Slow-Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style Chopped Pork Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
This is a grain-free, pork-based canned food for adult dogs, featuring deboned pork and pork liver in a BBQ-style gravy. It provides moderate protein for a wet food, with potatoes and carrots as the main carbohydrate sources and added fish and flaxseed oils for fatty acids. It’s designed as a complete, moist meal or topper for adult dogs of any breed size who enjoy a chunky texture in gravy.
A well-formulated, grain-free wet food that uses deboned pork and pork liver as primary animal protein sources, with simple carbs from potatoes and carrots. The added fish oil, flaxseed oil, and vitamin–mineral mix help round out the nutrient profile for adult dogs. It should suit many healthy adult dogs, but the pork and egg content won’t be ideal for dogs with sensitivities to those proteins, and the relatively low fat level may not be enough on its own for very high-energy dogs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned pork and pork liver provide named animal proteins and important nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
- Grain-free formula that avoids corn, wheat, and soy, which can be helpful for dogs that don’t tolerate those ingredients well.
- Includes fish oil and flaxseed oil, which supply omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Reasonable moisture and chunk-in-gravy texture can help with hydration and is often very palatable, useful for picky eaters or as a topper.
Considerations
- Contains pork and dried egg product, which are potential allergens for some dogs; not suitable if your dog is sensitive to these proteins.
- At 1.5% minimum fat on an as-fed basis, this is relatively low in fat for a wet food and may not fully meet the needs of very active or underweight dogs without additional calories from another source.
- Grain-free and relies on potatoes as a main carbohydrate; while potatoes aren’t part of the current DCM concern in the same way as peas and lentils, owners specifically seeking grain-inclusive diets will want to be aware of this.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
02
Beef Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
03
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth is typically used in pet foods and toppers as a low-calorie flavor enhancer and source of moisture to improve palatability and encourage drinking, but it contributes negligible protein or fat. It can provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals depending on the vegetables used, yet pet owners should check labels for added salt, onion or garlic (toxic to dogs and cats), and other seasonings or preservatives that may be unsuitable for pets or sodium-restricted diets.
04
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.
05
Egg Product
Egg product is used in pet foods as a high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer, providing complete essential amino acids, fats, vitamins (such as A, D and B12), minerals and choline, and it often serves as a binder or emulsifier when included as whole, dried or concentrated egg. It supplies bioavailable nutrients for dogs and cats but can be a food allergen for some individuals, may be higher in fat depending on yolk content, and should be properly processed (pasteurized or cooked) to reduce microbial risk.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Kansas City Style Chopped Pork Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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