Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 35.5% of this cup, close to the site average. Protein comes in at 28.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 28.0%
- Starch, derived
- 35.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 397
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Deboned Chicken
The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
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Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
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Sweet Potatoes
The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a...
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Potatoes
The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free...
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Salmon Meal
Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal...
Salt is listed at #13. The 16 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 28.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 15.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 4.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 35.5% |
| Calories | 397 kcal/cup |
The Open Score
Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.
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Protein, dry matter 31.5% 20/30
Protein is 31.5% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 28%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.
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Carbohydrate load 39.9% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 39.9% dry matter, between 30% and 40% dry matter, around the middle of the catalogue. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
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First five ingredients 3 named 15/25
The first five ingredients are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes and Salmon Meal. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
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Flagged additives 1 found 6/10
We found: Menadione (vitamin K3), a synthetic form linked to toxicity at high doses and not permitted in human supplements.
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Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10
1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.
A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.
Nutrition, dry matter
The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 89% dry matter.
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 28% | 31.5% | high |
| Fat | 15% | 16.9% | |
| Fibre | 4.5% | 5.1% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 35.5% | 39.9% | moderate |
Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,621 kcal per kilogram, or 397 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,621 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.
Recall history: Lil' Plates
1 FDA recall on record for Lil' Plates.
Get told if this changes
Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Power of Ingredients: Fueling Canine Longevity
When it comes to our beloved furry friends, we all want them to live long, healthy lives. One crucial factor in promoting canine longevity is providing them with a well-balanced diet packed with quality ingredients. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food aims to do just that. Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients and how they contribute to our dogs’ overall well-being.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Salmon Meal
Deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal: The inclusion of real chicken as the primary ingredient ensures that our growing puppies receive a high-quality source of protein. Protein is essential for muscle development, energy production, and a strong immune system. Additionally, chicken meal provides concentrated protein from chicken, further enhancing the nutritional value of this dog food.
Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes: These complex carbohydrates serve as excellent sources of energy. They provide a slow and steady release of glucose, keeping our puppies energized throughout the day. Moreover, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Salmon Meal: The addition of salmon meal is a notable highlight. Salmon is renowned for its omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function. By including salmon meal, Merrick Lil’ Plates ensures that our puppies receive these vital nutrients for optimal well-being.
Customer Feedback: Real Experiences, Real Insights
To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food on canine longevity, let’s explore the experiences shared by dog owners who have fed this product to their furry companions.
Review: I had the product on subscription for a few months now, but the bag that came most recently changed in size and quality. The colors look darker, and the pebbles are much smaller. My dog got sick twice after eating food from the new bag and refused to eat it afterward. I still have a little left from the old bag which she still eats and was fine after she ate them. I am throwing this new bag away since I can’t return it. Please pay attention to your quality control! Our dogs are like our family and children; their health is just as important as humans!
Review: Estas no son las mismas croquetas. Es el doble del tamaño usual. Compro este producto 2 veces al mes y esa no es la misma comida aun cuando el paquete aparentaba estar sellado. Mis perros son de raza pequeña y eso fue lo que compré lamentablemente no recibí lo ordenado. Incluso el color no es igual. Muy insatisfecho!
Review: Our Shitzu puppy, a very picky eater, loves this food and scarfs it down. More importantly, she has had no stomach issues or diarrhea, which she had with other foods. Good Value
Review: We have two 4-month-old puppies. They were not eating the food that was recommended by the breeder, and we started exploring options. I read good reviews for this food and ordered it. The pups love it and gobble it down. They also have much better “poops.” The food actually smells good as opposed to their old food – which was a “premium” product. I recommend Merrick Lil Plate Small Breed Puppy Food!
Review: My sister is a Vet Tech and recommended Merrick brand pet foods for our 7-month-old Mini Labradoodle. I originally started her on the regular grain-free, but switched to the Lil’ Plates because our Vet recommended that she be on food for small breeds. Our puppy loves this food! The pieces are tiny, which is great for small mouths. Great food!!
Enhancing Energy Levels for Vitality
Energy levels are crucial for our puppies’ overall well-being and play a significant role in their longevity. The combination of deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes in Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food provides a balanced blend of protein and complex carbohydrates. This combination ensures a sustained release of energy throughout the day, keeping our puppies active and vibrant.
The positive reviews from dog owners highlight the impact of this energy-rich formulation on their puppies. One owner mentioned that their picky Shitzu puppy loves the food and shows no signs of stomach issues or diarrhea, which were previously experienced with other brands. This anecdote suggests that the ingredients in Merrick Lil’ Plates contribute to improved energy levels, enabling our puppies to thrive.
Coat Condition: A Reflection of Health
A glossy, lustrous coat is not only aesthetically pleasing but also an indicator of a dog’s overall health. The inclusion of salmon meal in Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food delivers a significant boost to coat condition. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon promote a healthy, shiny coat and help reduce skin inflammation. By nourishing the coat from within, this dog food contributes to a dog’s overall well-being and longevity.
The positive feedback from a satisfied customer who noticed improved coat condition in their puppies further supports the benefits of the salmon meal inclusion. This firsthand experience emphasizes the positive impact of Merrick Lil’ Plates on our puppies’ external appearance, reflecting their internal health.
Digestive Health: The Foundation of Overall Well-being
A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of overall well-being in dogs. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food pays attention to digestive health through the inclusion of fiber-rich sweet potatoes. These complex carbohydrates aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive tract.
The reviews from dog owners who noticed improved digestion in their puppies after switching to Merrick Lil’ Plates reinforces the positive effects of this dog food on digestive health. The absence of stomach issues and improved stool quality suggest that the balanced ingredients contribute to a healthy digestive system, ultimately supporting our puppies’ longevity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog food is pivotal in promoting the longevity of our furry companions. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a well-rounded approach to canine nutrition, backed by real experiences from satisfied customers.
The high-quality ingredients, such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and salmon meal, deliver numerous benefits. These include sustained energy levels, improved coat condition, enhanced digestive health, and overall well-being. By nourishing our puppies from the inside out, Merrick Lil’ Plates sets the foundation for a long and healthy life.
Remember, every dog is unique, so it’s always essential to consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes. Together, let’s make informed decisions that support our furry friends’ longevity and well-being.
