Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew For Small Breed Dogs
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 37 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.
Lamb broth not only enhances the flavor of the food, but also provides hydration and essential nutrients to your dog's diet.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Dried egg whites are a high-quality, low-fat protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle growth, maintenance, and overall health in dogs. They also contain vitamins and minerals that support immune system function.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.
Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.
Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Cobalt amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that supports the production of vitamin B12 and overall red blood cell health in dogs.
Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein content of at least 8.00% is primarily derived from the deboned lamb, beef, beef liver, and dried egg whites. These are all high-quality sources of protein that contribute to the overall protein content of the pet food. Lamb and beef are particularly rich in protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in dogs.
The Crude Fat minimum of 3.50% comes from the natural fats present in the deboned lamb, beef, and beef liver, as well as the added sunflower oil. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber content is capped at a maximum of 1.40%, which suggests that the food is designed to be relatively low in fiber. This may be due to the inclusion of sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, which do provide some dietary fiber but in moderate amounts to ensure the food is easily digestible for small breed dogs.
The caloric content of 1137.00 kcal per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The main contributors to the caloric content are the meats (lamb and beef), which are energy-dense, and carbohydrates from ingredients like sweet potatoes and peas.
Overall, the guaranteed analysis provides a snapshot of the nutritional content of the pet food, while the ingredients list gives insight into the specific sources of these nutrients. The quality and digestibility of these ingredients are also important factors in the overall healthfulness of the food for small breed dogs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $10.15 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $191.20 |
| 10 lbs | $321.56 |
| 15 lbs | $435.85 |
| 20 lbs | $540.80 |
| 30 lbs | $733.01 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers are generally pleased with Merrick Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew, especially for small breed dogs. One customer expressed satisfaction with the smaller size of the cans, which are convenient and prevent food from drying out before use. They noted that their min pin loved the variety the lamb stew added to its diet.
Many reviews highlight the product's appeal to picky eaters. Dogs that typically turn their noses up at other foods seem to enjoy the lamb chop stew flavor, and pet owners are relieved to find a food that their fussy companions will eat. The small bite-sized bits and the right amount of gravy are particularly appreciated for their appeal to small breeds.
Some reviewers have found that the stew is a good fit for dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies, as it is free from common allergens like chicken. The inclusion of real vegetables such as green beans, carrots, and peas is also praised, with owners happy to see their pets enjoying the nutritious ingredients.
While there are some negative experiences, such as dogs getting sick or refusing the food after initial acceptance, these seem to be isolated incidents. The positive reviews often focus on the overall quality of the food, its suitability for small breeds, and the fact that it's made in America, which gives some pet owners additional peace of mind regarding the product's quality and safety.
In cases where dogs did not like the food or had adverse reactions, owners typically acknowledge that their pets are particularly picky or have sensitive stomachs. These reviews suggest that while the product may not be universally loved by every dog, it is a hit with many and can be particularly beneficial for small breeds and dogs with specific dietary needs.
