Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet
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 Hero's Banquet 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 Hero's Banquet, we'll examine all 39 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
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.
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.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 34.00%: The high crude protein content is primarily sourced from animal-based ingredients such as deboned beef, pork meal, turkey meal, and beef liver. These ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for muscle development and overall health in pets. The peas and pea protein also contribute to the protein content, although they provide a less complete amino acid profile compared to the animal proteins.
Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content comes from ingredients like chicken fat, which is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids for pets. The deboned beef and pork meal also contribute to the fat content. Fats are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Fiber is found in plant-based ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and flaxseed. These ingredients provide the necessary dietary fiber that aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health. The maximum crude fiber content ensures that the food is not too high in fiber, which could be difficult for pets to digest and may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
Calories of 3700.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in all the ingredients. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the fats (such as chicken fat) and carbohydrates (from sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas). These nutrients are metabolically converted into energy that pets use for daily activities and bodily functions.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet costs approximately $5.36 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 | $31.46 |
| 10 lbs | $52.91 |
| 15 lbs | $71.72 |
| 20 lbs | $88.99 |
| 30 lbs | $120.62 |
| 40 lbs | $149.66 |
| 50 lbs | $176.93 |
| 60 lbs | $202.85 |
| 70 lbs | $227.71 |
| 80 lbs | $251.70 |
| 90 lbs | $274.95 |
| 100 lbs | $297.55 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed a strong preference for Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet, noting that their dogs favor the taste, especially after trying various other brands. One particular highlight is the inclusion of glucosamine in the food, which benefits older dogs with joint issues, and the satisfaction of no longer needing to buy separate food for different pets.
Despite some reports of inconsistency in the amount of freeze-dried pieces in the bags, many dogs seem to enjoy the food, with owners noting their pets' enthusiasm at meal times. The smaller kibble size is appreciated for dogs of different breeds, and the product's support for veterans is also a valued aspect.
While there are some negative comments regarding digestive issues and a lack of freeze-dried pieces, positive reviews often mention the high-quality ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health, such as improved coat shine and reduced gas. The brand's commitment to charitable causes and the fact that it's made in the USA are additional pluses for many customers.
Owners of picky eaters report success with this food, as even finicky dogs seem to find it appetizing. The freeze-dried raw pieces are particularly popular, with some dogs selectively eating these first. Customers appreciate the brand's variety and the ability to rotate flavors, which helps keep their dogs interested in their meals.
