Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe, we'll examine all 38 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.
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.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
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
The Crude Protein minimum of 28.00% is likely contributed by the Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, and Salmon. These ingredients are all high in protein and are listed among the first ingredients, which indicates that they are present in substantial amounts.
The Crude Fat minimum of 14.00% is primarily contributed by the Chicken Fat and Salmon Oil. These are both rich sources of fats. The Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, and Salmon also contribute to this percentage as they contain natural fats.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% is mainly contributed by the Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, and Flaxseed. These ingredients are all good sources of dietary fiber.
The Calories of 3648.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients combined, but the main contributors would be the high-energy ingredients such as the meats (Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon) and the carbohydrates (Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Tapioca). It's worth noting that fats also contribute significantly to caloric content, so the Chicken Fat and Salmon Oil would also play a role here.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe costs approximately $5.08 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $19.98 |
| 10 lbs | $33.59 |
| 15 lbs | $45.53 |
| 20 lbs | $56.50 |
| 30 lbs | $76.58 |
| 40 lbs | $95.02 |
| 50 lbs | $112.33 |
| 60 lbs | $128.79 |
| 70 lbs | $144.57 |
| 80 lbs | $159.80 |
| 90 lbs | $174.56 |
| 100 lbs | $188.91 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have reported that their dogs, even picky eaters, seem to enjoy Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe. Some have noted improvements in their pets' coats, energy levels, and overall health after switching to this brand. The food contains freeze-dried cubes that many dogs seem to enjoy, although some customers have reported that these cubes can be crushed during shipping.
A few customers have raised concerns about the grain-free formula potentially causing health issues, as suggested by some vets. Despite this, many continue to feed their dogs this food due to its high-quality ingredients and the noticeable positive effects it has on their pets.
Some customers have noted that their dogs are not as fond of the kibble as they are of the freeze-dried cubes, and sometimes leave the kibble uneaten. Others have mentioned that their dogs developed dry skin after switching to this food, but these cases seem to be in the minority.
Despite the higher cost of Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe compared to other brands, many customers believe it is worth the price given the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health and wellbeing. However, some customers have expressed disappointment with the inconsistency in the amount of freeze-dried cubes in each bag.
A few customers have reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues after switching to this food. However, these cases appear to be isolated incidents, and the majority of customers have not reported any adverse effects. Some dogs may have specific dietary needs or sensitivities that make certain foods less suitable for them.
Overall, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe appears to be well-liked by many dogs and their owners. It's important for each pet owner to monitor their pet's reaction to new foods and consult with their vet to ensure the diet meets the pet's specific nutritional needs.
