Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate For Small Breed Puppies Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate For Small Breed Puppies
According to our data, this Merrick recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for adult dogs and growing puppies. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate For Small Breed Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dogs and growing puppies.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate For Small Breed Puppies, we'll examine all 44 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.
Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
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.
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.
Red pepper is a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
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.
Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
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.
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.
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.
Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.
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.
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dog food, but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe your dog's digestive system.
Sage is a natural herb that can be added to dog food for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system.
Thyme is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to your dog's food, but also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits can support your dog's immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.
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.
Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of 8.50% in the Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. Deboned chicken, chicken liver, deboned turkey, and dried egg whites are all rich sources of protein, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of a puppy's muscles and overall health.
The crude fat minimum of 3.50% is likely contributed by the deboned chicken, chicken liver, and deboned turkey, as well as the inclusion of sunflower oil and salmon oil in the ingredients. Fats are a concentrated source of energy for puppies and also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Salmon oil is also a source of essential fatty acids like omega-3, which is beneficial for skin and coat health.
Crude fiber at a maximum of 1.40% is relatively low, reflecting the product's focus on meat-based ingredients rather than plant-based fibers. However, the fiber present may come from ingredients such as potatoes, peas, apples, and ground flaxseed. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in controlled amounts for puppies to ensure proper nutrient absorption and stool quality.
The caloric content of 968.00 kcal per kg is the energy that the food provides. This energy comes from the combined macronutrients in the food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The listed ingredients such as meats, potato starch, potatoes, and peas all contribute to the calorie content. The high-quality proteins and fats are calorie-dense and provide the energy necessary for the high metabolic needs of growing small breed puppies.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate For Small Breed Puppies costs approximately $10.42 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $147.64 |
| 10 lbs | $248.29 |
| 15 lbs | $336.54 |
| 20 lbs | $417.58 |
| 30 lbs | $565.99 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally seem pleased with the quality and palatability of Merrick Lil' Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate, highlighting that their puppies love the taste and variety of flavors offered. Many appreciate the food's convenience for mixing with dry kibble or for administering medication, and the small size is often noted as perfect for small breed puppies.
While some puppies initially enjoyed the food, a few reviewers mention their pets eventually lost interest or experienced digestive issues. However, these instances seem less common compared to the positive feedback. The resealable packaging is also recognized as a benefit for those feeding smaller portions, although some customers find the containers difficult to open.
A few dogs were reported to be picky eaters or did not take to the food at all, but these reviews are balanced by numerous accounts of puppies who eagerly consume their meals and show improved enthusiasm for eating when Merrick Lil' Plates is served. Some owners also express satisfaction with the grain-free recipe, although a few are cautious about this aspect due to recent studies on grain-free diets.
Despite some challenges with packaging and individual pet preferences, the overall sentiment suggests that Merrick Lil' Plates is a hit among many puppies, with owners noting their pets' excitement during meal times and the ease of integrating this wet food into their feeding routines.
