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Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Part of the Grain Free product line →

Top 5 ingredients of Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food are Deboned Beef, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Whitefish Meal. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 35.5%.

Deboned Beef The clean flesh of cattle, used fresh. Like all fresh meats it is mostly water before cooking.
Turkey Meal Turkey that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.
Sweet Potatoes The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate. Botanically unrelated to the ordinary potato.
Potatoes The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate.
Whitefish Meal Whitefish that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	28%
Crude Fiber (max.)	4.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	15%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,673 kcal/kg, 400 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	28%	31.5%	high
Fat	15%	16.9%
Fibre	4.5%	5.1%
Carbohydrate (estimated)	35.5%	39.9%	moderate

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 3,673 kcal per kilogram, or 400 kcal per cup.

69 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 31.5% 20/30

Protein is 31.5% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 28%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.
Carbohydrate load 39.9% 15/25

Estimated carbohydrate is 39.9% dry matter, between 30% and 40% dry matter, around the middle of the catalogue. 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 Beef, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes and Whitefish 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 (3,673 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.

Analyzing Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners looking for a grain-free option for their puppies. It boasts high-quality ingredients such as deboned beef, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whitefish meal.

The Importance of Ingredients for Canine Longevity

When it comes to evaluating the impact of dog food on a dog’s health and lifespan, the ingredients play a crucial role. The quality and balance of ingredients can affect various aspects of a dog’s well-being, including energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health. Let’s dive into the key ingredients found in Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food and assess their benefits and drawbacks based on customer feedback.

Deboned Beef and Turkey Meal: High-Quality Animal Protein

The inclusion of deboned beef and turkey meal as the main sources of animal protein in this dog food is generally well-received by dog owners. They appreciate that these protein sources are real meat and not by-products. High-quality animal protein is essential for dogs’ growth, development, and overall health. It provides them with the necessary amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal muscle maintenance, immune function, and energy levels.

However, one customer review raises concerns about the protein content coming from peas, a legume ingredient listed further down the ingredient list. The reviewer mentions that dog metabolism and growth depend on taurine, which is found in animal protein, not plant protein. They also mention studies linking excessive plant protein to heart problems in dogs. While this review highlights a potential drawback, it’s important to note that the legume ingredient is not listed as one of the main ingredients in the product.

Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes: Nutrient-Rich Carbohydrate Sources

Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food includes sweet potatoes and potatoes as sources of carbohydrates. These ingredients offer several benefits for dogs. They are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Additionally, sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which support immune function, skin health, and coat condition.

However, one review mentioned that excessive sweet potatoes and peas can cause certain urinary tract issues. The reviewer’s puppy experienced urinary crystals after consuming this dog food. While this may not be a common occurrence, it emphasizes the importance of consulting with a veterinarian when choosing a food for your puppy, especially if they have specific health concerns.

Whitefish Meal: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for a Healthy Coat

Whitefish meal is another ingredient found in Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food. It is a valuable addition due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in promoting a healthy coat and skin. Dog owners who have tried this dog food have noted that their puppies’ coats were shiny and healthy after consuming it.

Mixed Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is mixed. Some dogs seem to enjoy the taste and thrive on this food, while others have experienced negative reactions, such as upset stomachs, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s important to remember that individual dogs may have unique dietary needs and sensitivities.

Additionally, some reviews raise concerns about the link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. While these concerns are not specific to this product, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest research and consult with a veterinarian to make an informed decision about your puppy’s diet.

Conclusion

Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a grain-free option with high-quality animal protein and nutrient-rich carbohydrates. The inclusion of deboned beef, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and whitefish meal provides essential nutrients for growing puppies. However, it’s important to be aware of potential sensitivities or health concerns specific to your puppy. Consulting with a veterinarian is always recommended to ensure you’re making the best dietary choices for your furry friend’s longevity and well-being.

Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food Ingredients

Deboned Beef, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Whitefish Meal, Tapioca, Peas, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Deboned Salmon, Salt*, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness, 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 Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food has 28% protein, 15% fat, 4.5% fiber, and 11% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 35.5% 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 Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food as 35.5%. Basically, around one third 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 Grain Free kibble has less starch ratio than the average.

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