Supporting Your Dog s Health with Salmon Infused Nutrition Plans

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe Review

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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe

According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe, we'll examine all 38 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

1. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

2. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

3. Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

4. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

5. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.

6. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

7. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

8. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

9. Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.

10. Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.

11. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

12. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

13. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

14. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

15. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

16. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

17. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

18. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

19. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

20. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

21. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

22. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

23. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

24. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

25. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

26. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

27. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

28. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

29. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

30. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

31. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

32. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

33. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

34. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

35. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.

36. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

37. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

38. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 32.00% is likely contributed by the deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, and pea protein. These are all high-protein ingredients, with the salmon and whitefish meals being concentrated forms of protein. The pea protein is a plant-based source of protein.

The Crude Fat minimum of 16.00% is likely primarily contributed by the deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, pork fat, and sunflower oil. Salmon and whitefish are both fatty fish, while pork fat and sunflower oil are added sources of fat.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% is likely contributed by the sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and flaxseed. These ingredients all contain dietary fiber, which helps with digestion.

The Calories of 3721.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but especially from the high-protein and high-fat ingredients like the salmon, whitefish, and pork fat. Carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas also contribute to the calorie count.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are added to ensure the pet food meets the nutritional needs of the pet. These include vitamins such as Vitamin E, B12, A, and D3 supplements, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and manganese amino acid complexes. These are not naturally occurring in sufficient amounts in the other ingredients, so they are added to the recipe.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe costs approximately $4.65 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have reported that their dogs, even the picky eaters, love Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe. They particularly enjoy the freeze-dried raw salmon pieces. Some pet owners have noticed improvements in their dogs' skin conditions, coat health, and weight management after switching to this food.

A few customers were disappointed that the product did not contain as many freeze-dried raw salmon pieces as expected. Some also mentioned that while their dogs loved the freeze-dried pieces, they were less interested in the kibble.

Some pet owners noted that this high-quality food is a bit expensive, but they felt that the nutritional value and positive effects on their dogs' health justified the price. There were also a few reports of dogs experiencing gas and diarrhea after eating this food, suggesting that it might not be suitable for all dogs.

Despite the high cost and some dogs' adverse reactions, many customers were satisfied with the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe and would recommend it to others. They appreciated the high protein content and the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

A few customers reported that their dogs had a strong preference for the freeze-dried pieces and would sometimes leave the kibble uneaten. Some dogs also seemed to prefer variety in their diet and would lose interest if fed the same flavor consistently.

Overall, customers praised the quality of the ingredients and the positive effects on their dogs' health. They also appreciated that the product is made in the US. However, some dogs experienced digestive issues, and the high cost was a deterrent for some customers.

Digestion + Gut Health Salmon Recipe with Ancient Grains

Ingredients

salmon meal, oatmeal, rye, whole oats, millet, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), de-boned salmon, flaxseed, natural flavour, tomato, monocalcium ph...osphate, psyllium husk, quinoa, apples, carrots, cranberries, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, brewer's dried yeast, dried chicory root, ground grain sorghum, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vitamin B12 supplement, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (ferrous sulphate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, selenium yeast, zinc oxide, copper sulphate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, taurine, L-lysine, DL-methionine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary

salmon meal, oatmeal, rye, whole oats, millet, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), de-boned salmon, flaxseed, natural flavour, tomato, monocalcium phosphate, psyllium husk, quinoa, apples, carrots, cranberries, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, brewer's dried yeast, dried chicory root, ground grain sorghum, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vitamin B12 supplement, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (ferrous sulphate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, selenium yeast, zinc oxide, copper sulphate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, taurine, L-lysine, DL-methionine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary

Can Dogs Eat Salmon?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Does your pooch have a penchant for fish? Many dogs like the taste and smell of seafood, but its important to understand the benefitsand possible risksanytime you consider adding a new ingredient to their diet.

Thankfully, when it comes to cooked salmon, your dog is safe. Salmon is a popular ingredient in many types of commercial dog food and is also OK for your dog to eat as a food topper or tasty treat. As with any new food, youll want to be careful not to feed your dog too much salmon to start, and be sure to watch out for any extra ingredients that might be included in typical human recipes (like butter or seasonings) that can be dangerous for dogs to eat.

Keep reading to find out how to safely prepare salmon for dogs, and when youll want to ask your vet for advice.

Is Salmon Good for Dogs?

Salmon can be a great addition to your dogs diet, and many high-quality dog food brands use salmon as a protein source. Unlike some seafood, such as tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportsthat salmon contains very low levels of mercury.

So, adding a little cooked, plain salmon to your dogs bowl can be a great way to give them an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. A few nutritional benefits of feeding your dog salmon include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which are good for dogs skin and coat health, and can even improve mobility for dogs with joint issues or other inflammatory diseases.
• Protein: In addition to being an excellent source of healthy fats, salmon is also a good source of protein, which helps your pooch build and repair muscle tissue. There are many high-quality dog foods that use salmon as a main source of protein, which can be a great option for dogs who have allergies to other proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb.
• Vitamins and minerals: Salmon is also a good source of B vitamins. One important nutrient thats critical for keeping your dogs brain and nervous system healthy is vitamin B12, and salmon is rich in B12.

Just be sure to check with your vet before making any major changes to your dogs diet, especially if your dog has any health conditions or sensitivities.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Raw?

Even with all the health benefits of salmon for dogs, pet parents should be cautious about feeding their pooch raw or undercooked salmon. Feeding your dog uncooked salmon can make them very sick. Raw and undercooked salmon can contain a parasite known to cause salmon poisoning disease, which can be fatal for dogs if left untreated. So sorry, sushi-sniffing hounds! Baked, broiled, grilled, and boiled fish are all much safer options for dogs to eat.

If your dog does get ahold of raw salmon or raw fish of any kind, give your vet a call so they can help you determine next steps.

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin?

If youve baked a nice salmon dinner but dont care much for the skin, its fine to share that leftover bite with your pooch. Salmon skin is safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure the fish has been thoroughly cooked and isnt seasoned with spices or ingredients that are toxic to dogs (like onions, butter, or garlic).

In fact, that scraping of salmon skin can be a great way to give Fido extra nutrients rather than throwing it into the compost if its not to your taste. Salmon skin actually contains even more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids than the rest of the fish. So if youre not a fan of the skin, topping off Fidos food dish with a small amount of your leftovers can be a win-win for you both. Just remember to feed your dog salmon skin only in small amounts.

How to Safely Feed Salmon to Your Dog

Salmon is a safe snack for dogs, but that doesnt mean you should grill them an entire fish for dinner tonight! Giving salmon as a treat is a good place to start, and you can gradually increase amounts to let your dogs body adjust to the new food. This can help them avoid adverse effects like an upset stomach or diarrhea, which can happen when your dogs usual menu changes.

Any salmon given to your dog should be fresh, cooked, and free from bones, which pose a choking hazard. Avoid any seasonings or extra ingredients, as many common ingredients are not safe for dogs to consume.

Canned salmon is also OK for dogs to eat, but youll want to watch the sodium. While canned salmon in water is a better choice for dogs than salmon packed in oil, rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess salt or oil from the canning process before adding it to your dogs dish.

How Much Salmon Can Dogs Eat?

Feeding small amounts of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon as an occasional treat is considered safeand even healthyfor dogs. But as with any new food, start slow! Its always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dogs health.

Here are some general guidelines for how much salmon is safe for dogs to eat, based on their weight:

• Extra-small dog (220 pounds): 12 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Small dog (2130 pounds): 23 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Medium dogs (3150 pounds): 34 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Large dogs (5190 pounds): 46 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week
• Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds): 68 ounces of fresh, cooked, boneless salmon per week

Note that these are just general guidelines. Its always best to check with your vet before making major changes to your furry friends food bowl.And remember: Raw seafood can contain harmful bacteria and/or parasites that can cause illness in dogs.

Featured Image: iStock/O_Lypa