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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + 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 Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, and Turkey Meal. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 37.5%.

Deboned Chicken The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh. Roughly 70% of its weight is water, most of which is driven off during cooking.
Chicken Meal Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal, with most of the water and fat 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.
Turkey Meal Turkey that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	26%
Crude Fiber (max.)	3.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	16%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,711 kcal/kg, 393 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	16%	18%
Fibre	3.5%	3.9%
Carbohydrate (estimated)	37.5%	42.1%	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 3,711 kcal per kilogram, or 393 kcal per cup.

63 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 42.1% 9/25

Estimated carbohydrate is 42.1% 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 3 named 15/25

The first five ingredients are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley and Turkey Meal. 3 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 (3,711 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.

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

When it comes to choosing the right dog food for our furry friends, we want to ensure that it not only satisfies their taste buds but also contributes to their overall health and well-being. One brand that has gained popularity among dog owners is Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food. Let’s take a closer look at this product and evaluate its impact on canine longevity based on customer feedback and the ingredients used.

The Ingredients: A Recipe for Health

The main ingredients of this dog food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, and turkey meal. These protein-rich sources are essential for a dog’s energy levels, muscle development, and overall health. Chicken and turkey are lean meats that provide necessary amino acids, while brown rice and barley offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

One customer review highlighted the positive impact of these ingredients on their Yorkie’s knee health. The high-quality protein, combined with the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin, may have contributed to the improvement in the dog’s knee condition. These compounds are known to support joint health and mobility, particularly in older dogs or those with existing joint issues.

A Balanced Approach to Digestive Health

Digestive health plays a crucial role in a dog’s overall well-being. The inclusion of brown rice and ancient grains in this recipe provides dietary fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and ensuring regular bowel movements. Some customers have reported that their dogs experienced firmer stools after switching to this food, suggesting that it may be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

However, it’s important to note that individual dogs may have different dietary needs and sensitivities. One reviewer mentioned that their dog developed diarrhea after consuming this food for over a month. If your dog has a history of digestive issues or allergies, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.

A Taste Sensation

Taste is an important factor when it comes to dog food, and Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe seems to have won over many canine palates. Numerous reviews mentioned that dogs love the taste of this food, with some even describing it as their dog’s favorite brand. The small kibble size was especially appreciated by small breed owners, making it easier for their dogs to chew and enjoy.

However, taste preferences can vary from dog to dog. One review mentioned that their dog refused to eat this food, even though they typically have no issues with other brands. It’s essential to consider your dog’s individual preferences and consult with your veterinarian if you encounter any difficulties in finding a food that suits their taste.

The Packaging Predicament

While the quality of the food is crucial, the packaging also plays a role in maintaining its freshness. Several reviews pointed out that the smaller 4 lb. bag in this product line lacks a resealable closure, making it difficult to keep the kibble fresh. Merrick may want to consider updating the packaging to provide a more convenient solution for pet owners.

Conclusion

Based on customer feedback and the ingredients used, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food offers a balanced approach to canine nutrition. The inclusion of high-quality proteins, whole grains, and essential nutrients contributes to a dog’s energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health.

While the majority of reviews were positive, it’s important to note that individual dogs may have different dietary needs and preferences. It’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, particularly if they have specific health concerns or allergies.

Remember, a well-rounded diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care are all essential factors in promoting a long and healthy life for your furry companion.

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

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt*, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Sunflower Oil, 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 Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has 26% protein, 16% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 11% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 37.5% 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 Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food as 37.5%. 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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