Slow-Cooked BBQ Kentucky Style Chopped Lamb Wet Dog Food
Verified Aug 17, 2026
This is a grain-free, chunky wet food for adult dogs featuring deboned lamb as the main protein, along with chicken and egg for additional high-quality protein. Potatoes provide the main carbohydrate source, and the BBQ-style gravy makes it a higher-moisture option that can be fed alone or mixed with dry food.
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Strong Choice
Overall, this is a high-quality grain-free wet food for adult dogs that leans on lamb, chicken, and egg as its primary protein sources. The formulation is fairly moderate in protein and fat for a canned diet, which can work well for many average adult dogs when fed in appropriate amounts. It may be a nice option as a full diet or a topper for dogs that enjoy rich, meaty flavors and extra moisture in their meals.
Computed from 3 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned lamb is the first ingredient, supported by chicken and egg for a good mix of animal protein sources.
- Grain-free formula without corn, wheat, or soy can suit dogs that do not tolerate those ingredients well.
- High moisture content helps support hydration and can be helpful for dogs that prefer softer foods.
- Includes a full vitamin and chelated mineral premix, which supports balanced nutrition when fed as directed.
Considerations
- Contains lamb, chicken, beef broth, and egg, so it is not suitable for dogs with allergies to any of those proteins.
- Being grain free and potato based, it may not be ideal if your vet has recommended a grain-inclusive diet for your dog.
- The moderate protein and fat levels may be lower than some other canned foods, so very active or working dogs may need larger portions.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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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
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
04
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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05
Red Pepper
Red pepper is commonly used in pet food as a natural flavoring and colorant and can contribute antioxidants, carotenoids (vitamin A precursors), vitamin C, and some dietary fiber—especially when mild varieties like red bell pepper are used. While small amounts can add nutrients and palatability, dogs and cats synthesize their own vitamin C so it is not essential, and spicy/hot peppers containing capsaicin can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, so formulations use minimal amounts and concentrated or hot pepper products should be avoided for pets.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
Manufacturer
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
No recall is listed for Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Kentucky Style Chopped Lamb Wet Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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