Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky Review
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky
According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky, we'll examine all 5 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.
Dried Cultured Skim Milk is a rich source of probiotics, which promote a healthy gut flora in dogs. It's also high in calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of the Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky begins with a minimum crude protein content of 43.00%. This high level of protein is primarily contributed by the first ingredient listed: deboned beef. Beef is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a dog's muscle development and overall health. As the primary ingredient, it is the most significant contributor to the protein content in the jerky.
Next, the crude fat minimum of 20.00% is also largely attributable to the deboned beef. Beef not only contains protein but also a considerable amount of fat, which is essential for a dog’s energy, cell function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The level of fat present in this jerky makes it a high-energy treat suitable for active dogs.
The crude fiber content is listed at a maximum of 1.50%, which is quite low, indicating that the jerky is intended to be a protein-rich, low-fiber treat. The low fiber content is consistent with the ingredient list, which does not include any traditional fiber sources such as vegetables or grains. The minimal fiber that is present may be incidental from the beef or could potentially come from the small amounts of rosemary extract included, although the primary function of the rosemary extract is likely as a natural preservative rather than a significant source of dietary fiber.
Other ingredients, such as dried cultured skim milk, salt, mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), and rosemary extract, are present in smaller quantities and do not significantly contribute to the protein or fat content. The dried cultured skim milk may add a minimal amount of protein, but its primary purpose is likely for flavor or as a probiotic component. Salt is used for taste and as a preservative, while mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract are included to preserve the freshness of the jerky by preventing oxidation of the fats.
