Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game 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 Big Game 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 Big Game 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.
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.
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.
Venison is a lean, high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development and maintenance. It is also a novel protein, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
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.
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.
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.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.
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 in this pet food is mainly contributed by the first three ingredients: deboned lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal. These are all high-quality sources of protein that are essential for the growth and maintenance of pets. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered forms of the meat with most of the water and fat removed. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the chicken fat, which is a high-energy ingredient and a source of essential fatty acids. The deboned lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal also contribute to the fat content, as meats naturally contain fat. Flaxseed is another ingredient that contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The fiber in the pet food is primarily provided by the plant-based ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These ingredients contain varying amounts of fiber, which is important for digestive health. The fiber content is kept at a maximum of 3.50% to ensure that the food is not too high in fiber, which could interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
Calories of 3690.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – from all the ingredients. The high levels of protein and fat, particularly from the meats and chicken fat, significantly contribute to the calorie content. Carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, potatoes, and tapioca also add to the total calories. The caloric density of this food makes it suitable for active pets that require more energy.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game Recipe costs approximately $4.88 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 | $27.98 |
| 10 lbs | $47.06 |
| 15 lbs | $63.79 |
| 20 lbs | $79.15 |
| 30 lbs | $107.28 |
| 40 lbs | $133.12 |
| 50 lbs | $157.37 |
| 60 lbs | $180.43 |
| 70 lbs | $202.54 |
| 80 lbs | $223.88 |
| 90 lbs | $244.56 |
| 100 lbs | $264.66 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with active and athletic dogs have praised Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game Recipe for its grain-free formula and high protein content, which supports their dogs' muscular builds. The freeze-dried raw pieces are particularly appealing to dogs, serving as an enticing treat and motivator for picky eaters.
Several pet owners have noticed their dogs showing excitement at meal times and have reported their pets' eagerness to eat the freeze-dried bits first. This enthusiasm is seen across different breeds, with owners noting that even dogs with sensitive stomachs have handled the transition to this food well.
Despite some reports of digestive issues, many customers have experienced positive outcomes, with their dogs maintaining healthy weights and showing no signs of stomach discomfort. The variety of flavors offered by Merrick is also appreciated, as it helps prevent mealtime boredom.
Pet parents have commented on the quality of ingredients and the creative approach of the raw-infused product line. They feel comfortable feeding it to their dogs and are willing to invest in the food despite its premium price, valuing the nutritional benefits and appeal to their pets.
Owners of dogs with particular dietary needs, such as the need for lamb-based food, have found success with this recipe. The brand's trustworthiness and the food's ability to maintain a healthy weight in active dogs are highlighted as key benefits.
In summary, while there are some concerns about consistency and individual dog preferences, the overall sentiment among customers is one of satisfaction with the product's quality, nutritional value, and palatability for their canine companions.
