Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food
A quarter of this cup is starch, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 38.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 38.0%
- Starch, derived
- 24.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 392
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Deboned Beef
The clean flesh of cattle, used fresh. Like all fresh meats it...
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Lamb Meal
Lamb that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Salmon Meal
Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
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Sweet Potatoes
The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a...
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Potatoes
The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free...
Salt is listed at #16. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 38.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 17.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 24.5% |
| Calories | 392 kcal/cup |
The Open Score
Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.
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Protein, dry matter 42.7% 30/30
Protein is 42.7% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 38%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.
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Carbohydrate load 27.5% 21/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 27.5% dry matter, between 20% and 30% dry matter, low. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
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First five ingredients 3 named 15/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10
1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.
A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.
Nutrition, dry matter
The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 89% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 38% | 42.7% | very high |
| Fat | 17% | 19.1% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 24.5% | 27.5% | low |
Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,704 kcal per kilogram, or 392 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,704 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.
Recall history: Backcountry Raw Infused
1 FDA recall on record for Backcountry Raw Infused.
Get told if this changes
Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners who prioritize their pets’ health and well-being. Its main ingredients include deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients are known for their nutritional value and ability to support a dog’s overall health. However, customer reviews provide valuable insights into both the benefits and drawbacks of this dog food.
Positive Feedback: Enhanced Taste and Digestibility
One recurring theme in the reviews is the positive response from dogs regarding the taste of this dog food. Many owners have noticed that their dogs eagerly consume the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe, indicating a high level of palatability. One review specifically mentions that the freeze-dried bits are a favorite, with the dog gobbling them up first. This suggests that the inclusion of freeze-dried meat chunks adds a desirable flavor and texture element to the food.
Another significant advantage highlighted in the reviews is the positive impact on digestive health. Several owners have reported that their dogs did not experience any digestive issues after switching to this dog food. One review even mentions that a dog with a sensitive stomach had no problems with this food. This suggests that the ingredients and formulation of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe are gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
High-Quality Ingredients for Optimal Health
The ingredient list of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe showcases high-quality sources of protein, such as deboned beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal. Protein is essential for dogs to maintain healthy muscle mass, support their energy levels, and promote overall well-being. The inclusion of these protein sources is particularly beneficial for active dogs, like the Boxer Pointer mix mentioned in one review.
Additionally, the use of sweet potatoes and potatoes as sources of carbohydrates provides dogs with a steady supply of energy. These ingredients are also known for their high fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps to maintain a healthy weight. The review from an owner of a Rhodesian Ridgeback mentions that their dog had no issues with gas, which could be attributed to the grain-free nature of this dog food.
Freeze-Dried Bits: An Attractive Feature
The freeze-dried bits in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe seem to be a standout feature for many dogs. Reviews consistently mention that dogs are drawn to the freeze-dried meat pieces and often eat them first. This behavior can be attributed to the enhanced flavor and texture provided by these bits. However, some owners have expressed concern about the inconsistency in the quantity of freeze-dried meat in each bag. While some bags contain a generous amount, others may have fewer pieces or even none at all. This inconsistency could impact the overall satisfaction of both the owners and their dogs.
Pricing and Packaging Concerns
While the quality of the ingredients in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe is highly regarded, pricing and packaging have raised some concerns among customers. Some reviews mention that the smaller size bag is not cost-effective, especially for larger dog breeds or households with multiple dogs. This issue is further compounded by the fact that Merrick’s other grain-free offerings are available in larger bags at a more affordable price. Additionally, a few reviews express disappointment with the packaging, citing damaged or tampered boxes upon delivery.
Conclusion
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a unique blend of high-quality ingredients, including deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The inclusion of freeze-dried meat chunks enhances the taste and appeal of the food for dogs. The positive feedback from customers regarding improved energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health suggests that the ingredients in this dog food contribute to overall canine well-being.
However, concerns about the inconsistency in the quantity of freeze-dried bits, as well as the pricing and packaging, should be considered. While the freeze-dried bits are appealing to dogs, the variation in their presence may affect overall satisfaction. The smaller bag size and higher cost compared to other Merrick offerings could be a drawback for some pet owners.
In conclusion, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food provides a high-quality option for dog owners looking to support their pets’ health. Its nutritional ingredients and positive customer feedback make it a viable choice for those seeking a balanced and nutritious diet for their dogs. However, individual preferences and budget constraints should also be taken into account when making a final decision.
