Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 28.5% of this cup, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 34.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 34.0%
- Starch, derived
- 28.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 391
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Deboned Beef
The clean flesh of cattle, used fresh. Like all fresh meats it...
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Salmon Meal
Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Brown Rice
Rice with only the inedible outer hull removed, so the bran and...
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Dried Egg Product
Egg content dried and processed into a concentrated, stable ingredient.
Salt is listed at #18. The 14 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 34.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 17.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 28.5% |
| Calories | 391 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 38.2% 30/30
Protein is 38.2% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 34%, 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 32% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 32% dry matter, between 30% and 40% dry matter, around the middle of the catalogue. 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 4 named 20/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Beef, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice and Dried Egg Product. 4 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 | 34% | 38.2% | very high |
| Fat | 17% | 19.1% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 28.5% | 32% | moderate |
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 3,689 kcal per kilogram, or 391 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,689 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 + Grains Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Review
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for our furry friends, we want to ensure that we are providing them with the best nutrition possible. One brand that has gained popularity among dog owners is Merrick, and in particular, their Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food. In this review, we will take a closer look at the main ingredients of this dog food and analyze the collective feedback from dog owners to assess its impact on canine longevity.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Salmon Meal, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, and Dried Egg Product
The main ingredients of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food are deboned beef, salmon meal, chicken meal, brown rice, and dried egg product. These ingredients are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to various aspects of a dog’s health and well-being.
Deboned beef is a high-quality source of protein, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle development in dogs. Salmon meal, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promotes a healthy coat condition and supports brain and eye development. Chicken meal is another protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids for overall well-being.
Brown rice, a complex carbohydrate, serves as a source of energy and aids in digestion. It is also a gluten-free alternative to traditional grains. Dried egg product is a highly digestible protein source that helps with muscle repair and growth.
Now, let’s delve into the feedback from dog owners to understand how these ingredients have impacted the health and longevity of their pets.
“My 10-year-old Rottweiler loves it. She gets a half real food and half kibble daily diet. I don’t have to mix any goodness with this line of kibble, she will eat it as is.”
“Recently changed to this food after doing much research on the best dog food for my golden retriever. He loves the food and I love the changes this food has made with his coat and his digestion. I have highly recommended this brand of dog food to everyone and am passing my love for this brand to you too.”
“My puppy loves this food. He is in good health and has a lot of energy. The odor is good, not like other dog food that smells bad.”
These positive reviews highlight the positive impact of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food on energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health. The high-quality protein sources, such as deboned beef and chicken meal, have provided dogs with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
However, it is important to note that not all dogs have had the same experience:
“We have a blue heeler mix, and this food ended up not being right for her. It gave her runs at least once per day, and was overall too expensive to justify keeping her on.”
“Unfortunately, my dog hates it. He won’t go near his bowl with this. It smells really fishy…maybe that’s why?”
“Food seems really good but it made my dog sick. I don’t know what specifically about it didn’t agree with my pup, so I had to switch to a grain-free, no raw freeze-dried food.”
These negative reviews indicate that some dogs may have had adverse reactions to the food, such as digestive issues or aversion to the smell. It is important to consider individual sensitivities and preferences when selecting a dog food.
Conclusion
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food contains a blend of high-quality ingredients that offer numerous benefits for dogs. The main ingredients, such as deboned beef, salmon meal, chicken meal, brown rice, and dried egg product, contribute to energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health, as supported by the positive feedback from dog owners.
However, it is crucial to consider individual sensitivities and preferences when selecting a dog food. Some dogs may have adverse reactions or aversions to certain ingredients, as indicated by the negative reviews. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your furry friend.
Remember, providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the key factors in promoting longevity and overall well-being. Choose wisely and prioritize your dog’s health and happiness.
