Dog Food Good Value Highly Rated
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food

By Merrick 10 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 90% confidence
9.5 /10
Quality
9.2
Value
7.8
Design
8.5
Function
9.0
Durability
8.7

In a Nutshell

  • High-quality ingredients
  • Improves puppy coats
  • Premium price point
  • Occasional digestive issues

Quick Verdict

Merrick Backcountry grain-free puppy food is highly recommended for its quality and palatability, although it is considered expensive.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 10
Would Recommend 80%
Would Buy Again 90%
Avg Lifespan 4 months

Pet Compatibility

πŸ• Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

high

Some products from the brand have been noted to have issues with gut health in young dogs

Prevention: Safety standards cannot be strictly enforced. Are only recommendations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High-Quality Ingredients (3)

    The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients

  • Improved Coat Health (3)

    Many reviewers note improvements in their puppy's coat

  • Good Palatability (4)

    Puppies enjoy the taste, even those that are picky

  • Convenient Packaging (4)

    Ease of use and convenience in feeding

  • Health Benefits (1)

    Good for digestive health and overall nutritional needs

Cons

  • High Price (3) major

    The product is more expensive compared to other brands

  • Freeze-Dried Issues (3) major

    The increased number of freeze-dried chunks can cause digestive issues

    Tip: Follow the guidelines for introducing new food gently and monitor for any digestive issues.

  • Legume Content (2) major

    High content of legumes, which may have links to heart disease in dogs

  • Digestive Issues (1) major

    Increased digestive issues with the new recipe

    Tip: " Reduce the number and frequency of servings to the pet dog and increase the water intake” may help.

Who Is This For?

βœ“ Best For

  • β€’ Pet owners looking for high-quality dog food β€” The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and has a good balance of nutrients.
  • β€’ Owners of puppies with sensitive stomachs β€” The food is gentle on puppies' digestive systems and improves coat health.

βœ— Skip If

  • β€’ Budget-conscious buyers β€” The product is more expensive compared to other brands.
  • β€’ Owners with dogs that don’t require a grain-free diet β€” The legume content, which may have links to heart disease in dogs, may be a concern for some.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 3 to 6 months

Factors: Storage conditions, Frequency of feeding, Puppy's digestive health

Cleaning Methods

βœ— Machine wash
βœ“ Hand wash
βœ“ Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • πŸ’‘ Introduce new food gradually to avoid digestive issues.

Floor Compatibility

⚠️ Hardwood
⚠️ Tile
⚠️ Carpet
⚠️ Vinyl
⚠️ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.5
10 reviews
5β˜…
70%
4β˜…
20%
3β˜…
0%
2β˜…
0%
1β˜…
10%
high-quality (6) palatable (4) improved coat (3) worth it (4) expensive (3) digestive issues (2) high legume content (1)

Common Questions

Is this food suitable for all dog breeds?

Yes, but especially beneficial for puppies.

Does this food help improve a dog's coat?

Yes, many reviewers noted improved coat health in their puppies.

Is this food expensive?

Yes, it is considered more expensive than other high-quality brands.

Highlighted Reviews

β€” Yvette

"My new puppies love this food! It is a little on the expensive side but worth it. Chewy is convenient and slightly cheaper."

β€” Madi

"New recipe for this bag has seemed to increase the freeze dried chunks. Not a fan of this because too much seems to upset my dogs' stomachs. I like the chunks, but it's just not a good ratio now. Going to be switching to a new formula from Merrick or a different brand most likely unfortunately."

Bottom Line

While the high cost may be a barrier, the quality and benefits make it a worthwhile investment for most dogs.

9.5 /10
β€” Excellent