Slow-Cooked BBQ Kentucky Style Chopped Lamb Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a grain-free, chunky wet food for adult dogs featuring deboned lamb as the main protein, supported by chicken and egg for additional amino acids. Red peppers and potatoes provide carbohydrate and fiber sources, and the high moisture, gravy-style texture can help boost water intake and palatability. It’s designed for adult dogs who do well on a grain-free diet and enjoy rich, stew-like meals.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet food option for adult dogs that leans on lamb, chicken, and egg for animal-based protein, with potatoes as the main carbohydrate. The formula is grain-free and relatively simple, with no artificial colors or preservatives and added vitamins and chelated minerals for completeness. It should suit many healthy adult dogs, though it won’t be appropriate for those with lamb, chicken, or egg allergies, and very high-energy dogs may need larger portions or a higher-calorie companion diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned lamb as the first ingredient, with additional animal proteins (chicken and egg) to provide a good amino acid profile.
- Grain-free formula using potatoes instead of grains, which can be helpful for dogs that don’t tolerate certain grains well.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives, and includes chelated (proteinate) minerals, which can be more readily absorbed.
- High moisture canned texture that can help with hydration and is often very palatable for picky eaters.
Considerations
- Contains lamb, chicken, and egg, all of which are common protein allergens, so it’s not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- As a wet food with moderate protein and fat on an as-fed basis, very active or working dogs may require higher total daily calories or an additional higher-calorie food to maintain weight.
- Grain-free and potato-based; for dogs with a history of diet-associated heart concerns, it’s worth discussing overall diet choices with your veterinarian, especially if other grain-free foods are also being fed.
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
Deboned Lamb
Deboned lamb is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein source for dogs and cats, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron and zinc while lacking the calcium associated with bone-in meats. It can be a palatable option and a potential novel protein for animals with food sensitivities, but owners should note lamb can be higher in fat and calories than lean meats and raw or undercooked lamb may carry pathogens unless properly processed, so check product labels and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs.
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.
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.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 Kentucky Style Chopped Lamb Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook