Merrick New England Boil Cat Food

It Smells So Horrible, It has to Be Good!

Life's been tough for the little kitty who lives in our house, mainly because of the new rescue dog in the house, with whom she is decidedly not on speaking terms. These days, she rarely gets an opportunity to bond with her humans, about which she is occasionally vocal. She will perch a couple of steps down the spiral staircase to her attic, safely out of reach of Cooper, and alternates between mewing at her human staff and snarling at the dog(s). We sure do feel sorry for her.


To make up to her, we’ve been trying out new and "exciting" food, perhaps because we live in Texas and food's a typical southern solution to whatever ails you. So she’s been getting canned food that’s a step up from the stuff she'd been thinking is premium. The latest experimental can was one from Merrick (makers of California Roll and Purrfect Bistro Tuna Niçoise); this time it was New England Boil.

Ingredients

The label seems to suggest that “New England” refers to seafood, and it's right. No kidding, this cat seems to eat better than I when she gets this food: New England Boil has whitefish, sardines, lobster, crab and shrimp in there. It gets some stewlike chops from red potatoes, carrots, snow peas, apples and cranberries (more of a New England flavor). There’s no grain in there at all, unless your definition of grain includes peas. There are, however, plenty of ingredients with multisyllable names like d-Calcium Pantothenate and Pyroxidine Hydrochloride; all of which are vitamins (like Niacin) or sources of minerals and trace elements, all the way to selenium (Sodium Selenite). There aren't any weird byproducts or “animal digest,” only what seem to be bits and pieces left over from making human food. It's made in the USA, too, in Amarillo. That kinda made me ask why there isn't TexMex Stew in their product line.

When it comes to guaranteed analysis, Merrick says “Crude Protein Min. 10%, Crude Fat Min 3%, Crude Fiber Max 1.5%, Moisture Max 78%, Ash Max 1.80%, Magnesium Max 0.025%, Taurine Min 0.08%.” ¹

Kitty says, "Gimme more!"

Winki the mini-kitty's reaction to her latest from Merrick has definitely been two paws up. That's pretty much her standard reaction to canned food from the company. I’m not totally sold though. A grain-free formula fortified with plenty of nutrients is one vote in favor, and Kitty’s reaction's a second, but that smell! Lord, have mercy, is that rank! I'm sure it smells like the hold of an abandoned fishing trawler!

The food isn't as pasty as typical paté, with a stew-like consistency that doesn’t gel in the fridge between servings. It would be impossible to distinguish different ingredients (except perhaps the squid bits) even if your eyes weren’t burning from the stench. But the kitty loves it, so I put up with it occasionally just to keep her happy. After all, she deserves it.

Summary

PLUS: quality ingredients that kitty really likes
MINUS: smells to high heaven
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: In New England Boil, Merrick's wet cat foods continue to impress with their, not to mention that Kitty loves the stinky stuff.


Find Merrick New England Boil at eBay

¹ Always verify current ingredients and analysis with the manufacturer's website…