Merrick Lil' Plates Bitty Beef Recipe Small Breed Treats Review
$4.54 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$5.58 w/ code PawDiet20
Use Code: PawDiet20
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Bitty Beef 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 Bitty Beef Recipe Small Breed Treats, we'll examine all 23 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.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 source of protein in this pet food product is the deboned beef, which is the first ingredient listed and therefore the most abundant. Beef is a high-quality source of protein that contributes significantly to the crude protein content. Other ingredients that add to the protein content include potato protein and peas, both of which are plant-based sources of protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 7.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the deboned beef, as animal meat contains natural fats. Additionally, safflower oil, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E), also contributes to the fat content of the treats. The inclusion of flaxseed may also add a small amount of fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The crude fiber comes from ingredients such as peas, pea fiber, potatoes, and apple. These ingredients contain plant-based fibers that contribute to the overall dietary fiber content of the pet food. The inclusion of inulin, a source of soluble fiber, also contributes to the fiber content, as well as promoting digestive health. The maximum value indicates that fiber is controlled to not exceed 5% to ensure the treats remain palatable and digestible for small breed dogs.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express satisfaction with Merrick Lil' Plates Bitty Beef Recipe Small Breed Treats, highlighting their perfect size for small breeds and training purposes. Many dogs seem to love the flavor and texture, with owners noting that even those with few teeth or picky appetites are eager to enjoy these treats. They are particularly favored for their low calorie content, which allows for frequent rewarding without the concern of overfeeding.
While some reviews mention that certain dogs did not take to the treats, these instances are often balanced by the positive experiences of other pets within the same household or the acknowledgment that some dogs have very specific preferences. The treats are also appreciated for not being messy, which makes them convenient for carrying during walks or training sessions.
In cases where the treats were not favored due to their hardness, it's important to note that other reviewers have successfully used them with small dogs or for training, suggesting that texture preferences can vary among individual pets. Overall, the feedback underscores the treats as a successful training aid and a hit with many dogs, especially those who are smaller or have dietary restrictions.
