh.
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Salmon Meal
Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
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Brown Rice
Rice with only the inedible outer hull removed, so the bran and...
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Oatmeal
Oats that have been rolled or ground, used as a whole grain...
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Barley
The grain of the barley plant, one of the older cultivated cereals.
Salt is listed at #10. The 8 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 21.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 14.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 43.5% |
| Calories | 384 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 23.6% 13/30
Protein is 23.6% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 21%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 22% and 26% dry matter, adequate but unremarkable.
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Carbohydrate load 48.9% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 48.9% 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 Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Barley. 2 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 | 21% | 23.6% | low |
| Fat | 14% | 15.7% | |
| Fibre | 4.5% | 5.1% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 43.5% | 48.9% | 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 3,623 kcal per kilogram, or 384 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,623 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.
The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients for Canine Longevity
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for our beloved pets, it’s crucial to consider the impact it has on their overall health and longevity. One brand that has caught the attention of dog owners is Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients and how they contribute to a dog’s well-being.
Deboned Salmon: A Protein-Rich Powerhouse
Protein is an essential component of a dog’s diet, supporting their energy levels, muscle development, and overall vitality. Merrick’s use of deboned salmon as the primary ingredient is a promising start. Salmon is not only a highly digestible protein source but also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to a healthy coat, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health.
Salmon Meal: Concentrated Nutrition
Adding salmon meal to the recipe further enhances its nutritional value. Salmon meal is made from the byproducts of salmon processing and provides a concentrated source of protein. This ingredient helps ensure that dogs receive an adequate amount of protein to support muscle maintenance and repair.
Brown Rice and Oatmeal: Digestive Health and Sustained Energy
Brown rice and oatmeal are both considered easily digestible carbohydrates that provide dogs with a steady release of energy throughout the day. These ingredients can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing energy spikes and crashes. Additionally, they contain dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion and can contribute to firmer stools.
Barley: A Fiber-Rich Grain
Merrick’s inclusion of barley in their recipe brings additional benefits to the table. Barley is a grain that is rich in fiber, supporting healthy digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. It can also contribute to stable blood sugar levels and help manage weight, which is crucial for maintaining a dog’s overall health and longevity.
A Holistic Approach to Canine Well-Being
Now, let’s delve into the collective feedback from dog owners who have tried Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. One recurring theme is the positive impact this food has on picky eaters. This speaks to the palatability of the recipe, making it easier for dog owners to ensure their pets receive the necessary nutrition.
Furthermore, dog owners have noted that their pets with sensitive stomachs have experienced improved digestion after switching to this food. This aligns with the inclusion of easily digestible ingredients like brown rice and oatmeal in the recipe. By providing a balanced and gentle diet, Merrick helps dogs maintain optimal digestive health, reducing discomfort and promoting overall well-being.
The absence of legumes, which have been linked to heart problems in some dogs, is another notable positive aspect of this dog food. Dog owners can feel at ease knowing that they are feeding their pets a diet that prioritizes their heart health.
Conclusion
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a combination of high-quality ingredients that contribute to a dog’s health and longevity. The use of deboned salmon and salmon meal as primary protein sources provides essential nutrients for muscle development and overall vitality. Additionally, the inclusion of easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal supports sustained energy levels and healthy digestion.
Through careful ingredient selection and attention to the specific needs of dogs, Merrick has created a formula that is not only nutritionally balanced but also appealing to picky eaters. The positive feedback from dog owners regarding improved digestive health further reinforces the benefits of this dog food. Moreover, by avoiding legumes, Merrick prioritizes the cardiovascular health of our furry companions.
When it comes to choosing a dog food that positively impacts your pet’s well-being and longevity, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is certainly worth considering.
