Merrick Lil' Plates Petite Pot Pie For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Petite Pot Pie 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 Petite Pot Pie 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 Petite Pot Pie For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 38 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.
Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
Turkey broth can be a flavorful addition to dog food that also provides hydration and nutrients. It's a good source of protein and flavor for picky eaters.
Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.
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.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and are also high in fiber which can help keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
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.
Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a stabilizer in wet pet food products, helping maintain texture and prevent separation of the ingredients.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg whites. Deboned chicken is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a dog's muscle development and maintenance. Chicken liver is also rich in protein and adds to the overall protein content, while dried egg whites are an excellent source of highly digestible protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the deboned chicken, chicken liver, and sunflower oil. Deboned chicken and chicken liver naturally contain fats that are crucial for a dog's energy, cell function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Sunflower oil is added as a fat source and provides essential fatty acids that contribute to skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: Dietary fiber in this pet food is primarily derived from plant-based ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, peas, and apples. These ingredients contain varying levels of soluble and insoluble fiber, which help in maintaining gastrointestinal health and promoting regular bowel movements. The relatively low fiber content suggests that the food is designed to be easily digestible for small breed dogs.
Calories of 929.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients in the food, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The deboned chicken and chicken liver contribute to the protein and fat calories, while potato starch, potatoes, and other carbohydrate sources like carrots and peas contribute to the carbohydrate calories. The overall caloric density of the food is designed to meet the energy needs of small breed dogs, which typically require more calories per pound of body weight compared to larger breeds.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Petite Pot Pie For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $11.04 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 | $254.49 |
| 10 lbs | $428.00 |
| 15 lbs | $580.11 |
| 20 lbs | $719.80 |
| 30 lbs | $975.62 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many pet owners have found success with Merrick Lil' Plates Petite Pot Pie, especially those with finicky eaters. A number of reviews highlight that even the most selective dogs seem to enjoy the flavor, with one customer expressing surprise when their particularly picky eater finished an entire portion. The use of high-quality American ingredients is also appreciated, suggesting that pet parents value the brand's commitment to sourcing.
Despite some individual cases where dogs experienced digestive issues or simply did not prefer the taste, the overall sentiment remains positive. Customers appreciate the variety offered by Merrick, with one noting that they rotate the flavors for their pet's supper every night. The brand is also praised for creating unique dishes that appeal to different breeds, including small breeds that can have sensitive stomachs.
While there are instances where the food didn't agree with certain dogs, leading to digestive discomfort, these appear to be isolated situations rather than a common trend. The positive reviews often mention that Merrick Lil' Plates is the only food their dog will eat or that it's the first to not upset their pet's stomach, indicating that the product line is generally well-received by both pets and their owners.
