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Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog food Review (Dry)

Home Reviews Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog food Review (Dry)

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Which Merrick Limited Ingredient Dry Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food receives the Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet product line includes the 4 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Merrick Limited Ingredient Lamb and Sweet Potato Grain Free was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Lamb and Sweet Potato Grain Free

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Deboned lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, canola oil, potato protein, pea protein, flaxseed, natural flavor, dried yeast, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, minerals (zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, sodium selenite, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, calcium iodate), dl-methionine, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement), mixed tocopherols for freshness, citric acid for freshness

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is lamb. Although it is a quality item, raw lamb contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is lamb meal. Lamb meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh lamb.

The third ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The next ingredient is potato, another source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The sixth item is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The seventh ingredient is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.

The eighth ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.

Even though these last two ingredients contain over 80% protein, they would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And both of these less costly plant-based products can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The ninth ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Merrick product.

With 5 notable exceptions

First, we find chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Next, this product contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

In addition, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

And lastly, this recipe includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in its nutrient profiles, we question the use of this item in any canine recipe.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet looks like an average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 50%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 51% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

Which means this Merrick product line contains

Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to other kibbles.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, potato protein, pea protein and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a moderate amount of meat.

Our Rating of Merrick Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog foods that use a moderate amount of named meat meals as their dominant source of animal protein, thus receiving 3.5 stars.

Recommended.

However, its unfortunate the company chose to include menadione in its recipes. Without this controversial supplement and minus the plant-based protein boosters, we would have been compelled to award this brand a higher rating.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Merrick through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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More Merrick Brand Reviews

The following Merrick dog food reviews are also posted on this website:

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Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food

Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food is a grain-inclusive, complete and balanced meal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Made with 9 key ingredients, this recipe is made with salmon, the only protein source, great for dogs with certain allergies or sensitivities. This meal is also an excellent source of fiber for healthy digestion and is made with healthy grains like brown rice and oatmeal.

Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food is rich in omegas for skin and coat health, has glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints and added vitamins and minerals for your dogs well being. Made without corn or soy ingredients and completely chicken-free, this recipe is great for dogs that dont have salmon allergies and are looking for limited ingredients. Crafted in Hereford, Texas and cooked in the USA. Available in a 22 lb bag.

Why We Recommend Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food:

• Formulated for adult dogs
• Limited ingredient diet with 9 key ingredients
• Complete and balanced meal
• Salmon #1 ingredient and only animal protein source
• Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health
• Made with healthy grains and sweet potatoes for healthy digestion
• No corn or soy ingredients
• Added vitamins, minerals and nutrients
• Crafted and cooked in the USA

Ingredients:

Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate), DL- Methionine, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Citric Acid for freshness.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude protein (min.) 21%
• Crude fat (min.) 14%
• Crude fiber (max.) 4.5%
• Moisture (min.) 11%
• Taurine* (min.) 0.17%
• Omega-6 fatty acid* (min.) 4.5%
• Omega-3 fatty acid* (min.) 1%
• Glucosamine* (min.) 800 mg/kg
• Chondroitin sulfate* (min.) 800 mg/kg

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

*If an item has an *, this nutrient is not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCODogNutrient Profiles.

Feeding Guide:

Additional Info:

Using the chart below, divide the total cups per day by the total number of times you feed your dog per day to determine the portion size for each meal. Keep a clean bowl of fresh water available at all times. Every dog is a little different, so optimal feeding amounts may vary with age, size and activity level. Please use the information below as an initial recommendation only and adjust when needed. Dry and wet food in combination will help to increase the level of water in your dogs diet. If feeding with wet food, reduce dry amount by 1/2 cup for every 6 oz. of wet food.

For dogs over 100 lbs: Add 1/3 cup per additional 10 lbs.

Transitioning: Gradually mix in the new food over a 5-7 day period, increasing the amount of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe each day.

Calorie Content:

3623 kcal/kg or 384 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy)(calculated)

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (With Healthy Grains) Review

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Review of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (With Healthy Grains)

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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (With Healthy Grains) 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (With Healthy Grains), we'll examine all 34 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. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

4. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

5. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

6. 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.

7. Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.

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. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

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

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

24. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

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

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

27. 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.

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

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

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

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

34. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 21.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned salmon and salmon meal. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein that not only contributes to the overall protein content but also provides essential amino acids necessary for the health of the pet. Salmon meal, which is a concentrated form of salmon, has had most of the moisture removed, making it a denser source of protein.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the deboned salmon, salmon meal, canola oil, and flaxseed. Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the fat content. Canola oil is added as a fat source, providing essential fatty acids and energy. Flaxseed is also known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, further contributing to the total fat percentage.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: The ingredients contributing to the fiber content include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and sweet potatoes. These are carbohydrate sources that also provide dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. The fiber content helps to ensure proper bowel function and can aid in weight management by providing a sense of fullness.

Calories of 3822.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients in the food proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The deboned salmon and salmon meal, being rich in protein and fat, contribute significantly to the caloric value. Canola oil, a dense source of calories due to its fat content, also increases the overall energy density of the food. Carbohydrates from brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and sweet potatoes provide additional calories, although less energy-dense than fats.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (With Healthy Grains) costs approximately $3.45 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

Customers generally appreciate the high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe. Many have noted improvements in their dogs' health, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. One owner mentioned that their dog's coat became more beautiful and they had more energy after switching to this food. Another found it to be the only food that controlled their dog's skin issues effectively.

There are positive remarks about the food's suitability for dogs with selective diets, as it provides complete nutrition even with limited ingredients. Some have supplemented the diet with probiotics, such as Greek yogurt, due to the absence of these in the food. In response to concerns about tear staining, one customer observed that only one of their four dogs experienced it, suggesting individual sensitivities rather than a food-related issue.

Owners of small to medium-sized dogs have praised the size of the kibble, finding it perfect for their pets. However, those with larger breeds have noted that the kibble may be too small. In terms of palatability, many dogs seem to love the taste, with one owner even using the kibble as treats during potty training.

While some customers have encountered consistency issues with the kibble size and color between different bags, this hasn't deterred their dogs from enjoying the food. Those who have switched from other brands due to allergies or dietary restrictions have been satisfied with the results, often noting a marked improvement in their dogs' symptoms and overall well-being.

Despite a few reports of dogs drinking more water and experiencing increased salt intake with this food, the overall sentiment is that the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is a high-quality, beneficial choice for dogs, particularly those with specific dietary needs.