Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red 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 Great Plains Red 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 Great Plains Red 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.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
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.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of this pet food product shows the minimum values of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum value of crude fiber.
1. Crude Protein (min) of 35.00%: The crude protein content is derived largely from the deboned beef, pork meal, and salmon meal listed as the first three ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein. Pea protein and potato protein are also contributing to the protein content, but they are less bioavailable and digestible for dogs compared to animal protein.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content comes from the animal sources such as deboned beef, pork meal, salmon meal, and pork fat. Sunflower oil and flaxseed also contribute to the fat content. These fats are important for providing energy and supporting skin and coat health.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The crude fiber content is likely to come from the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help to control weight by making dogs feel fuller.
4. Calories of 3710.00 per kg: The calorie content is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources. The carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas also contribute to the calorie content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients are added to ensure the food provides complete and balanced nutrition. They do not contribute significantly to the protein, fat, or fiber content, but they are crucial for various bodily functions and overall health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe costs approximately $4.44 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 | $25.46 |
| 10 lbs | $42.82 |
| 15 lbs | $58.03 |
| 20 lbs | $72.01 |
| 30 lbs | $97.60 |
| 40 lbs | $121.10 |
| 50 lbs | $143.16 |
| 60 lbs | $164.14 |
| 70 lbs | $184.26 |
| 80 lbs | $203.67 |
| 90 lbs | $222.48 |
| 100 lbs | $240.77 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers praised Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe for its high protein, grain-free formulation. A number of pet owners reported that their dogs, even those with allergies or who are picky eaters, loved the food. The freeze-dried raw pieces were particularly popular, with customers stating that their dogs viewed them as a treat.
However, some customers expressed disappointment over the inconsistency in the quantity of freeze-dried raw pieces in the bags. Some reported finding only a few such pieces, primarily at the top of the bag, while others found none at all. This inconsistency was a source of frustration for many, as the freeze-dried pieces were a significant factor in their decision to purchase this particular product.
There were also a few reports of dogs experiencing digestive issues after consuming this food. Some pet owners noticed changes in their dogs' bowel movements, while others reported their dogs developing hot spots or scratching more than usual. A few customers also noted that the kibble pieces were smaller than expected.
Despite the negative reviews, several customers stated that the food improved their dogs' overall health and vitality. They noted improvements in their dogs' fur/skin condition and energy levels. Furthermore, some pet owners appreciated that the food was suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs, such as allergies to certain proteins.
In response to the price increase and perceived decline in quality, some customers stated that they would be switching to other brands. However, others affirmed their intention to continue purchasing the food, citing their dogs' enjoyment of it as the primary reason. Some customers suggested that the company should consider selling the freeze-dried raw pieces separately, to satisfy dogs' love for them.
