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Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food

Part of the Backcountry Raw Infused product line →

Top 5 ingredients of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food are Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Potatoes. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 24.5%.

Deboned Beef The clean flesh of cattle, used fresh. Like all fresh meats it is mostly water before cooking.
Lamb Meal Lamb that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal, with most of the water removed.
Salmon Meal Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.
Sweet Potatoes The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate. Botanically unrelated to the ordinary potato.
Potatoes The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	38%
Crude Fiber (max.)	3.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	17%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,704 kcal/kg, 392 kcal/cup

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	38%	42.7%	very high
Fat	17%	19.1%
Fibre	3.5%	3.9%
Carbohydrate (estimated)	24.5%	27.5%	low

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 3,704 kcal per kilogram, or 392 kcal per cup.

85 out of 100

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.

Protein, dry matter 42.7% 30/30

Protein is 42.7% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 38%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.
Carbohydrate load 27.5% 21/25

Estimated carbohydrate is 27.5% dry matter, between 20% and 30% dry matter, low. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
First five ingredients 3 named 15/25

The first five ingredients are Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
Flagged additives none found 10/10

None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
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.

How much to feed

We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,704 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.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners who prioritize their pets’ health and well-being. Its main ingredients include deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients are known for their nutritional value and ability to support a dog’s overall health. However, customer reviews provide valuable insights into both the benefits and drawbacks of this dog food.

Positive Feedback: Enhanced Taste and Digestibility

One recurring theme in the reviews is the positive response from dogs regarding the taste of this dog food. Many owners have noticed that their dogs eagerly consume the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe, indicating a high level of palatability. One review specifically mentions that the freeze-dried bits are a favorite, with the dog gobbling them up first. This suggests that the inclusion of freeze-dried meat chunks adds a desirable flavor and texture element to the food.

Another significant advantage highlighted in the reviews is the positive impact on digestive health. Several owners have reported that their dogs did not experience any digestive issues after switching to this dog food. One review even mentions that a dog with a sensitive stomach had no problems with this food. This suggests that the ingredients and formulation of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe are gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.

High-Quality Ingredients for Optimal Health

The ingredient list of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe showcases high-quality sources of protein, such as deboned beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal. Protein is essential for dogs to maintain healthy muscle mass, support their energy levels, and promote overall well-being. The inclusion of these protein sources is particularly beneficial for active dogs, like the Boxer Pointer mix mentioned in one review.

Additionally, the use of sweet potatoes and potatoes as sources of carbohydrates provides dogs with a steady supply of energy. These ingredients are also known for their high fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps to maintain a healthy weight. The review from an owner of a Rhodesian Ridgeback mentions that their dog had no issues with gas, which could be attributed to the grain-free nature of this dog food.

Freeze-Dried Bits: An Attractive Feature

The freeze-dried bits in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe seem to be a standout feature for many dogs. Reviews consistently mention that dogs are drawn to the freeze-dried meat pieces and often eat them first. This behavior can be attributed to the enhanced flavor and texture provided by these bits. However, some owners have expressed concern about the inconsistency in the quantity of freeze-dried meat in each bag. While some bags contain a generous amount, others may have fewer pieces or even none at all. This inconsistency could impact the overall satisfaction of both the owners and their dogs.

Pricing and Packaging Concerns

While the quality of the ingredients in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe is highly regarded, pricing and packaging have raised some concerns among customers. Some reviews mention that the smaller size bag is not cost-effective, especially for larger dog breeds or households with multiple dogs. This issue is further compounded by the fact that Merrick’s other grain-free offerings are available in larger bags at a more affordable price. Additionally, a few reviews express disappointment with the packaging, citing damaged or tampered boxes upon delivery.

Conclusion

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a unique blend of high-quality ingredients, including deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The inclusion of freeze-dried meat chunks enhances the taste and appeal of the food for dogs. The positive feedback from customers regarding improved energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health suggests that the ingredients in this dog food contribute to overall canine well-being.

However, concerns about the inconsistency in the quantity of freeze-dried bits, as well as the pricing and packaging, should be considered. While the freeze-dried bits are appealing to dogs, the variation in their presence may affect overall satisfaction. The smaller bag size and higher cost compared to other Merrick offerings could be a drawback for some pet owners.

In conclusion, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food provides a high-quality option for dog owners looking to support their pets’ health. Its nutritional ingredients and positive customer feedback make it a viable choice for those seeking a balanced and nutritious diet for their dogs. However, individual preferences and budget constraints should also be taken into account when making a final decision.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food Ingredients

Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Pork Fat, Pork Meal, Pea Protein, Lamb, Rabbit, Beef Liver, Sunflower Oil, Salt*, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Apples, Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product

Nutrition Distribution of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food has 38% protein, 17% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 11% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 24.5% starch.

The largest proportion of Carbohydrates in dog food is provided by starch and indeed dogs don't have carbohydrate requirement at all.

We calculated the starch ratio in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe Dry Dog Food as 24.5%.

Average starch ratio of dry dog foods on inthekibble.com is 38.51% - and that means this Backcountry Raw Infused kibble has less starch ratio than the average.

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