Merrick Chunky Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Colossal Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food - (12) 12.7 oz. Cans (B00JFT6JE8)
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 ChickenVery 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 OilVery 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.
Chicken BrothGood
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.
Turkey BrothGood
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.
CarrotsGood
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.
PeasGood
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.
Flaxseed OilGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Provides omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
BiotinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Supports skin, coat, and nail health.
Pyridoxine HydrochlorideGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Supports protein metabolism and cognitive function.
Dried Egg ProductNeutral
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 StarchNeutral
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.
Guar GumNeutral
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.
SaltNeutral
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.
Calcium CarbonateNeutral
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.
Potassium ChlorideNeutral
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.
Zinc ProteinateNeutral
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 ProteinateNeutral
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.
Copper ProteinateNeutral
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 ProteinateNeutral
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 ProteinateNeutral
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 SeleniteNeutral
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 IodideNeutral
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.
Vitamin E SupplementNeutral
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 MononitrateNeutral
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.
Niacin SupplementNeutral
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 PantothenateNeutral
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.
Vitamin A SupplementNeutral
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 SupplementNeutral
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 SupplementNeutral
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 SupplementNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
RosemaryNeutral
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.
SageNeutral
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.
ThymeNeutral
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.
Choline ChlorideNeutral
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.
Magnesium SulfateNeutral
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.
Natural FlavorBad
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.
Sodium PhosphateBad
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.
Processing
Processed Foods
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