Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 28.5% of this cup, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 34.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 34.0%
- Starch, derived
- 28.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 398
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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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Turkey Meal
Turkey 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...
Salt is listed at #16. The 16 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 34.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 17.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 28.5% |
| Calories | 398 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 38.2% 30/30
Protein is 38.2% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 34%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.
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Carbohydrate load 32% 15/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 32% 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, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 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 | 34% | 38.2% | very high |
| Fat | 17% | 19.1% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 28.5% | 32% | 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 3,660 kcal per kilogram, or 398 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,660 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.
Analysis of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the right dog food, it’s important to consider the impact it can have on your furry friend’s health and longevity. One popular option on the market is Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food. This particular brand boasts a combination of deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes as its main ingredients. To get a better understanding of how this dog food can contribute to your pet’s well-being, let’s dive into the insights provided by dog owners who have tried it.
Positive Feedback: Tail-Wagging Approval
Many dog owners have reported positive experiences with Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food. One common sentiment among reviewers is that their dogs absolutely love the taste. This is crucial as picky eaters can be a challenge to please. Additionally, the small size of the kibble is particularly appealing to smaller dogs, such as teacups and mini poodles. The convenient size makes it easier for them to chew and swallow, ensuring they can enjoy their meals without any issues.
The Power of High-Quality Ingredients
The ingredient list of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food is worth noting. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal serve as excellent sources of protein, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle health in dogs. Sweet potatoes and potatoes provide a healthy source of carbohydrates, aiding in digestion and providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Coat Condition and Overall Well-Being
Many dog owners have noticed a positive difference in their pets’ coat condition and overall well-being after switching to Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food. A shiny and lustrous coat is often indicative of a healthy dog, and this dog food seems to contribute to that. The high-quality protein sources, such as deboned chicken and turkey meal, provide the necessary nutrients to promote a healthy coat and skin.
Energy Levels and Digestive Health
Several reviews mention that their dogs experienced increased energy levels after switching to Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food. This can be attributed to the balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates in the formula. Additionally, the grain-free nature of this dog food may also contribute to improved digestive health in dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the majority of reviews for Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food are positive, there are a few drawbacks worth noting. Some customers have expressed concerns regarding the price point of this dog food, stating that it can be quite expensive compared to other options on the market. Additionally, a few reviewers mentioned that they did not receive the promised freeze-dried raw bites in their bags, which can be disappointing for dogs who enjoy those additional textures and flavors.
The Verdict
Overall, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food seems to be a well-received option among dog owners. The high-quality ingredients, such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, and sweet potatoes, contribute to the overall health and well-being of dogs. The positive feedback regarding energy levels, coat condition, and digestive health further supports the notion that this dog food can have a positive impact on a dog’s longevity.
While the price point of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe Dry Dog Food may be a consideration for some, it’s important to remember that investing in your dog’s health can lead to long-term benefits. Ultimately, the decision of whether to try this dog food rests in the hands of dog owners who prioritize their pet’s nutrition and well-being.
