Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe, we'll examine all 40 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.
Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 34.00% in the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe is likely contributed by the deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, and salmon meal. These ingredients are all high in protein and are listed among the first few ingredients, indicating they make up a significant portion of the pet food.
The Crude Fat minimum of 17.00% is likely contributed by the chicken fat and salmon oil. These are both high-fat ingredients. The deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal may also contribute to this value as meat contains a certain amount of fat.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% is likely contributed by the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These are all high-fiber ingredients. The pea protein may also contribute to this value.
The Calories of 3636.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients but is primarily influenced by the levels of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, chicken fat, and salmon meal are likely the main contributors to the calorie content.
It's important to note that the other ingredients listed, such as the various vitamins and minerals, don't directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but are crucial for the overall health and well-being of the pet. These ingredients ensure the pet food is nutritionally complete and balanced.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe costs approximately $4.82 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $27.63 |
| 10 lbs | $46.47 |
| 15 lbs | $62.98 |
| 20 lbs | $78.15 |
| 30 lbs | $105.92 |
| 40 lbs | $131.43 |
| 50 lbs | $155.37 |
| 60 lbs | $178.14 |
| 70 lbs | $199.97 |
| 80 lbs | $221.03 |
| 90 lbs | $241.45 |
| 100 lbs | $261.30 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have voiced their satisfaction with Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe, with many noting their dogs' fondness for the freeze-dried meat chunks. Some customers have found the product a cost-effective alternative to other high-end brands, and appreciate the convenience of the half scoop serving suggestion. Dogs of different breeds, including a Beagle mix and a Lab, have shown a preference for the food, and owners have observed their pets looking healthy and satisfied.
Some customers have raised concerns about the size and quantity of the freeze-dried chunks, noticing a decrease over time. However, others have reported being pleasantly surprised by the generous amount of freeze-dried meat in the bag. Switching to this food has resulted in increased appetite in some dogs, with one customer's dog now eating her entire serving all at once.
While some dogs have experienced digestive issues after transitioning to this food, others have had no issues, and their owners appreciate the limited ingredients list. Despite changes in the recipe, many dogs continue to enjoy this food, even those with specific health conditions like Cushing Disease. Some customers have noted the kibble size might be large for smaller dogs, but overall, the reception to the food has been positive.
A few customers have expressed concerns about the grain-free nature of the food, advising other pet owners to consult with a vet before making a dietary change. Despite this, many dogs seem to enjoy the food, with owners noting their pets' excitement at meal times. Even picky eaters have been seen sneaking bites of the food, indicating its appeal to a variety of dog palates.
In conclusion, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe has received largely positive reviews from customers. The freeze-dried meat chunks appear to be a hit with dogs, and owners appreciate the quality ingredients and the health benefits observed in their pets. Some concerns have been raised about the grain-free nature of the food and the changing size and quantity of the freeze-dried chunks, but overall, the product seems to be well-received by both pets and their owners.
