Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8)

Common questions

Is Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8) healthy?

Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8) scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains high-quality ingredients like deboned chicken, chicken broth, and fish oil, which provide essential nutrients and support overall health.

How processed is Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8)?

Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8) is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8)'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth count in its favor; Natural Flavor, Sodium Phosphate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8)

Merrick
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains high-quality ingredients like deboned chicken, chicken broth, and fish oil, which provide essential nutrients and support overall health. However, the presence of processed ingredients such as natural flavor and sodium phosphate, along with its processed nature, limits its score. The product maintains a balance of beneficial components but is not entirely free from additives that could impact its nutritional value.

Key ingredients 38

Deboned Chicken
Very Good

Deboned chicken is a high-quality source of animal protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth. It provides a complete amino acid profile, which is superior to plant-based proteins. The ingredient is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional integrity.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids and nutrients that support muscle health and overall vitality in dogs.

Fish Oil
Very Good

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart, skin, and coat health. It is highly bioavailable and provides EPA and DHA, essential for reducing inflammation. The oil is typically extracted from fatty fish, preserving its beneficial properties.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart, skin, and coat health, and reduce inflammation.

See more about Fish Oil →
Chicken Broth
Good

Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture to the food, enhancing palatability. It is a natural source of minerals and can aid in hydration. The broth is typically made by simmering chicken bones, which can release beneficial nutrients.

Benefits

Provides flavor and hydration, along with trace minerals that support overall health.

See more about Chicken Broth →
Turkey Broth
Good

Turkey broth is used to enhance flavor and moisture content in pet food. It is a natural source of nutrients and can improve the palatability of the food. The broth is made by simmering turkey bones, which can release beneficial nutrients.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and provides hydration, along with trace minerals beneficial for health.

Carrots
Good

Carrots are a natural source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. They provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health. Carrots are minimally processed and retain their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, supporting vision and digestive health.

See more about Carrots →
Peas
Good

Peas are a source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing to digestive health. They contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K and manganese. Peas are minimally processed, preserving their nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that support overall health.

See more about Peas →
Flaxseed Oil
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.

See more about Flaxseed Oil →
Biotin
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Supports skin, coat, and nail health.

See more about Biotin →
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Supports protein metabolism and cognitive function.

See more about Pyridoxine Hydrochloride →
Dried Egg Product
Neutral

Dried egg product is a concentrated source of protein and essential amino acids. It is processed to remove moisture, which can affect nutrient bioavailability. While it provides protein, it lacks the freshness of whole eggs.

Risks

Potential allergen for some pets sensitive to eggs.

Benefits

Offers a concentrated source of protein and essential amino acids.

Potato Starch
Neutral

Potato starch is used as a thickening agent and carbohydrate source. It is highly processed, which can reduce its nutritional content. While it provides energy, it lacks significant vitamins or minerals.

Benefits

Acts as a carbohydrate source, providing energy.

See more about Potato Starch →
Guar Gum
Neutral

Guar gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in pet food. It is derived from guar beans and is highly processed. While it helps maintain texture, it offers minimal nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues in some pets.

Benefits

Helps maintain the desired texture and consistency of the food.

See more about Guar Gum →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the food. It is a necessary mineral for maintaining electrolyte balance. However, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and other health issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance and enhancing flavor.

See more about Salt →
Calcium Carbonate
Neutral

Calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement and acidity regulator. It is a common additive in pet food to ensure adequate calcium intake. While beneficial for bone health, it is highly processed.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, supporting bone health.

See more about Calcium Carbonate →
Potassium Chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used to provide potassium, an essential mineral for heart and muscle function. It is a processed form of potassium, commonly used in pet foods. While it supports health, it is not a natural source.

Benefits

Supplies potassium, which is crucial for maintaining heart and muscle health.

See more about Potassium Chloride →
Zinc Proteinate
Neutral

Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc, enhancing its absorption. It is used to support immune function and skin health. While beneficial, it is a processed form of zinc.

Benefits

Improves zinc absorption, supporting immune and skin health.

Iron Proteinate
Neutral

Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron, improving its bioavailability. It is essential for oxygen transport and energy production. The chelation process enhances absorption compared to non-chelated forms.

Benefits

Supports oxygen transport and energy production through improved iron absorption.

See more about Iron Proteinate →
Copper Proteinate
Neutral

Copper proteinate is a chelated form of copper, enhancing its absorption. It is important for red blood cell formation and immune function. The chelation process improves bioavailability compared to non-chelated forms.

Benefits

Supports red blood cell formation and immune function through enhanced copper absorption.

Cobalt Proteinate
Neutral

Cobalt proteinate is a chelated form of cobalt, used to enhance absorption. It plays a role in vitamin B12 synthesis and red blood cell production. The chelation process improves its bioavailability.

Benefits

Supports vitamin B12 synthesis and red blood cell production.

Manganese Proteinate
Neutral

Manganese proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, enhancing its absorption. It is important for bone development and enzyme function. The chelation process improves bioavailability compared to non-chelated forms.

Benefits

Supports bone development and enzyme function through enhanced manganese absorption.

Sodium Selenite
Neutral

Sodium selenite is a form of selenium used in pet food to support antioxidant activity. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While it provides selenium, it is not as bioavailable as organic forms.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to selenium toxicity.

Benefits

Supports antioxidant activity and immune function.

Potassium Iodide
Neutral

Potassium iodide is used to provide iodine, essential for thyroid function. It is a processed form of iodine, commonly used in pet foods. While it supports health, it is not a natural source.

Benefits

Supplies iodine, crucial for maintaining thyroid health.

See more about Potassium Iodide →
Vitamin E Supplement
Neutral

Vitamin E supplement is used to provide antioxidant support, protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant support, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Thiamine Mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1, used to support energy metabolism. It is commonly added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and overall health.

See more about Thiamine Mononitrate →
Niacin Supplement
Neutral

Niacin supplement is used to provide vitamin B3, essential for energy production and skin health. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports energy production and skin health.

Calcium Pantothenate
Neutral

Calcium pantothenate is a synthetic form of vitamin B5, used to support energy metabolism. It is commonly added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and overall health.

See more about Calcium Pantothenate →
Vitamin A Supplement
Neutral

Vitamin A supplement is used to support vision and immune function. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to vitamin A toxicity.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function.

Riboflavin Supplement
Neutral

Riboflavin supplement is used to provide vitamin B2, essential for energy production and skin health. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports energy production and skin health.

Vitamin B-12 Supplement
Neutral

Vitamin B-12 supplement is used to support energy production and red blood cell formation. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports energy production and red blood cell formation.

Vitamin D-3 Supplement
Neutral

Vitamin D-3 supplement is used to support bone health and calcium absorption. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to vitamin D toxicity.

Benefits

Supports bone health and calcium absorption.

Folic Acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, used to support cell division and red blood cell formation. It is commonly added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports cell division and red blood cell formation.

See more about Folic Acid →
Rosemary
Neutral

Rosemary is used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It contains antioxidants that can support health. While beneficial, it is used in small amounts, limiting its impact.

Benefits

Provides natural antioxidants and enhances flavor.

See more about Rosemary →
Sage
Neutral

Sage is used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It contains antioxidants that can support health. While beneficial, it is used in small amounts, limiting its impact.

Benefits

Provides natural antioxidants and enhances flavor.

Thyme
Neutral

Thyme is used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It contains antioxidants that can support health. While beneficial, it is used in small amounts, limiting its impact.

Benefits

Provides natural antioxidants and enhances flavor.

See more about Thyme →
Choline Chloride
Neutral

Choline chloride is used to support liver function and brain health. It is a synthetic form, which can affect absorption. While beneficial, it is not as bioavailable as natural forms.

Benefits

Supports liver function and brain health.

See more about Choline Chloride →
Magnesium Sulfate
Neutral

Magnesium sulfate is used to provide magnesium, essential for muscle and nerve function. It is a processed form, commonly used in pet foods. While it supports health, it is not a natural source.

Benefits

Supplies magnesium, crucial for maintaining muscle and nerve health.

See more about Magnesium Sulfate →
Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a vague term that can encompass a wide range of substances, often used to enhance taste. It lacks transparency, making it difficult to assess its true nutritional impact. The ingredient is highly processed, which can diminish its nutritional value.

Risks

Potential for undisclosed allergens or additives that may cause sensitivities.

Benefits

Enhances the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to pets.

See more about Natural Flavor →
Sodium Phosphate
Bad

Sodium phosphate is used as a preservative and to maintain moisture. It is a synthetic additive that can affect mineral balance in the body. Overconsumption may lead to health concerns.

Risks

Excessive intake may disrupt mineral balance and contribute to kidney issues.

Benefits

Helps preserve the food and maintain moisture content.

See more about Sodium Phosphate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Pet Food