Merrick Backcountry Pacific Catch Healthy Grains Dog Food - High

Our review of Merrick Backcountry Healthy Grains Pacific Catch focuses on adult dogs that benefit from a higher-protein, fish-first dry food with added freeze-dried raw pieces. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of real deboned salmon as the first ingredient and freeze-dried raw bites mixed with kibble, which delivers both familiar dry food convenience and a boost of raw-flavored nutrition that helps support lean muscle and palatability for many dogs.

Key Features

• Real Salmon First: Real deboned salmon is the first ingredient, supplying high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscle mass and energy.
• Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces: Contains freeze-dried raw bites blended with kibble to provide the taste and some nutritional benefits of raw feeding in a convenient dry formula.
• Whole Grains for Digestion: Includes easily digestible oats and other whole grains to support healthy digestion compared with grain-free alternatives.
• No Peas or Lentils: Formulated without peas, lentils, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for a cleaner ingredient profile.
• Crafted in USA Facilities: Produced in USA facilities by a brand founded in Hereford, Texas, which many buyers consider a quality assurance factor.

Who It's For

This recipe is well suited for adult dogs that tolerate grains and do well on a fish-based protein, especially dogs that need a higher-protein diet to preserve lean mass or those that respond well to freeze-dried raw pieces for added flavor. Owners who prefer formulas without peas, lentils, or artificial additives will appreciate the ingredient choices.

Dogs with very sensitive stomachs or a history of gastrointestinal reactions to new proteins should introduce this formula gradually and monitor for issues, as some customers reported diarrhea and gas after switching. Puppies and dogs requiring grain-free or limited-ingredient diets should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality first ingredient of real deboned salmon supports lean muscle and energy.
• Freeze-dried raw pieces increase palatability and provide raw-style nutrition in a dry food.
• Contains whole grains like oats to aid digestion compared with more restrictive grain-free options.
• Free of peas, lentils, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may experience digestive upset when switching; owners should transition slowly and monitor.
• Not suitable for dogs needing grain-free or limited-ingredient therapeutic diets.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Merrick Backcountry Pacific Catch is a strong choice for adult dogs that do well on grain-inclusive, fish-forward diets and for owners who want the taste and some nutritional benefits of raw pieces without the handling of fresh raw food. It offers good value for pet owners seeking higher-protein, salmon-first kibble made in USA facilities, but dogs with sensitive digestion or those needing grain-free options should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this food grain-free?
No, this is a healthy grains formula that includes oats and other whole grains rather than a grain-free recipe.

Will this help build my dog's muscle?
The salmon-first ingredient and higher protein content support maintenance of lean muscle mass when fed as part of a balanced adult diet.

Are there artificial preservatives or colors?
No, the recipe is formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.