
Have a question?
Notified by email when this product becomes available
- Description
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Large Breed Recipe is a grain-free dry dog food formulated specifically for large breed adult dogs. It combines freeze-dried raw coated kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces for a raw-inspired feeding experience. Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, delivering 38% minimum protein from five animal sources - chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and lamb. This recipe meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and is a complete and balanced option for large breed pet owners seeking a high-protein, grain-free, raw-infused diet.
Quick Product Snapshot
| Primary Protein | Deboned Chicken (+ Turkey, Salmon, Duck, Lamb) |
| Food Type | Raw-Infused Dry Dog Food |
| Texture | Dry Kibble with Freeze-Dried Raw Coating and Pieces |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Breed Size Suitability | Large Breeds |
| Diet Positioning | Grain-Free, Raw-Infused, No Corn / Wheat / Soy |
| Feeding Purpose | Complete and Balanced Large Breed Adult Nutrition |
| Key Feature | Large Breed Formula + 5 Protein Sources + Glucosamine & Chondroitin |
| Package Size | 20 lbs |
Why Pet Owners Choose This Food
- Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, providing a named, quality animal protein source
- 38% minimum protein from five animal sources - chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and lamb - supports lean muscle maintenance in large breeds
- Formulated specifically for large breed adult dogs with their unique nutritional demands in mind
- Freeze-dried raw coated kibble and raw pieces deliver a raw-inspired nutritional profile in a convenient dry food format
- Chicken liver included as an organ meat source for nutrient-dense nutrition
- Omega fatty acids from salmon meal, chicken fat, and sunflower oil support skin and coat condition
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate included to help maintain hip and joint function - particularly relevant for larger breeds
- Four probiotic strains support digestive wellness
- Taurine included to support heart health
- No corn, wheat, soy, grains, or artificial additives
Ingredient Transparency
The first five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes - establishing a poultry-forward, grain-free base tailored for large breed nutrition. Five distinct animal protein sources (chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and lamb) provide a diverse amino acid profile. Chicken liver is included as an organ meat source. The freeze-dried raw inclusions are processed to ensure food safety while preserving nutritional integrity. No corn, wheat, soy, or grains are used. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. All ingredients are cooked in Merrick's Hereford, Texas facility under FDA-compliant standards.
Nutritional Positioning
This recipe meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, making it a complete and balanced option for everyday feeding of large breed adult dogs. The guaranteed analysis reflects a high-protein, moderate-fat profile suited to the muscle mass and energy demands of larger dogs.
- Crude Protein (min): 38.0%
- Crude Fat (min): 17.0%
- Crude Fiber (max): 3.5%
- Moisture (max): 11.0%
Texture, Palatability, and Feeding Experience
Merrick Backcountry Large Breed Recipe is a dry kibble with a freeze-dried raw coating and separate freeze-dried raw pieces mixed in. The raw coating and pieces add texture variation and enhanced palatability compared to standard kibble. The multi-protein formulation - chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and lamb - contributes to strong palatability for most large breed dogs. Most dogs transition well when introduced gradually over 7-10 days. Individual palatability will vary by dog.
Feeding Guidance and Portion Use
This recipe is formulated as a complete daily meal - not a supplement or topper. Large breed dogs have unique caloric and nutritional needs that differ from smaller breeds. Portion according to your dog's body weight, age, and activity level. Adjust quantities as needed to maintain a healthy body condition and appropriate weight for their frame. Consult your veterinarian for feeding recommendations specific to your large breed dog's needs.
Safety, Storage, and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place. Seal the bag tightly after each use to maintain freshness of the freeze-dried raw inclusions. Always provide fresh, clean water alongside meals. Keep out of reach of children and other animals. The freeze-dried raw inclusions have been processed for food safety.
Product Highlights
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- 38% minimum protein from five animal sources
- Formulated specifically for large breed adult dogs
- Freeze-dried raw coated kibble and raw pieces
- Chicken liver for organ meat nutrition
- Grain-free with sweet potatoes and potatoes
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for hip and joint support
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Four probiotic strains for digestive wellness
- Taurine for heart health support
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Made in the USA - Hereford, Texas
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Large Breed Recipe is a practical, ingredient-led dry dog food for large breed adult dogs who benefit from a high-protein, grain-free, raw-inspired diet. It delivers consistent, complete nutrition with a diverse multi-protein ingredient list, functional joint and coat support, and the convenience of a dry food format - without grains or artificial additives.
Product Specifications
Commercial
- Brand: Merrick
- Product Line: Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain Free
- Recipe: Large Breed Recipe
- SKU: 022808370659
- Barcode: 022808370659
Physical
- Package Size: 20 lbs
- Form: Dry Kibble with Freeze-Dried Raw Coating and Pieces
- Texture: Dry with Raw-Infused Inclusions
Nutritional
- Primary Protein: Deboned Chicken
- Crude Protein (min): 38.0%
- Crude Fat (min): 17.0%
- Crude Fiber (max): 3.5%
- Moisture (max): 11.0%
Dietary
- Grain-Free: Yes
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
- Raw-Infused: Yes (freeze-dried raw coating and pieces)
- No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives
Suitability
- Life Stage: Adult
- Breed Size: Large Breeds
Manufacturing
- Country of Origin: USA
- Manufactured In: Hereford, Texas
