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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Part of the Classic Healthy Grains product line →

Top 5 ingredients of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food are Deboned Beef, Pork Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, and Oatmeal. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 38.5%.

Deboned Beef The clean flesh of cattle, used fresh. Like all fresh meats it is mostly water before cooking.
Pork Meal Pork that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.
Brown Rice Rice with only the inedible outer hull removed, so the bran and germ stay on the grain.
Barley The grain of the barley plant, one of the older cultivated cereals.
Oatmeal Oats that have been rolled or ground, used as a whole grain carbohydrate.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	26%
Crude Fiber (max.)	3.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	15%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,648 kcal/kg, 386 kcal/cup

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	26%	29.2%	moderate
Fat	15%	16.9%
Fibre	3.5%	3.9%
Carbohydrate (estimated)	38.5%	43.3%	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 3,648 kcal per kilogram, or 386 kcal per cup.

58 out of 100

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.

Protein, dry matter 29.2% 20/30

Protein is 29.2% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 26%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.
Carbohydrate load 43.3% 9/25

Estimated carbohydrate is 43.3% 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.
First five ingredients 2 named 10/25

The first five ingredients are Deboned Beef, Pork Meal, Brown Rice, Barley and Oatmeal. 2 of them are a named animal protein.
Flagged additives none found 10/10

None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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.

How much to feed

We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,648 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.

The Impact of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food on Canine Longevity

A Balanced Blend of Ingredients for Optimal Health

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is formulated with a combination of deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal as its main ingredients. These ingredients work together to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your furry companion.

Beef and pork meal are excellent sources of protein, which is crucial for maintaining a dog’s energy levels and supporting muscle development. Protein also plays a key role in repairing and building tissues, aiding in the overall well-being of your pet.

Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal are healthy grains that contribute to the nutritional profile of this dog food. These grains are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate bowel movements. A healthy digestive system is essential for your dog’s overall well-being and longevity.

Customer Feedback and Potential Concerns

While the majority of customers appreciate the quality of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, a few negative reviews have raised concerns. One customer mentioned a change in the food’s color and observed increased itching in their dog after switching to this recipe. It is important to note that individual sensitivities and allergies can vary among dogs, and what may work for one may not work for another.

Another customer expressed dissatisfaction, stating that their dog became sick after consuming this dog food and had a decreased appetite. However, it is crucial to consider that this particular review may be influenced by the perception that the product’s quality has declined since Purina acquired Merrick. While it’s understandable that changes in ownership can raise concerns, it’s important to evaluate the dog food based on its ingredients and the experiences of a larger customer base.

An Overall Positive Outlook

Despite the negative feedback, it is important to highlight that many customers have had positive experiences with Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food. Transitioning their dogs to this food was seamless, with no reported issues of diarrhea or sickness. This indicates that the majority of dogs can tolerate and enjoy this recipe.

However, it is worth noting that one customer mentioned a concern with the packaging, as the bag had a hole that could potentially lead to insects or fungus contaminating the food. While this seems to be a packaging issue rather than a problem with the actual product, it’s something to be mindful of and address with the manufacturer.

Considering Longevity

When evaluating the impact of a dog food on canine longevity, it is important to consider a variety of factors beyond individual reviews. The ingredients in Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food provide a well-rounded nutritional profile that can support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

While some dogs may have specific sensitivities or allergies, the majority of dogs can thrive on this recipe. The protein content from deboned beef and pork meal supports energy levels and muscle development, while the inclusion of healthy grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal promotes digestive health.

It is worth noting that the guaranteed analysis of this dog food indicates 26% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber, 11% moisture, and 39.5% starch. High levels of starch can lead to health problems in dogs, including insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog’s weight and ensure they maintain a lean body condition.

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, it’s essential to consider their individual needs, consult with your veterinarian, and make an informed decision based on a combination of expert advice and customer feedback. Remember, what works for one dog may not work for another, so it’s important to find the right balance that supports your dog’s longevity and overall well-being.

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food Ingredients

Deboned Beef, Pork Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Pork Fat, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Salt*, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Chia Seed, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product

Nutrition Distribution of Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has 26% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 11% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 38.5% starch.

The largest proportion of Carbohydrates in dog food is provided by starch and indeed dogs don't have carbohydrate requirement at all.

We calculated the starch ratio in Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food as 38.5%. Basically, around two fifths of the food you feed to your dog is starch.

Average starch ratio of dry dog foods on inthekibble.com is 38.51% - and that means this Classic Healthy Grains kibble has less starch ratio than the average.

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