Merrick Lil' Plates + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe
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 + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe 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 + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 46 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.
Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.
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.
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.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
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.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Potato protein is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle development and maintenance.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
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.
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.
Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
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 32.00%: The high protein content is likely contributed by the primary ingredients such as deboned beef, pork meal, and salmon meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein which are essential for muscle development and maintenance in pets. Pea protein and potato protein also add to the overall protein content, though they are considered less complete sources of protein compared to animal sources.
Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The fat content is provided by ingredients such as pork fat, which is a concentrated source of energy, and to a lesser extent by the deboned beef and salmon meal. Sunflower oil and salmon oil also contribute to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are important for skin and coat health, as well as supporting overall wellness.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.50%: Fiber is found in the plant-based ingredients such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and flaxseed. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support digestive health. The relatively low fiber content helps ensure that the food is highly digestible and suitable for small breed dogs, which this product is targeted toward.
Calories of 3640.00 per kg: The caloric content is a combined measure of all macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in the food. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the protein sources (beef, pork meal, and salmon meal), the fat sources (pork fat, sunflower oil, and salmon oil), and the carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. The high protein and fat levels indicate that this is a calorie-dense food designed to meet the energy requirements of active small breed dogs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $6.00 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 | $35.30 |
| 10 lbs | $59.36 |
| 15 lbs | $80.46 |
| 20 lbs | $99.84 |
| 30 lbs | $135.32 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed their appreciation for the Merrick Lil' Plates + Freeze Dried Raw Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe, highlighting its popularity with their pets. Dogs seem to enjoy the taste of the food, particularly the freeze-dried pieces of beef mixed within. The smaller kibble size is also appreciated, as it caters to dogs of all sizes, making it easier for them to chew and digest.
Several pet owners have noted the health benefits of the food, mentioning that it is well tolerated by dogs with special dietary needs. The absence of additives and the inclusion of healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes contribute to the perception that this is a nutritious choice for their pets. The brand loyalty is evident, with customers expressing their trust in Merrick's products and their satisfaction with the quality of the ingredients.
Despite some negative feedback regarding changes in the recipe and the proportion of freeze-dried pieces, many dogs seem to have adapted well to the food. Owners of picky eaters have found success with this recipe, as even selective dogs are enticed by the flavor and texture. The food's appeal has led to repeated purchases and recommendations to fellow dog owners searching for a satisfying and healthy option for their furry companions.
