Merrick Lil' Plates Dainty Duck Medley For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Dainty Duck Medley 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 Dainty Duck Medley 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 Dainty Duck Medley For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 37 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck broth adds moisture, flavor, and vital nutrients to your dog's meal, making it more palatable and nutritious, while supporting hydration and digestion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein minimum of 8.00% in this dog food is primarily contributed by the deboned duck, chicken liver, deboned chicken, and dried egg whites. These ingredients are rich sources of animal protein which are essential for muscle development and overall health in dogs.
The crude fat minimum of 3.50% is likely to come from the deboned duck, chicken liver, and deboned chicken, as these meats contain natural animal fats. Additionally, the sunflower oil included in the ingredients is a source of fat that contributes to the total fat content of the product.
Crude fiber maximum of 1.40% is relatively low, indicating that the food is not very high in plant-based fiber. This is consistent with the ingredients list, which contains potatoes, carrots, and peas that provide some fiber but not in large amounts. The low fiber content is appropriate for a diet designed for small breed dogs, which typically require more easily digestible foods.
The calorie content of 973.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The meats and fats are calorie-dense, while the potato starch and potatoes also contribute to the overall caloric value.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Dainty Duck Medley For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $9.75 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 | $214.61 |
| 10 lbs | $360.93 |
| 15 lbs | $489.20 |
| 20 lbs | $607.00 |
| 30 lbs | $822.74 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have reported a variety of experiences with Merrick Lil' Plates Dainty Duck Medley, but many have shared positive feedback. One dog owner found that their senior dog, who had lost some front teeth, became much more excited about mealtime when this food was mixed with their regular crunches. The pet parent even made quacking noises to signal the delicious mealtime, showing a playful and caring approach to their dog's enjoyment.
Another positive review highlights the versatility of the product, as it can be used to entice dogs who occasionally refuse their dry food. By mixing in a little of the Merrick Lil' Plates, the dog owner found a reliable way to ensure their pet would eat. Additionally, the product has been praised for its appeal to picky eaters, with one owner expressing relief at finding a food that their morkie, who had rejected numerous other brands, would happily eat.
Some reviews addressed concerns about ingredients such as peas and potatoes, but one customer found a balance by mixing the wet food with other meals to avoid any potential issues while still providing a flavor their dog loves. This indicates that while some dogs may have specific dietary needs, there are ways to incorporate Merrick Lil' Plates in a manner that keeps the pet happy and healthy.
Overall, the feedback suggests that Merrick Lil' Plates Dainty Duck Medley is particularly well-received by small breed dogs, with the portion size and consistency of the food being well-suited to their needs. The product has also been useful for owners looking for a convenient option for their pets during doggie daycare stays or for those with sensitive stomachs, as it seems to have been well-tolerated and enjoyed by many dogs.
