Which Member’s Mark Recipes Are Highly Rated?
At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we want the best for our furry friends. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at Member’s Mark Dog Food. With a mid-tier rating of 3 stars from the experts at Advisor, Member’s Mark offers a range of dry dog food options to meet your pup’s needs.
A Variety of Options for Your Pooch
The product line includes 5 different dry dog food recipes. Each recipe is tailored to a specific life stage and includes essential nutrients approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You’ll find options suitable for growth (puppy), maintenance (adult), all life stages, or as a supplemental diet.
Here are the 5 varieties offered by Member’s Mark:
- Member’s Mark Exceed Lamb and Rice
- Member’s Mark Exceed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice
- Member’s Mark Exceed Chicken and Rice
- Member’s Mark Grain Free High Protein Chicken and Vegetable
- Member’s Mark Exceed Grain Free Salmon and Pea
A Detailed Look at the Salmon and Pea Recipe
Let’s delve into the Member’s Mark Exceed Grain Free Salmon and Pea recipe, which represents the quality and composition of other products in the line.
Carefully Selected Ingredients
The first ingredient in this dog food is high-quality lamb, ensuring a protein source of great value. However, it’s important to note that raw lamb contains a high water content, which reduces its weight after cooking. As a result, the actual meat content may be lower than expected.
Chicken meal, the second ingredient, is a concentrated source of protein that contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. It adds an extra boost of nutrients to the recipe.
Brown rice, a complex carbohydrate, is easy for dogs to digest and provides natural energy. However, its nutritional value beyond that is relatively modest.
Other ingredients include barley, sorghum, and peas, which contribute fiber and healthy nutrients to the dog food. Poultry fat, derived from skimming the fat off the surface of the liquid during rendering, provides essential omega-6 fatty acids.
More Meat and Protein
The recipe also contains lamb meal, further enhancing the protein content. Dried peas and menhaden fish meal, both high in protein, contribute to the overall meat content of the dog food. These ingredients, combined with other nutritious additives, ensure a balanced meal.
Additional Ingredients to Consider
Some ingredients, such as pea protein and brewers yeast, can be controversial. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source, but its biological value is lower than that of meat. Brewers yeast, on the other hand, is rich in minerals and nutrients but may cause allergies in certain dogs. However, unless your pet has a specific allergic reaction to yeast, it can serve as a nutritious additive.
Beet pulp, included in reasonable amounts, supports intestinal health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Flaxseed, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provides additional health benefits. However, it’s important to note that the minerals listed in the recipe may be less easily absorbed, as they are not chelated.
Potential Concerns
Sodium selenite, a form of selenium, and menadione, a form of vitamin K, have sparked some controversy due to their potential negative effects. Sodium selenite is considered to be less nutritionally beneficial compared to the naturally occurring selenium found in selenium yeast. Vitamin K is not required by AAFCO, raising questions about its necessity in any dog food formulation.
Analyzing Nutrients
Based on its ingredient list, Member’s Mark Dog Food can be considered an average dry product. It contains approximately 30% protein, 16% fat, and an estimated 47% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. Compared to other dry dog food options, it boasts above-average protein content, near-average fat content, and below-average carbohydrates.
The Protein Boost
Certain ingredients like dried peas, pea protein, brewers yeast, and flaxseed contribute to the reported protein content on the label. These plant-based protein sources should be taken into account when evaluating the actual meat content.
Our Rating of Member’s Mark Dog Food
At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we believe in providing honest recommendations to our customers, both human and furry alike. Member’s Mark Dog Food offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options that prioritize named meat meals as the primary source of animal protein. With a rating of 3 stars, we recommend this brand as a reliable choice for your pup.
No History of Recalls
We understand the importance of your pet’s safety. Rest assured, there have been no dog food recalls associated with Member’s Mark up until September 2023.
Stay Informed and Never Miss a Recall
Sign up for our recall notification list, and we’ll send you free alerts by email whenever there’s a dog food recall. We’re committed to keeping you and your furry friend safe!
Our Commitment
At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we prioritize the well-being of pets. We don’t accept money or incentives for preferential treatment in our reviews. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased and trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions for your furry family members.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
References
Dog Food Advisor | Last Updated: June 11, 2022