Dog Food Quality Concerns Trending Down
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

By Merrick 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 85% confidence
5.9 /10
Quality
5.0
Value
4.5
Design
6.0
Function
7.0
Durability
6.0

In a Nutshell

  • Enjoyed by dogs as a topper or treat
  • Concerns about hardness and price
  • Some plastic contamination issues reported

Quick Verdict

Merrick's freeze-dried dog food is enjoyed by many dogs but has issues with hardness and price, leading to mixed reviews.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 67%
Would Buy Again 40%
Avg Lifespan 4 months

Pet Compatibility

πŸ• Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

high

Hard and difficult to chew for some dogs

Prevention: Ensure product is broken up into smaller pieces before serving

critical

Potential plastic contamination

Prevention: Inspect product carefully before use

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Taste and Enjoyment (4)

    Many dogs love the taste and enjoy eating it.

  • Effective Supplement (2)

    Useful as a supplement in dog foods.

Cons

  • Too Hard to Chew (4) major

    The product can be too hard for some dogs to chew.

  • Price Issues (2) major

    Many users find the product overpriced.

Quality Trend: Declining

A few recent reviews mentioning degradation in taste and appearance.

Older Reviews Said:

mostly positive to neutral

Newer Reviews Say:

negative due to hardness

Who Is This For?

βœ“ Best For

  • β€’ Dog owners with picky eaters β€” Enhances the flavor of main diets
  • β€’ Owners need a high-protein supplement β€” Good as a protein supplement for aging or underweight dogs

βœ— Skip If

  • β€’ Budget-conscious buyers β€” High cost relative to other similar products

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan Up to 6 months with proper storage

Factors: Storage conditions, How frequently used

Cleaning Methods

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

Care Tips from Users

  • πŸ’‘ Store in a cool, dry place
  • πŸ’‘ Use within 1-2 months of opening

Floor Compatibility

βœ“ Hardwood
βœ“ Tile
βœ“ Carpet
βœ“ Vinyl
βœ“ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.1
9 reviews
5β˜…
56%
4β˜…
22%
3β˜…
0%
2β˜…
11%
1β˜…
22%
high-nutrition (3) ease-of-use (2) hard-texture (4) pricey (3) waste (1)

Common Questions

What is the shelf life of Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw?

It should be used within 1-2 months of opening.

Can this product be used as a standalone meal?

It's less commonly used as a standalone but rather as supplement to the main meal.

Highlighted Reviews

β€” Shawndra 1 found helpful

"My pooch absolutely loves these! Sometimes I use them as a treat, sometimes I add them to his food, either way, they are his fave."

β€” Kathaleene

"I have been ordering and using the Merrick freeze dried dog food for several years now as a topper on her dog food. This time it is hard as a rock and hard to break up and difficult for her to eat. Did not see a β€˜use by date’ or expiration date on package. Very disappointed to spend that much mo..."

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a high-quality, albeit pricey, topper for your dog that they will likely enjoy, this product could be a good fit. However, be aware of the potential issues with hardness and plastic contamination.

5.9 /10
β€” Below Average