Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Kentucky Style with Chopped Lamb

Brand: Grain Free Wet, Merrick

Overall Score

The overall score is an average of the ingredient quality and ingredient safety concerns. For more information, see our evaluation criteria.

Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Kentucky Style with Chopped Lamb

Overall Score

The overall score is an average of the ingredient quality and ingredient safety concerns. For more information, see our evaluation criteria.

Brand: Grain Free Wet, Merrick

Ingredient Quality

6 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is calculated to contain 25% carbohydrate ^ⓘDogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrate but they are used for energy, texture and taste. Starch is also required for extrusion in dry foods. Excessive carbohydrate is an indicator of food quality as it can be used to reduce manufacturing cost. Foods that are high in carbohydrate can raise insulin and cause obesity. Some studies also show that dogs fed a high carbohydrate content have changes to their gut bacteria. Learn more
Contains plant protein ^ⓘPlant-based protein sources are the least expensive substitute for quality animal protein. Whenever possible, animal sources of protein are preferred because they contain a wider array of amino acids than plant based protein sources and are more digestible. Learn more
Is fortified with excessive vitamins ^ⓘWhen vitamins come from whole food sources, they include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable. While a couple of added vitamins are acceptable, five or more implies the food is of poor nutritional value. Learn more
Is fortified with excessive minerals ^ⓘFive or more added minerals indicate a lower quality food that’s lacking naturally occurring minerals from whole food sources.

Ingredient Safety

4 out of 10

Evalutation Criteria

Product is highly processed ^ⓘCanned foods are heated before and during canning, which will cause significant losses in some active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients. Learn more
Contains ingredients known to contain higher pesticide/herbicide residues in the top 5 ingredients including peppers ^ⓘPesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. Foods with the largest reported amount of residue will be penalized, including crops that are known to be spray-dried with glyphosate. Learn more
Contains known GMO ingredients including potatoes ^ⓘThere are limited safetey studies on geneticaly modified and Roundup Ready crops although they are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. GMO crops also strip nutrients from soils, require increased pesticide risk and may be involved in bee die-off. Learn more
Contains natural flavor ^ⓘNatural flavors are often animal digest or MSG, which are low quality ingredients with limited safety studies. Learn more

Other Concerns

Notable product facts

Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is not provided. ^ⓘDiets rich in omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation and disease. Learn more

How It Compares

Food Type

Food Function

Life Stage

Ingredients On Package

Deboned Lamb, Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Deboned Chicken, Green Peppers, Potatoes, Dried Egg Product, Potato Protein, Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Natural Smoke Flavor, Dried Tomato, Fruit Juice Color, Choline Chloride, Flaxseed Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Guar Gum, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Sodium Phosphate, Apple Cider Vinegar, Xanthan Gum, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min)	8%
Crude Fat (min)	3%
Crude Fiber (max)	1%
Moisture (max)	82%

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