Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed 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 Large Breed 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 Large Breed Recipe, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 likely due to the presence of deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the primary ingredients. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered forms of the meat with the moisture removed. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, although it is a plant-based source.
Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is primarily provided by chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of animal fat that is palatable and easily digestible for dogs. The inclusion of deboned chicken and lamb also contributes to the fat content, as these meats naturally contain fats. Additionally, salmon oil is a source of omega fatty acids and would contribute to the total fat content.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for dog food that is meant to be high in protein and fat. The fiber comes from ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for digestive health. Flaxseed is another ingredient that contributes to the fiber content while also providing omega fatty acids.
Calories of 3704.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The high calorie count is reflective of the high protein and fat content, as both macronutrients are energy-dense. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and chicken fat are the primary contributors to the caloric value, as they are rich in proteins and fats which have more calories per gram compared to carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes and potatoes also contribute to the calorie content, offering energy in the form of complex carbohydrates.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe costs approximately $4.25 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
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Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many pet owners rave about the positive effects of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe on their dogs' health and enjoyment. Customers highlight that their dogs, including breeds like Huskies, German Pit mixes, and Boxer/Lab mixes, eagerly anticipate meals and digest the food well, often with improvements in coat quality and overall vitality. The freeze-dried raw bits are particularly popular, being likened to treats that their dogs adore.
Despite some reports of changes in kibble size and color, as well as issues with the freeze-dried pieces being crushed, there are numerous accounts of dogs thriving on this diet. Owners of large breeds, such as Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers, note their pets' improved health and energy levels. The high protein content and grain-free formulation are praised, and even picky eaters seem to take to this food with enthusiasm.
In response to concerns about recent recipe changes, it's worth noting that many dogs still enjoy the food and benefit from its nutritional profile. The brand's commitment to high-quality ingredients and the inclusion of raw pieces continue to make it a favorite. While some dogs have experienced digestive issues, these instances appear to be relatively rare, and the majority of feedback emphasizes satisfaction with the food's quality and the positive impact on their dogs' well-being.
