Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food
A third of this cup is starch, comfortably below the site average. Protein comes in at 30.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 30.0%
- Starch, derived
- 33.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 391
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Deboned Chicken
The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
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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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Oatmeal
Oats that have been rolled or ground, used as a whole grain...
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Barley
The grain of the barley plant, one of the older cultivated cereals.
Salt is listed at #15. The 14 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 30.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 16.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 33.5% |
| 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 33.7% 26/30
Protein is 33.7% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 30%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 32% and 38% dry matter, comfortably above what an adult dog needs.
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Carbohydrate load 37.6% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 37.6% 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 2 named 10/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Barley. 2 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 | 30% | 33.7% | high |
| Fat | 16% | 18% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 33.5% | 37.6% | 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: Merrick
1 FDA recall on record for Merrick.
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 Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
Choosing the right dog food is crucial for the health and longevity of our beloved pets. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match. One brand that has garnered attention is Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food. In this article, we will delve into the main ingredients of this food and analyze its impact on a dog’s overall well-being and longevity, taking into account feedback from dog owners.
Main Ingredients
Let’s start by examining the main ingredients of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. These ingredients provide a solid foundation for a well-balanced diet, supporting the energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being of puppies.
Deboned chicken and chicken meal are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle development, growth, and repair. Protein also contributes to a shiny coat and strong immune system. Brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are wholesome grains that offer a good source of carbohydrates, supplying energy to active puppies.
Energy Levels and Coat Condition
Based on customer feedback, many dog owners have noticed a positive impact on their puppies’ energy levels and coat condition after switching to Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food. One reviewer mentioned that their puppy had a seamless transition and loved the freeze-dried raw food included in the formula. This could be attributed to the high-quality protein sources, such as deboned chicken and chicken meal, which provide the necessary nutrients for optimal energy levels and a lustrous coat.
Digestive Health
Another important aspect of a dog’s well-being is their digestive health. Several reviewers mentioned that their puppies had no issues with digestion after transitioning to this food. This could be attributed to the inclusion of brown rice, oatmeal, and barley in the recipe. These grains are known for their digestibility and can help promote healthy digestion in puppies.
Overall Well-being and Longevity
When it comes to the overall well-being and longevity of our furry friends, the quality of their diet plays a significant role. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food seems to have received positive feedback from dog owners in this regard. One reviewer mentioned that this food is the only one their picky eater husky has stuck with. This is a testament to the palatability and quality of the ingredients used in the recipe. It’s worth noting that a well-balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for ensuring a dog’s long and healthy life.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food states that it contains 30% protein, 16% fat, 3.5% fiber, 11% moisture, and 34.5% starch. While the protein and fat levels are within the recommended range for puppies, the starch content is relatively high compared to the average starch ratio of dry dog foods. High levels of starch can lead to health issues such as insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes in dogs. It’s important to monitor a dog’s weight and body condition when feeding this food.
Conclusion
After analyzing the main ingredients and considering the feedback from dog owners, it’s clear that Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe + Grains Dry Dog Food has the potential to contribute positively to a dog’s health and longevity. The inclusion of deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provides a well-rounded nutritional profile, supporting energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the relatively high starch content in this food and monitor a dog’s weight and body condition accordingly. It’s also important to ensure that you purchase this food from a reputable source to avoid any potential quality control issues mentioned in some of the reviews.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet. By prioritizing their nutritional needs and choosing a high-quality dog food, you can help ensure a long and happy life for your furry companion.
