Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains
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 Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains 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 Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains, we'll examine all 37 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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.
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.
Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.
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.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
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.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.
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 32.00%: The high protein content is primarily attributed to the first three ingredients: deboned salmon, salmon meal, and whitefish meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute significantly to the protein content of the food. Salmon meal and whitefish meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and dried, which means they have a higher proportion of protein than fresh fish.
Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content is likely coming from the pork fat, which is a high-energy source of dietary fat. Additionally, the deboned salmon and the fish meals would also contribute to the overall fat content due to the natural oils found in fish. Flaxseed is another ingredient that contains oils and could contribute to the fat content, as well as providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: The fiber in the food is probably provided by the brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. These grains contain varying amounts of fiber, which helps with digestion and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. The maximum fiber content is moderate, suggesting that while the food includes grains, it is still focused on being relatively high in protein and fat.
Calories of 3875.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The high caloric value is a cumulative result of the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of the food. The main contributors to the calorie content would be the fats (from pork fat and the natural oils in fish) and the carbohydrates from the grains (brown rice, oatmeal, and barley). Protein also contributes to the caloric content, but to a lesser extent than fat.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains costs approximately $4.71 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 | $26.02 |
| 10 lbs | $43.76 |
| 15 lbs | $59.32 |
| 20 lbs | $73.60 |
| 30 lbs | $99.76 |
| 40 lbs | $123.78 |
| 50 lbs | $146.33 |
| 60 lbs | $167.78 |
| 70 lbs | $188.34 |
| 80 lbs | $208.18 |
| 90 lbs | $227.40 |
| 100 lbs | $246.10 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers with dogs suffering from chicken allergies have found Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Pacific Catch Recipe + Grains to be a lifesaver, praising the brand for creating a product that omits chicken and byproducts. Dogs with sensitive stomachs seem to thrive on this food, with reports of improved skin conditions and better sleep due to reduced scratching.
Several pet owners have observed their dogs showing a preference for the freeze-dried pieces in the food, often eating them first. The food is noted for its positive impact on dogs' energy levels and coat health, with many testimonials of shiny fur and increased playfulness.
Despite some negative experiences, the overall sentiment is that dogs love the taste of this food, especially the raw-infused pieces. Pet parents appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the inclusion of grains, which align with veterinary dietary recommendations. The food's ability to cater to picky eaters and those with allergies is also highlighted, with many dogs showing enthusiasm for mealtime.
While there are reports of some dogs experiencing digestive issues or weight gain, these seem to be in the minority. The strong fish smell is noted by some reviewers, but this does not detract from the overall satisfaction with the product's quality and the positive effects on their pets' health and well-being.
