Merrick Grain-Free Adult
Manufacturer: Merrick
The Merrick Grain-Free Adult (Merrick) earned a technical score of 86.4/100 (rated 🌟 Superior Quality) under the independent My Pet Magazine methodology, which combines the IDNM nutrient density index (91 pts) and the IPFI ingredient purity index (79 pts). On a dry-matter basis, this food for dogs delivers 35.96% protein and 16.85% fat. The analysis is computed by algorithm, with no payment or interference from brands.
Is Merrick Grain-Free Adult good?
Yes. Merrick Grain-Free Adult is in the "Superior Quality" band of our review, with a technical score of 86.4/100. The score combines nutritional density (IDNM 91) and ingredient purity (IPFI 79), with 35.96% protein and 16.85% fat on a dry-matter basis. At 3592 kcal/kg, FEDIAF maintenance needs work out to 149–172 g per day for an adult dog weighing 10 kg (full table below).
Nutritional Analysis
Dry-Matter Composition
Composition and Energy
Values as declared in the manufacturer guaranteed analysis (as-fed basis — as printed on the bag).
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | 32 % |
| Crude fat | 16 % |
| Crude fiber | 3.5 % |
| Moisture | 11 % |
| Metabolizable energy | 3592 kcal/kg |
How much to feed per day
Estimated daily serving (g/day) based on the metabolizable energy of this food (3592 kcal/kg) and the maintenance energy requirement (MER) of an adult dog per FEDIAF 2024, from the lowest value (low-activity dog; neutered or indoor cat) to the moderate one (moderately active dog; active cat). It is a starting point: adjust to your pet's body condition and your veterinarian's advice. The calculation ignores age, neutering (in dogs) and individual clinical conditions.
| Weight of the dog | Energy requirement | Recommended serving |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 318–368 kcal/day | 88–102 g/day |
| 10 kg | 534–619 kcal/day | 149–172 g/day |
| 20 kg | 898–1040 kcal/day | 250–290 g/day |
| 30 kg | 1218–1410 kcal/day | 339–393 g/day |
| 40 kg | 1511–1750 kcal/day | 421–487 g/day |
Formula: maintenance energy (kcal/day) = coefficient × weight(kg)^exponent. Dogs: coefficient 95 (low activity) to 110 (moderate activity), exponent 0.75 (FEDIAF 2024, Table VII-7, p. 55). Cats: coefficient 75 (neutered or indoor) to 100 (active), exponent 0.67 (FEDIAF 2024, Table VII-9, p. 57). Portion (g/day) = energy requirement ÷ (food kcal/kg ÷ 1000). Source: FEDIAF, Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs, July 2024.
Ingredients
- 1Deboned Chicken
- 2Chicken Meal
- 3Turkey Meal
- 4Sweet Potatoes
- 5Potatoes
- 6Peas
- 7Chicken Fat
- 8Natural Flavor
- 9Flaxseed
- 10Dried Yeast
What we like
- ✓fresh meat first ingredient
- ✓glucosamine and chondroitin
www.merrickpetcare.com — verified 2026-08-30
Frequently asked questions about Merrick Grain-Free Adult
- What is the technical score of Merrick Grain-Free Adult?
- Merrick Grain-Free Adult (Merrick) scores 86.4/100 under the My Pet Magazine methodology — a weighted average of the IDNM nutrient density index (91 points) and the IPFI ingredient purity index (79 points), by the formula (IDNM × 0.55) + (IPFI × 0.45). The analysis is 100% algorithmic, with no interference from brands.
- How much protein does Merrick Grain-Free Adult have?
- On a dry-matter basis (removing the effect of moisture), Merrick Grain-Free Adult has 35.96% protein and 16.85% fat. Converting to a dry-matter basis allows a fair comparison between foods for dogs with different moisture levels.
- Is Merrick Grain-Free Adult a good food for dogs?
- Under the My Pet Magazine classification, Merrick Grain-Free Adult is "Superior Quality" (score 86.4/100). Strengths: fresh meat first ingredient, glucosamine and chondroitin. Talk to a veterinarian before changing the diet of your dog.
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