Merrick Dog Backcountry Grain Free Puppy 20Lb

Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Recipe is a grain-free dry puppy food that combines freeze-dried raw coated kibble with freeze-dried raw bites for a raw-inspired feeding experience. Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, delivering 30% minimum protein from multiple poultry and fish sources - chicken, turkey, and salmon. Formulated specifically for puppies of all breeds, this recipe meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth and is a complete and balanced option for pet owners seeking a high-protein, grain-free diet during their puppy's critical development stage.

Quick Product Snapshot

Why Pet Owners Choose This Food

• Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, providing a named, quality animal protein source for growing puppies
• 30% minimum protein from chicken, turkey, and salmon supports rapid muscle development during growth
• Freeze-dried raw coated kibble and raw bites deliver a raw-inspired nutritional profile in a convenient, safe dry food format
• Salmon contributes omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye development in puppies
• Chicken liver included as an organ meat source for nutrient-dense nutrition
• Omega fatty acids from salmon oil, chicken fat, flaxseed, and sunflower oil support skin and coat condition
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate included to support developing hips and joints
• Four probiotic strains support digestive wellness during the transition to solid food
• Taurine included to support heart health
• No corn, wheat, soy, grains, or artificial additives
• Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth - complete and balanced for puppies

Ingredient Transparency

The first five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turkey meal - establishing a poultry-forward, grain-free base tailored for puppy growth. Salmon is included as a third protein source and contributes omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken liver provides organ meat nutrition. 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 growth, making it a complete and balanced option for puppies of all breeds. The guaranteed analysis reflects a high-protein, moderate-fat profile suited to the elevated nutritional demands of growing puppies.

• Crude Protein (min): 30.0%
• Crude Fat (min): 14.0%
• Crude Fiber (max): 3.5%
• Moisture (max): 11.0%

Texture, Palatability, and Feeding Experience

Merrick Backcountry Puppy Recipe is a dry kibble with a freeze-dried raw coating and separate freeze-dried raw bites mixed in. The raw coating and bites add texture variation and enhanced palatability. The poultry-forward formulation - chicken and turkey - contributes to strong palatability for most puppies. Kibble size is appropriate for puppies of all breeds. Most puppies transition well when introduced gradually over 7-10 days. Individual palatability will vary.

Feeding Guidance and Portion Use

This recipe is formulated as a complete daily meal for puppies - not a supplement or topper. Puppies have higher caloric needs than adult dogs to support rapid growth. Portion according to your puppy's age, body weight, and expected adult size. Adjust quantities as needed to maintain a healthy growth rate and body condition. Consult your veterinarian for feeding recommendations specific to your puppy's breed and development stage.

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
• 30% minimum protein from chicken, turkey, and salmon
• Freeze-dried raw coated kibble and raw bites
• Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth
• Salmon omega-3s for brain and eye development
• Chicken liver for organ meat nutrition
• Grain-free with sweet potatoes and potatoes
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for developing hips and joints
• 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 Puppy Recipe is a practical, ingredient-led dry puppy food for growing dogs of all breeds. It delivers complete, growth-stage nutrition with a clean poultry-forward ingredient list, functional additions to support development, 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: Puppy Recipe
• SKU: 022808370574

Physical

• Package Size: 20 lbs
• Form: Dry Kibble with Freeze-Dried Raw Coating and Bites
• Texture: Dry with Raw-Infused Inclusions

Nutritional

• Primary Protein: Deboned Chicken
• Crude Protein (min): 30.0%
• Crude Fat (min): 14.0%
• 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 bites)
• No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives

Suitability

• Life Stage: Puppy (Growth)
• Breed Size: All Breeds

Manufacturing

• Country of Origin: USA
• Manufactured In: Hereford, Texas