Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes 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
- 399
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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 #15. 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 | 399 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 3,665 kcal per kilogram, or 399 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,665 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 Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Ingredients: A Recipe for Canine Longevity
When it comes to assessing the impact of dog food on a pet’s health and lifespan, the quality and composition of the ingredients play a crucial role. Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients in Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food:
1. Deboned Chicken: This high-quality protein source is not only delicious for dogs but also provides essential amino acids for muscle development and repair. According to customer feedback, dogs love the taste of this food and eagerly eat it, suggesting that the deboned chicken is indeed appetizing.
2. Chicken Meal: Another protein-rich ingredient, chicken meal is a concentrated source of essential nutrients. It provides a highly digestible form of protein, which contributes to a dog’s energy levels and overall well-being. One customer review mentioned that their dog, who is sensitive to chicken, enjoys the salmon flavor of this food, highlighting the availability of alternative protein options.
3. Turkey Meal: Similar to chicken meal, turkey meal is a valuable source of high-quality protein. It contains essential amino acids that support healthy muscle growth, which is crucial for a dog’s vitality and longevity. While not explicitly mentioned in the reviews, the inclusion of turkey meal adds variety to the protein sources in this dog food.
4. Sweet Potatoes: As a carbohydrate source, sweet potatoes contribute to a dog’s energy levels. They are also rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. One customer review specifically mentioned that their dog loves the food because it is made from sweet potatoes, which are their pet’s favorite snack.
5. Potatoes: Potatoes are another source of carbohydrates in this dog food. They provide energy and can be easily digested by dogs. While not highlighted in the reviews, the inclusion of potatoes adds variety to the carbohydrate sources in this formula.
Customer Feedback: Real-World Experiences
To truly understand the impact of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food on a dog’s health and longevity, we need to consider the experiences shared by pet owners. Looking at the reviews, it is evident that this dog food has garnered positive feedback overall.
One recurring theme in the comments is the high palatability of the food. Dogs seem to enjoy the taste, eagerly eating the kibble or treats. This is a significant advantage as it ensures that dogs are getting the necessary nutrition without any fuss. One review specifically mentions that their picky dog, an Alaskan Klee Kai, loves this food and even picks out the new food when mixed with the old.
The size and shape of the kibble and treats also receive praise from customers. Many reviewers appreciate that the kibble is small and easy to chew, making it suitable for dogs of various sizes, including teacups and small breeds. Some even mention that the small size is perfect for training treats, allowing them to reward their dogs without spoiling their appetite. The cute shapes of the treats, such as stars and hearts, add to the appeal for both dogs and their owners.
However, not all reviews are entirely positive. Some customers express disappointment with the lack of freeze-dried pieces advertised on the packaging. While the majority of reviews do not mention these pieces specifically, it is worth noting that the absence of freeze-dried components could impact the overall satisfaction of some customers.
A Holistic Evaluation
Considering the ingredient list and the collective feedback from dog owners, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a well-balanced option for promoting canine longevity.
The inclusion of deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes as the main ingredients ensures a protein-rich and nutritious diet for dogs. The positive customer feedback regarding palatability and the small size of the kibble and treats further supports the idea that this dog food can contribute to a dog’s overall well-being.
However, the occasional concerns raised about the lack of advertised freeze-dried pieces remind us that individual experiences may vary. It is essential to consider your dog’s specific needs and preferences when choosing the right food for them.
In conclusion, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food, with its high-quality ingredients and positive customer feedback, is a promising option to support your dog’s energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. By providing a balanced and tasty diet, this dog food has the potential to contribute to a long and healthy life for your furry companion.
