Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Treats Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Treats
According to our most recent data, this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Treats, we'll examine all 25 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.
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.
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.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
Organic cane molasses is a natural sweetener that can enhance the taste of the food, while also providing minor amounts of minerals like calcium and potassium.
Vegetable glycerin is used as a natural sweetener and texture enhancer in dog foods.
While brown sugar is not a necessary ingredient in dog food, it can be used in small quantities to add natural sweetness and flavor to the food, making it more palatable for your dog.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
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.
Cultured whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is rich in probiotics, which can help support your dog's gut health and promote a healthy immune system.
Sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier that helps improve the texture and consistency of dog food. It also provides essential fatty acids, choline, and inositol to support brain function, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
Safflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a valuable source of omega-6 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as overall immune function.
Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.
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.
Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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.
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 smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.
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.
Inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health and overall immune function.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 15.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in these treats are the deboned turkey, deboned duck, and deboned chicken. These are animal-based proteins that are highly digestible and provide essential amino acids for dogs. Potato protein also adds to the overall protein content, though it is a less complete protein compared to animal sources.
Crude Fat (min) of 7.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the natural fats present in the deboned turkey, duck, and chicken, as well as added fats such as safflower oil. Safflower oil, preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), not only contributes to the fat content but also helps in preserving the product. The fat content is important for providing energy as well as supporting healthy skin and coat.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The crude fiber in these treats is most likely coming from plant-based ingredients such as peas, pea fiber, potatoes, and flaxseed. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity. While fiber is an important component of a dog's diet, it is not a primary energy source and is present in moderate amounts to avoid digestive upset.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express high satisfaction with the Merrick Lil' Plates Teensy Turducken Recipe Small Breed Treats, particularly noting their dogs' love for the flavor. Many owners appreciate the small size of the treats, finding them perfect for tiny breeds, like a 5 lb Morkie, or for use as training rewards. The treats are also praised for being easy to digest, which is especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or GI issues, as one labradoodle owner happily discovered.
Despite some initial expectations for larger treats, even larger dogs seem to enjoy the small size, with owners of medium-sized dogs and a 50lb dog finding them convenient for training without the need to cut them up. The soft texture is also highlighted as a positive feature, making them suitable for teething puppies. One particular case of a min-pin rescue dog showcased the treats' effectiveness in training and maintaining the dog's proper weight.
While there was a mention of the treats being too rich for one dog, leading to diarrhea, this seems to be an isolated case. Another owner with a picky eater named Tinkerbell reported success, indicating that even fussy dogs find these treats appealing. The quality of ingredients is another aspect that reassures pet owners, allowing them to feel good about what they're feeding their pets. Overall, the positive reviews suggest that these treats are a hit among both small and larger breeds, serving as a tasty and functional snack.
