Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Great Plains Red Recipe Dog Food Review
Finding the right dog food can feel like navigating a wilderness. With countless brands and formulas promising optimal health for your furry friend, it’s essential to cut through the marketing and understand what you’re truly feeding your dog. Today, we’re diving deep into Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food Kibble With Freeze Dried Raw Pieces, Great Plains Red Recipe.
Merrick is a brand known for its commitment to real, wholesome ingredients, and their Backcountry line aims to tap into the ancestral canine diet with grain-free formulas and freeze-dried raw pieces. The Great Plains Red Recipe specifically highlights beef and lamb as primary protein sources, appealing to dog owners seeking a red meat-rich diet for their pets. But does it live up to the hype and, more importantly, will your dog love it? Let’s explore.
What Makes Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe Stand Out?
This dog food differentiates itself with a few key features:
- Grain-Free Formula: Designed for dogs with sensitivities or owners who prefer to avoid grains in their pet’s diet. It’s formulated without corn, wheat, or soy.
- High Protein Content: Real deboned beef is the very first ingredient, followed by pork and bone meal, and salmon meal, ensuring a protein-rich meal to support muscle maintenance and energy levels in adult dogs.
- Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces: The inclusion of freeze-dried raw pieces aims to provide a boost of natural flavor and nutrients, mimicking the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient kibble form.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Beyond the protein sources, the recipe includes sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas for carbohydrates and fiber, and flaxseed and sunflower oil for omega fatty acids, crucial for skin and coat health. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health, which is beneficial for adult dogs.
- Made in the USA: Proudly crafted in USA facilities, originating from Hereford, Texas, which speaks to Merrick’s commitment to quality and origin.
Diving into the Ingredients
A closer look at the ingredient list reveals a focus on quality: Deboned Beef, Pork and Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Protein, and Lamb. This combination delivers a robust protein profile and digestible carbohydrates. The inclusion of beef liver is also a positive, providing additional vitamins and minerals.
However, some ingredients might raise eyebrows for discerning pet owners. “Pork and Bone Meal” and “Pea Protein” while protein sources, are less specific than named meat meals and some pet owners prefer to limit pea protein in their dog’s diet.
For a full ingredient list, you can check it out on Amazon.
What Customers Are Saying: A Look at Reviews
To get a balanced view, let’s consider what customers are saying, based on the reviews available on Amazon:
Positive Reviews:
- Many reviewers highlight that dogs love the taste. One reviewer, “Mizbling06,” mentions her dogs “love their dry kibble from this company” and mixes it with wet food and cooked chicken and vegetables. Another reviewer, “T. G. Quinn,” simply states, “Dogs like it! I have 4 dogs and they all like it!”
- The quality of ingredients is also appreciated. A reviewer named Paul Barros notes, “It has no fillers or bad ingredients and my dog loves the freeze dried raw meat that it has in it. I would not feed my dog anything else.” Another reviewer, “Tammy Nance,” describes it as “Raw infused very healthy food.”
- Verified Purchases and 5-star ratings are common, suggesting genuine satisfaction among many buyers.
Negative Reviews & Concerns:
- A recurring complaint in negative reviews points to quality control issues with “crumbs” in the bag. One reviewer titled “Lowest quality dog food” and “Junk item. Have to pay to print out usps label” reports receiving multiple bags that were “all crumbs too” and that “more than half of the bagS is just crumbs. Complete waste of money!” This is a significant concern as it impacts the value and usability of the product.
- Some find it pricey for the size. Corinne Hostetler notes, “Dogs like it, little pricey. They liked it but it’s expensive for the size I got.” This is an important factor to consider, especially for owners of larger dogs or multi-dog households.
- One reviewer, “Ethan,” mentioned the “raw portion was very clumpy,” which could be a minor inconvenience but worth noting.
Overall Sentiment:
The customer reviews present a mixed bag. While many dogs seem to enjoy the food and owners appreciate the ingredient quality, concerns about product consistency, particularly the excessive amount of crumbs in some bags, and the price point are valid points to consider.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- High-quality protein sources with real deboned beef as the first ingredient.
- Grain-free formula suitable for sensitive dogs.
- Includes freeze-dried raw pieces for added flavor and nutrients.
- Contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Made in the USA.
Cons:
- Reports of inconsistent product quality with excessive crumbs in some bags.
- Pricey compared to some other dog food brands.
- Some may find “Pork and Bone Meal” and “Pea Protein” less desirable ingredients.
Final Verdict: Is Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe Right for Your Dog?
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Great Plains Red Recipe offers a compelling option for dog owners seeking a high-protein, grain-free kibble with the added appeal of raw food pieces. The ingredient list is generally impressive, focusing on real meat and wholesome components. Many dogs seem to find it palatable, which is always a crucial factor.
However, the reported quality control issues with crumbled kibble are a significant drawback and something to be aware of. The premium price point also makes it less accessible for all budgets.
Who is it for?
- Owners of adult dogs, especially those who prefer grain-free diets.
- Dogs who enjoy red meat flavors.
- Owners looking for dog food with added joint support.
Who might want to consider alternatives?
- Budget-conscious dog owners.
- Owners concerned about product consistency and potential for crumbly bags.
- Those seeking dog food without pea protein or pork and bone meal.
Ultimately, whether Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe is the right choice for your dog depends on your individual priorities and your dog’s specific needs. Weighing the pros and cons, and considering the mixed customer reviews, is essential before making a purchase. If you decide to try it, keep an eye on the bag’s contents upon arrival to ensure you’re getting the quality you expect.
You can check the latest price and purchase Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Great Plains Red Recipe on Amazon.