Choosing the right dog food is a crucial decision for any pet owner. Merrick Grain-Free Canned Dog Food offers a range of options designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, focusing on high-quality protein and beneficial ingredients. This review delves into the specifics of Merrick’s grain-free canned recipes, analyzing their ingredients, nutritional profiles, and overall value for pet parents.
Our Verdict on Merrick Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Canned product range consists of 15 recipes, with ratings varying from 3.5 to 5 stars. The average rating for the entire range is a commendable 5 stars. These recipes are formulated without grain, corn, wheat, or soy, and importantly, contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. They are characterized by high-quality protein as the primary ingredient, supported by a blend of vegetables and fruits like carrots, apples, and peas, which are rich in natural fiber.
Pros:
- Developed by expert nutritionists.
- USDA-certified ingredients are utilized in some recipes.
- Contributes to a dog’s hydration due to its canned formulation.
Cons:
- Can be a less budget-friendly option compared to some other brands.
The table below outlines each recipe within the Merrick Grain-Free Canned line, including its rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile it meets: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.
| Product Line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner | 4.5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Real Duck Dinner | 3.5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Real Beef, Lamb + Bison Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Chunky Grain Free Pappy’s Pot Roast Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Chunky Grain Free Big Texas Steak Tips Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Chunky Grain Free Colossal Chicken Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Chunky Grain Fee Carver’s Delight Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Cowboy Cookout | 4.5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie | 5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Wilderness Blend | 5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Chicken | 5 | G/M |
| Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Beef | 5 | A |
| Merrick Grain Free Turducken | 5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner | 5 | M |
| Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef Dinner | 5 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis: Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie
To provide a detailed examination, “Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie” serves as a representative for the analysis of the entire grain-free canned line.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 43.2%
- Fat: 22.7%
- Carbohydrates: 19.1%
The overall Merrick Grain-Free Canned range shows an average protein content of 42.5% and a mean fat level of 23.2%. This suggests an estimated carbohydrate content of approximately 20.8% for the product line, with a fat-to-protein ratio around 55%.
Ingredients in Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie:
Deboned chicken, chicken broth, dried egg product, potatoes, carrots, apples, peas, natural flavor, agar agar, guar gum, potato protein, salt, potato starch, sodium phosphate, minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, cobalt proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, potassium iodide], potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, vitamins [vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B-1), niacin supplement (vitamin B-3), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B-5), vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B-6), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B-2), biotin (vitamin B-7), vitamin B-12 supplement, vitamin D-3 supplement, folic acid (vitamin B-9)], fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), calcium carbonate, sunflower oil, choline chloride, rosemary, sage, thyme, yucca schidigera extract.
Estimated Fiber (dry matter content) = 1.8%
Note: Red denotes ingredients that are sometimes considered controversial.
Ingredients Analysis
The primary ingredient in this Merrick dog food is chicken. This is a high-quality animal protein source, naturally providing the essential amino acids vital for canine health.
Following chicken is chicken broth. While broths have moderate nutritional value, they enhance flavor and moisture, making them a common addition in wet dog foods.
The third ingredient is dried egg product. Eggs are highly digestible and possess an exceptional biological value, offering a good source of protein.
Potato is listed as the fourth ingredient. Potatoes serve as a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates, offering caloric content though limited nutritional benefits otherwise.
Carrots, the fifth ingredient, are a good source of beta-carotene, minerals, and dietary fiber.
The sixth ingredient, apple, is a fruit rich in nutrients and fiber.
Peas are also included. They provide quality carbohydrates and, like other legumes, are rich in natural fiber. It’s worth noting that peas contain a significant amount of protein, which should be factored into the overall meat content assessment of the food.
After natural flavor, agar agar is listed. This is a natural gelling agent derived from red algae, rich in fiber and used to thicken wet pet foods.
Guar gum, the eighth ingredient, is another thickening agent common in wet pet foods, derived from guar beans and contributing dietary fiber.
The remaining ingredients include various supplements and flavor enhancers. Ingredients found further down the list generally have a lesser impact on the overall nutritional profile, with a few exceptions.
One such commendable ingredient is fish oil, which is rich in EPA and DHA, essential omega-3 fatty acids known for their high bioavailability in dogs.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient list, Merrick Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie appears to be an above-average wet dog food. The dry matter basis reveals approximately 43.2% protein, 22.7% fat, and 19.1% carbohydrates. When comparing this to the brand’s average nutrient profile (42.5% protein, 23.2% fat), it shows near-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbohydrates relative to typical canned dog foods.
Merrick Dog Food Recall History
Merrick has experienced recalls in the past. A comprehensive list of all dog food recalls since 2009 can be found here.
More Merrick Reviews
Additional reviews for Merrick products are available on this website.
Our Rating of Merrick Grain Free Canned Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Canned is highly recommended, earning a 5-star rating. This assessment is based on its use of named meats as the primary protein source and its grain-free formulation. This commitment to quality ingredients and nutritional balance makes it a top choice for many dog owners.
About Merrick
All Merrick dog foods are manufactured in the United States, with most dry and wet recipes produced at the company’s three facilities in Hereford, Texas. Merrick distinguishes itself by owning its own cannery. The brand also owns Castor and Pollux Natural Petworks and produces Whole Earth Farms pet foods. Merrick was acquired by Nestle Purina PetCare in 2015.
Compare Merrick Grain Free Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free canned dog food stands as a strong contender when compared to The Dog Food Advisor’s most recommended brands, offering a high-quality, nutrient-dense option for canine diets.
Sources
Association of American Feed Control Officials
A Final Word
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