Merrick® Backcountry® Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food - Natural, Freeze Dried Raw Pieces, Beef & Lamb

by Merrick

Overall Score: 88/100

Ingredients

1. Deboned Beef (protein)
2. Pork and Bone Meal (protein)
3. Salmon Meal (protein)
4. Sweet Potatoes (carbohydrate)
5. Potatoes (carbohydrate)
6. Peas (carbohydrate)
7. Pea Protein (protein)
8. Natural Flavor (additive)
9. Pork Fat (protein)
10. Potato Protein (other)
11. Lamb (protein)
12. Sunflower Oil (fat)
13. Beef Liver (protein)
14. Flaxseed (fat)
15. Tapioca (carbohydrate)
16. Dried Yeast (other)
17. Potassium Chloride (mineral)
18. Salt (mineral)
19. Choline Chloride (vitamin)
20. MINERALS (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate) (other)
21. DL–Methionine (other)
22. Taurine (additive)
23. Mixed Tocopherols for freshness (other)
24. VITAMINS (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, D–Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement) B278024 (other)

Ingredient concerns

• Peas (low concern): Peas and other legumes have been associated with the FDA investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While a definitive causal relationship has not been established, the FDA continues to investigate. Peas are frequently used in grain-free formulations as a primary carbohydrate and protein source.
• Pea Protein (medium concern): Plant-based protein concentrates like pea protein can artificially inflate the total protein percentage on guaranteed analysis without providing the same amino acid profile as animal proteins. Associated with the FDA investigation into grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though a causal link has not been definitively established.
• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 39.3%, fat 19.1%, fiber 3.9%, ash 7.5%, carbohydrate 30.1%. By calories: 33.9% from protein, 40.1% from fat, 26% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 39.3% vs 18% minimum, fat 19.1% vs 5.5% minimum.

Freeze-dried food, grain-free, for the adult life stage.

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