Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Verified May 18, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult large-breed dogs, combining kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces. It uses deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb as its main animal protein sources, with peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes as the primary carbohydrates. The recipe also supplies added omega fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin to support the typical needs of big, active dogs.
Overall, this is a high-protein, grain-free dry food tailored to large breed adult dogs that need a nutrient-dense diet. It features multiple animal protein sources and added joint-support ingredients, which can be helpful for big, active dogs. The heavy use of peas and potatoes as major carbohydrates does mean owners of breeds with heart concerns may want to discuss this choice with their veterinarian.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (34%) from poultry meals and deboned chicken supports muscle maintenance in large adult dogs.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in large and giant breeds.
- Salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall wellness.
- Formulated as grain free with moderate fat, which can suit active large dogs that burn a fair amount of energy.
Considerations
- Chicken, turkey, and lamb are common allergens, so this food is not ideal for dogs with known protein sensitivities.
- Peas and potatoes are key carbohydrate sources, and legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been linked to some heart issues in certain dogs.
- Grain-free formulas are not necessary for most dogs and may not be the best choice for dogs without true grain sensitivities.
- Multiple animal proteins are included, which makes it harder to use as a diet trial for food allergies.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Deboned Chicken
Deboned chicken is a common primary animal protein in pet foods, providing highly digestible essential amino acids and nutrients such as B vitamins and iron that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health in both dogs and cats. It is generally palatable and relatively lean, but can be a common food allergen for some animals and its nutritional and fat content varies with inclusion of skin or fat—ensure proper sourcing and handling to reduce contamination risk and consult a veterinarian if you suspect a food sensitivity.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
04
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook