Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Meat Recipe - Grain Kibble

In this review of Merrick Backcountry Healthy Grains Great Plains Red Meat Recipe, the bottom line is simple: this bag is for dog owners who want a high protein, grain-inclusive dry food with the added taste and nutritional boost of freeze dried raw pieces. The reviewer found the formula to be built around real deboned beef as the first ingredient, complemented by lamb and whole grains like oats, which together support lean muscle and digestibility. For those seeking a convenient way to offer an ancestral-style diet without feeding raw, this recipe delivers that balance.

Key Features

• Real deboned beef first: Using real beef as the first ingredient provides a clear primary source of animal protein to support lean muscle mass and energy.
• Freeze dried raw pieces: Small freeze dried raw bites are included to add raw flavor and texture, helping encourage picky eaters and resembling ancestral feeding.
• Whole grains for digestion: Ingredients like oats make the kibble easier to digest and contribute fiber for steady energy and stool quality.
• No peas, lentils, or artificial additives: The recipe avoids peas, lentils and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for a cleaner ingredient profile.
• Crafted in USA facilities: The product is proudly founded in Hereford, Texas and made in US facilities, which may appeal to shoppers who prioritize domestic production.

Who It's For

This formula suits adult dog owners who want a higher protein dry food that still contains grains for balanced nutrition, particularly dogs that benefit from real meat as the top ingredient and enjoy varied textures. It is a good match for active dogs that need protein to maintain lean muscle and for pet parents looking to move toward an ancestral-style diet without feeding raw.

Dogs that require a grain-free diet, have specific protein allergies to beef or lamb, or need prescription therapeutic diets should look elsewhere. Also, owners who want a single-protein limited-ingredient formula may prefer a different product that isolates one meat source.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High protein profile with real deboned beef first for muscle maintenance.
• Freeze dried raw pieces add palatability and the taste of raw in a convenient kibble format.
• Contains whole grains like oats to support digestion and steady energy.
• Made without peas, lentils, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs needing a grain-free or single-protein limited ingredient diet.
• Contains multiple meat sources, so it may not work for dogs with specific meat allergies.

Specifications

Brand	Merrick Backcountry
Recipe	Great Plains Red Meat
Format	Dry kibble with freeze dried raw pieces
Primary protein	Real deboned beef (first ingredient)
Additional proteins	Lamb included
Grain type	Includes whole grains such as oats
Made in	Crafted in USA facilities, founded in Hereford, Texas

Our Verdict

The Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Meat Recipe is a strong choice for adult dog owners who want the benefits of high animal protein alongside whole grains and freeze dried raw pieces. It offers good value for those seeking an ancestral-style, convenient dry food without peas, lentils, or artificial additives, but is not aimed at pets needing grain-free or single-protein medical diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this formula contain artificial preservatives?
No, the product is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Is the recipe grain-free?
No, this is a healthy grains formula that includes oats and other whole grains for digestibility.

Is the meat source single protein?
No, real deboned beef is the first ingredient and lamb is also included, so it is not a single-protein formula.