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Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Hearty Chicken Thigh Stew Canned Dog Food

Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Hearty Chicken Thigh Stew Canned Dog Food

By Merrick 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 85% confidence
5.6 /10
Quality
5.5
Value
6.0
Design
5.0
Function
6.0
Durability
5.0

In a Nutshell

  • Mixed enjoyment and satisfaction among dogs.
  • Significant quality control issues reported.
  • Recent reviews trend negatively, mentioning spoiled food and damaged cans.

Quick Verdict

Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Dog Food has a mixed reception. Some dogs love it, but there are significant quality control issues reported, including rotten food and damaged cans. Recent reviews are particularly concerning, with multiple reports of spoiled contents.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 56%
Would Buy Again 44%
Avg Lifespan 9 months

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

high

Rotten food and damaged packaging

Prevention: Check cans for damage and inspect contents before use

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Tasty Meal for Some Dogs (4)

    Many dogs enjoy the flavor, especially the chicken and vegetable content.

  • High-Quality Ingredients (3)

    Some reviewers appreciate the use of whole food ingredients.

  • Good for Various Dog Breeds (2)

    Satisfaction across different dog breeds and sizes.

Cons

  • Quality Control Issues (4) major

    Many cans appear damaged or contain spoiled food.

  • Putrid Smell of Food (3) major

    Some cans emit a putrid smell, suggesting spoilage.

  • Damaged Cans (3) major

    Multiple reports of damaged or dented cans.

  • Inconsistent Product Quality (2) major

    Frequent reports of inconsistent quality between cans.

Quality Trend: Declining

Recent reviews mention more frequent quality issues.

Older Reviews Said:

positive

Newer Reviews Say:

negative

Who Is This For?

Best For

  • Dog owners seeking a grain-free option — The food is grain-free and has high-quality ingredients.

Skip If

  • Owners concerned about consistent quality and packaging integrity — Several reports of damaged and spoiled cans.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 6-12 months

Factors: storage conditions

Cleaning Methods

Machine wash
Hand wash
Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • 💡 Store in a cool, dry place
  • 💡 Check for dents or damage before use

Floor Compatibility

Hardwood
Tile
Carpet
Vinyl
Laminate

Rating Distribution

3.6
9 reviews
5★
44%
4★
11%
3★
22%
2★
0%
1★
22%
favorite (3) healthy (2) damaged (5) poor quality (4)

Common Questions

Is Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free a good option for dogs?

It can be good, but there are significant quality control issues to consider.

How long does the food last once opened?

Cancans were severely worrying this product.

Highlighted Reviews

— Anth

"My dogs love this. Most cans have 1 whole chicken thigh, few veggies, broth..."

— Carol

"My dogs have been eating this variety for the past year. However this month when I was putting away my order a can felt empty yet it was sealed. I opened it and the interior emitted a putrid horrid smell and the contents inside were rotten. It was dated good till Dec.2022. My pet parent judgement is..."

Bottom Line

This product has a mixed reputation and notable quality issues. Recent problems with spoilage and packaging raise serious concerns about reliability. Carefully consider these factors before purchasing.

5.6 /10
Below Average