MERA pure sensitive Adult Salmon & Rice is a super-premium dry food from Germany for adult dogs of all sizes with sensitive digestion or food allergies. The recipe is built on salmon (28%) and rice (24%), plus potato, salmon oil and linseed. It contains no wheat, maize, soy or beef, but does include prebiotics (chicory, yeast extract), glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, and yucca schidigera. It's a good choice if your dog doesn't tolerate chicken or beef, but note that it isn't grain-free — it contains rice.
What it is and who makes it
MERA is a family company from Germany that makes dog and cat food in its own factory. The pure sensitive line is designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and a tendency to allergies: recipes use one main animal protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. The 1 kg bag is handy for trying the food before buying a large sack.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Share | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 28% | Main protein source, omega-3 |
| Rice | 24% | Easily digestible carbohydrates |
| Potato | — | Gluten-free carbohydrates |
| Salmon oil, linseed | — | Omega-3 and omega-6 for skin and coat |
| Hydrolysed salmon protein | — | Easily digestible protein, palatability |
| Beet pulp, chicory powder, yeast extract | — | Fibre and prebiotics for the gut |
| Crustacean shell powder, cartilage powder | — | Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints |
| Yucca schidigera | — | Reduces stool odour |
How to feed and switch
Find the daily amount in the feeding table on the bag by your dog's weight and activity, and split it into 2 meals. Switch gradually over 7–10 days, mixing with the old food and increasing the share of MERA every 2–3 days. If you chose the food because of a suspected allergy, don't give treats with other proteins meanwhile — otherwise you can't tell whether the food helped. The detailed plan is in how to switch your dog to a new food.
Pros
- One main protein. Salmon is a suitable alternative for dogs that don't tolerate chicken or beef.
- No wheat, maize or soy. Common irritants are excluded.
- Gut support. Prebiotics and fibre from beet pulp and chicory.
- Skin and coat. Salmon oil and linseed provide omega-3 and omega-6.
- Joints. Added glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Made in Germany. A short, clear ingredient list.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Not grain-free. It contains rice, so it won't suit dogs whose vet has advised removing grains entirely.
- Contains crustaceans. The glucosamine comes from shell powder — keep this in mind with seafood allergies.
- Not a prescription diet. For confirmed severe allergy, a vet may prescribe a hydrolysed veterinary food.
- Small bag. 1 kg is good for a trial, but a large sack is better value for a big dog.
Who it suits
Adult dogs with soft stools, gas, itching and red skin on chicken-based food, dogs with sensitive stomachs and those needing a calm fish-based diet. More on choosing in hypoallergenic dog food and how to read pet food ingredients. Similar foods are in the hypoallergenic food collection and dry dog food.
How to tell the food suits your dog
After 3–4 weeks on the new diet, stools should be well formed and regular, gas reduced, the coat glossy, and itching and redness from food allergy reduced. Weigh your dog monthly and adjust the portion. If skin symptoms haven't improved after 6–8 weeks, talk to your vet about allergy diagnosis.
Verdict
MERA pure sensitive Salmon & Rice is a well-designed German food for dogs with sensitive digestion: one main protein, no wheat, maize or soy, with prebiotics and joint support. It isn't grain-free and doesn't replace a prescription diet, but for many sensitive dogs it makes a successful everyday diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MERA pure sensitive Salmon grain-free?
No, it contains rice. It doesn't contain wheat, maize or soy.
Is it suitable for small breeds?
It's made for adult dogs of all sizes; check the amount in the feeding table on the bag.
Can I feed it to a puppy?
No, it's an adult food. The line has a separate puppy recipe.
How much should I feed per day?
Follow the feeding table on the bag for your dog's weight and activity, split into 2 meals.
