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

Part of the Healthy Grains product line →

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

Deboned Salmon The flesh of salmon, an oily cold-water fish, used fresh.
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.
Oatmeal Oats that have been rolled or ground, used as a whole grain carbohydrate.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	25%
Crude Fiber (max.)	3.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	16%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,739 kcal/kg, 396 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	25%	28.1%	moderate
Fat	16%	18%
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 3,739 kcal per kilogram, or 396 kcal per cup.

54 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 28.1% 20/30

Protein is 28.1% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 25%, 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 Salmon, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley and Oatmeal. 2 of them are a named animal protein.
Flagged additives 1 found 6/10

We found: Menadione (vitamin K3), a synthetic form linked to toxicity at high doses and not permitted in human supplements.
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 (3,739 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.

Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Canine Longevity

As dog owners, we all want our furry companions to live long, healthy lives. One of the key factors in achieving this is ensuring that they receive a well-balanced diet. The food we feed our dogs directly impacts their energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. Today, we will be delving into the benefits and drawbacks of the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, using customer feedback and scientific research to assess its impact on canine longevity.

Analyzing the Ingredients

When it comes to evaluating the nutritional value of any dog food, it is essential to start with the ingredient list. The main ingredients of the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food include deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.

Deboned Salmon: A Source of Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Salmon is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides dogs with essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids play a crucial role in promoting a healthy coat and skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. Based on customer feedback, some dogs may not prefer the taste of salmon all the time, but it is important to note that fish, including salmon, should be a part of a dog’s diet due to the numerous health benefits it offers.

Chicken Meal: A Protein-Rich Ingredient

Chicken meal is another primary ingredient in this dog food. It is a concentrated source of protein, which is essential for maintaining strong muscles and supporting overall growth and development. The inclusion of chicken meal in the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe ensures that your dog receives an adequate amount of protein to thrive.

Brown Rice, Barley, and Oatmeal: Healthy Grains for Digestive Health

The presence of brown rice, barley, and oatmeal in this dog food provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. These grains promote healthy digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the fiber content in these grains can contribute to a feeling of fullness, preventing excessive weight gain.

The Impact on Canine Health and Longevity

Now that we have examined the key ingredients in the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, let’s consider their impact on various aspects of canine health.

Energy Levels and Overall Well-being

Based on customer feedback, dogs who consume this dog food generally exhibit healthy energy levels and overall well-being. This can be attributed to the balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats provided by the deboned salmon and chicken meal, as well as the nutrient-rich grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. Ensuring that your dog has adequate energy levels is crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle, which can contribute to their longevity.

Coat Condition and Skin Health

The inclusion of deboned salmon in this dog food is particularly beneficial for coat condition and skin health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon help nourish the skin, reduce itchiness, and promote a shiny, lustrous coat. Several dog owners have reported positive changes in their dogs’ coat and skin after incorporating this dog food into their diet.

Digestive Health

The presence of brown rice, barley, and oatmeal in the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe provides dogs with a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and preventing gastrointestinal issues. Dog owners have expressed satisfaction with their dogs’ digestion after feeding them this dog food.

Potential Drawback: Starch Content

While the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food offers many benefits, it is important to consider the starch content. According to the guaranteed analysis, this dog food has a starch content of 39.5%. High levels of starch can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in dogs. To maintain a lean body weight and potentially increase lifespan, it is recommended to feed dogs diets with lower starch ratios.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food offers a well-balanced blend of ingredients that can positively impact various aspects of canine health. The inclusion of deboned salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for coat condition and skin health, while the chicken meal offers a concentrated source of protein for overall growth and development. The addition of healthy grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal contributes to digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Based on customer feedback, this dog food has shown positive effects on energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of dogs. However, it is important to consider the starch content and potentially seek lower starch alternatives if necessary. When considering the longevity of our beloved pets, it is crucial to provide them with a nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. The Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food can be a valuable addition to any dog’s diet, supporting their health and potentially extending their lifespan.

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

Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, Quinoa, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt*, Apples, Carrots, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, 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, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), 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 Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has 25% protein, 16% 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 Healthy Grains Real Salmon + 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 Healthy Grains kibble has less starch ratio than the average.

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