Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Starch works out at 37.5% of this cup, close to the site average. Protein comes in at 30.0%, and the first five ingredients are all animal or whole food.
- Protein
- 30.0%
- Starch, derived
- 37.5%
- Kcal / cup
- 388
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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 #14. The 17 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 30.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 12.0% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 11.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 37.5% |
| Calories | 388 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 33.7% 26/30
Protein is 33.7% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 30%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 32% and 38% dry matter, comfortably above what an adult dog needs.
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Carbohydrate load 42.1% 9/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 42.1% dry matter, between 40% and 50% dry matter, high. 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 | 30% | 33.7% | high |
| Fat | 12% | 13.5% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 37.5% | 42.1% | high |
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 3,562 kcal per kilogram, or 388 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,562 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.
Analyzing Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Ingredients that Promote Energy and Vitality
The main ingredients of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients contribute to the overall energy levels and well-being of senior dogs.
According to customer reviews, many senior dogs experienced increased energy and vitality after switching to this dog food. One reviewer mentioned that their 13-year-old dog became lively, healthy, and energetic after starting this food. Another reviewer noted that their 11-year-old dog acts like a young dog now.
The high-quality protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair, which is crucial for senior dogs to maintain their energy levels. The inclusion of turkey meal also adds variety to the protein sources and provides additional nutrients.
The sweet potatoes and potatoes in the recipe serve as complex carbohydrates, which are a source of sustained energy for dogs. These ingredients help ensure that senior dogs have the energy they need to stay active and enjoy their daily activities.
Benefits for Digestive Health
The small kibble size of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is highly appreciated by customers, especially those with senior dogs who have dental issues or few teeth. Many reviews mentioned that their dogs could easily eat this food, even with dental problems.
Additionally, some reviewers noted improvements in their dogs’ digestive health after switching to this food. One reviewer mentioned that their dog’s loose, runny stool was resolved after switching to this formula. Another reviewer stated that their dog, diagnosed with pancreatitis, experienced relief from associated symptoms due to the lower fat content in this formula.
The inclusion of easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates, such as chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, contributes to the overall digestive health of senior dogs. These ingredients are less likely to cause digestive upset or sensitivities, making this food a suitable choice for dogs with digestive issues.
Enhancing Coat Condition and Joint Health
Several customer reviews highlighted the positive impact of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food on their dogs’ coat condition and joint health.
One reviewer mentioned that their dog’s itchy skin and ear infections improved after switching to grain-free Merrick food. Another reviewer appreciated the inclusion of minerals and vitamins in the food, which supported their dog’s joint health and coat condition.
The real chicken and turkey meal provide essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote a shiny, lustrous coat.
The inclusion of sweet potatoes in the recipe adds natural sources of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are important for maintaining healthy joints and supporting overall mobility in senior dogs.
Overall Well-being and Longevity
Customer reviews indicate that Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has a positive impact on the overall well-being and longevity of senior dogs.
Multiple reviewers mentioned that their dogs enjoyed the flavor of the food and showed a renewed interest in eating. One reviewer even stated that their picky eater started eating again after switching to this food.
Furthermore, several reviews mentioned that their senior dogs maintained good health, energy levels, and overall satisfaction after being fed this dog food for an extended period. Some reviewers specifically mentioned that their dogs had no health issues, improved weight management, and were more active and spry for their age.
The high-quality ingredients, absence of grains, and balanced nutrition in this recipe contribute to the overall well-being of senior dogs. The company’s commitment to using quality ingredients and manufacturing in the USA also adds to the trust and satisfaction of dog owners.
Conclusion
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food offers numerous benefits for senior dogs in terms of energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. The main ingredients, including deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, provide essential nutrients and support various aspects of dog health.
Customer reviews reinforce the positive effects of this dog food, with many senior dogs experiencing increased energy and vitality, improved coat condition, and digestive health. The small kibble size makes it easy for dogs with dental issues to eat, and the grain-free formula is suitable for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Overall, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Senior Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is a high-quality option for senior dogs, supporting their longevity and well-being. It offers a balanced and nutritious diet that contributes to a healthier and happier life for senior canine companions.
