Merrick Lil' Plates Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe 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 Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe 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 Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 42 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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
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.
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.
Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune 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.
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.
Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.
The dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora.
Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.
Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: The high protein content is likely provided by the deboned salmon, salmon meal, and whitefish meal listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. These ingredients are rich in animal proteins, which are essential for a dog's muscle development and overall health. Salmon meal and whitefish meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered forms of the fish, with most of the water and fat removed.
Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The fat content is contributed by ingredients such as deboned salmon, which naturally contains healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, and pork fat, which is added to increase the palatability and provide essential fatty acids. Sunflower oil and flaxseed are also rich in fats and likely contribute to the overall fat content, which is important for energy, cell integrity, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: Fiber is derived from plant-based ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health. The fiber content is not too high, as excessive fiber can be difficult for dogs to digest, especially small breeds with smaller digestive systems.
Calories of 3729.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by all the macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the proteins from the fish meals, the fats from the animal sources and oils, and the carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and potatoes all contribute to the total caloric value. The caloric density is important for providing small breed dogs with enough energy throughout the day in smaller, more manageable meal portions.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $4.87 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 | $27.99 |
| 10 lbs | $47.08 |
| 15 lbs | $63.81 |
| 20 lbs | $79.18 |
| 30 lbs | $107.32 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have small breed dogs have expressed satisfaction with the Merrick Lil' Plates Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe, highlighting that their fussy eaters with allergies have taken well to the food. There's a consensus that the quality of Merrick dog food is reliable, and many pets seem to enjoy the taste, particularly those with chicken intolerances. The salmon and sweet potato combination has been effective in resolving some dogs' dietary issues and improving their overall appetite.
Several reviews note the kibble's small size as a positive feature, making it suitable for small breeds and dogs with dental issues. Pet owners appreciate that their dogs, including those with specific protein allergies, can enjoy the smaller, easy-to-chew bites. The inclusion of nutritious ingredients and the grain-free formula have been well-received, as they contribute to a balanced diet and content pets.
While some dogs initially resisted the switch to this food, others eventually accepted and enjoyed it. Owners of picky eaters found that their dogs eventually warmed up to the flavor. The product's high-quality ingredients and the fact that it doesn't upset sensitive stomachs have been praised. Even though the smell of the salmon can be strong, most dogs seem to find it appealing, and the food does not cause fishy breath.
Despite a few instances where dogs did not favor the food, the majority of reviews are positive. Pet parents are happy to find a nutritious, small-bite option that their dogs not only tolerate but eagerly consume. The food's ability to maintain energy levels and cater to specific dietary needs has made it a recommended choice for small dog breeds.
