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Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Chicken-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food Review

The review is based on AI analysis of available product data and customer reviews from Chewy.com. Learn more about how we are supported.

Ingredients

Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Chicory Root (source of Inulin), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2B26002

Deboned Salmon

High-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health. Can be a good option for dogs with allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef.

Salmon Meal

Concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients, can be easier for dogs to digest compared to fresh salmon.

Whitefish Meal

Source of protein and essential nutrients, can be a good option for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef.

Sweet Potatoes

Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, can provide sustained energy for dogs. Can be a good alternative to grains for dogs with grain sensitivities.

Potatoes

Source of carbohydrates and fiber, can be a good energy source for dogs. Some dogs may have sensitivities to potatoes.

Peas

Source of plant-based protein and fiber, can be beneficial for digestive health. Some dogs may have sensitivities to peas.

Sunflower Oil

Source of omega-6 fatty acids, can help support skin and coat health.

Natural Flavor

Adds palatability to the food, may be derived from animal or plant sources.

Flaxseed

Source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, can help support skin and coat health and digestive function.

Potato Protein

Concentrated source of plant-based protein, can be beneficial for muscle health.

Pea Protein

Concentrated source of plant-based protein, can be beneficial for muscle health.

Chicory Root (source of Inulin)

Source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Potassium Chloride

Source of potassium, an essential mineral that plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction.

Salt

Provides essential sodium for dogs, but should be limited in excess as too much salt can be harmful.

Apples

Source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation.

Blueberries

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, can support immune function and overall health.

Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal

Source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, can support overall health.

Choline Chloride

Essential nutrient that plays a role in brain function and metabolism.

Taurine

Amino acid that is essential for heart health in dogs, especially important for breeds prone to heart disease.

Yucca Schidigera Extract

May help reduce stool odor and support joint health.

Mixed Tocopherols for freshness

Natural preservatives that help maintain the freshness of the food.

Vitamins

Essential nutrients that support various bodily functions in dogs.

Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product

Probiotic that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Citric Acid for freshness

Natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness of the food.

Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product

Probiotic that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product

Probiotic that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product

Probiotic that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product

Probiotic that can support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.


Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein 32% min
Crude Fat 14% min
Crude Fiber 4.5% max
Moisture 11% max
Docosahexaenoic Acid 0.05% min
Taurine 0.17% min
Omega-6 fatty acids 3.50% min
Omega-3 fatty acids 0.40% min
Glucosamine 1200 mg/kg
Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg/kg
L-Carnitine 200 mg/kg
Bacillus Coagulants 90,000,000 cfu/lb

Crude Protein

Crude protein is essential for dogs as it helps in building and repairing tissues, muscles, and organs. The minimum value of 32% in this dog food is considered good for dogs.

Crude Fat

Dogs need fat for energy and to support healthy skin and coat. The minimum value of 14% in this dog food is suitable for dogs.

Crude Fiber

Fiber is important for digestive health in dogs. The maximum value of 4.5% in this dog food is within the acceptable range for dogs.

Moisture

Moisture content should be kept low in dog food to prevent bacterial growth. The maximum value of 11% in this dog food is appropriate for dogs.

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is beneficial for brain development and eye health in dogs. The minimum value of 0.05% in this dog food is beneficial for dogs.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid for heart health in dogs. The minimum value of 0.17% in this dog food is good for dogs.

Omega-6 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are important for skin and coat health in dogs. The minimum value of 3.50% in this dog food is beneficial for dogs.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart and joint health in dogs. The minimum value of 0.40% in this dog food is beneficial for dogs.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine helps in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. The value of 1200 mg/kg in this dog food is good for dogs.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate supports joint health and helps in reducing inflammation in dogs. The value of 1200 mg/kg in this dog food is beneficial for dogs.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine helps in metabolizing fat and maintaining lean muscle mass in dogs. The value of 200 mg/kg in this dog food is good for dogs.

Bacillus Coagulants

Bacillus coagulants are probiotics that support digestive health in dogs. The value of 90,000,000 cfu/lb in this dog food is beneficial for dogs.


Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-quality ingredients including real salmon and sweet potatoes
  • Grain-free and chicken-free recipe suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
  • Contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for overall health
  • Small kibble size perfect for small breed dogs
  • Good customer reviews with an average rating of 4.41 out of 5 stars

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the strong odor of salmon
  • Picky eaters may refuse to eat this food

Evaluation

Pet Food AI has assigned 4 stars to Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Chicken-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food.

Star Star Star Star

This food is a high-quality option for small breed dogs, especially those with allergies or sensitivities to chicken. The small kibble size makes it easy for small dogs to eat, and the added vitamins and nutrients contribute to overall health. However, some dogs may not enjoy the strong salmon odor, so it may not be suitable for picky eaters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this food healthy for dogs?

Yes, this food is healthy for dogs as it contains high-quality ingredients and added vitamins and minerals.

Сan this food cause allergies?

This food is grain-free and chicken-free, making it a good option for dogs with common allergens. However, individual dogs may still have sensitivities to specific ingredients.

Should this food be combined with others?

It is not necessary to combine this food with others, as it is nutritionally complete on its own. However, if desired, it can be combined with wet food to increase water intake or to entice picky eaters.

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