Merrick Lil' Plates Lil' Chunky Chicken Recipe Small Breed Treats Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Lil' Chunky Chicken 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 Lil' Chunky Chicken 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.
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.
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
The Crude Protein minimum of 15.00% is primarily attributed to the deboned chicken, which is the first ingredient listed and thus the most abundant in the treats. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that contributes significantly to this value. Potato protein, also mentioned, further adds to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat minimum of 7.00% is likely due to the deboned chicken, which naturally contains fats, and also the safflower oil, which is a source of polyunsaturated fats. The organic cane molasses and brown sugar may also contribute small amounts of fat, but their primary contribution would be to the carbohydrate content. The presence of flaxseed may also contribute to the fat content, particularly in the form of omega-3 fatty acids.
Crude Fiber maximum of 5.00% is associated with ingredients such as peas, pea fiber, potato starch, and flaxseed. These plant-based ingredients contain dietary fibers that contribute to the fiber content of the pet treats. Apples and blueberries may also contribute to this value, albeit to a lesser extent given their likely lower proportion in the treats. The inclusion of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, can also be a source of dietary fiber in the product.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally find that Merrick Lil' Plates Lil' Chunky Chicken Recipe Small Breed Treats are an excellent choice for training and rewarding their small dogs. The treats are appreciated for their size, which is perfect for smaller breeds, and many dogs seem to love the taste. Some customers have noted that the treats can be broken up easily for tiny mouths, especially as their dogs navigate through dental changes like the growth of adult teeth.
The treats' healthy ingredients are a significant plus for dog owners who are conscious about their pets' diet. There's a consensus that these treats are suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and don't cause any digestive issues. Moreover, the variety in flavors is well-received, with chicken being a particular favorite among many canine companions.
While there are mentions of the treats being harder than expected, this doesn't seem to deter dogs from enjoying them. In fact, even senior dogs with dental issues or those missing teeth have been reported to manage them well and beg for more. Some customers have creatively used the treats to encourage their dogs to eat their regular meals by adding a few on top.
There are a few concerns about the treats being too small or too dry, but these are individual preferences and may not reflect the experience of the majority. In contrast, their small size has been highlighted as a benefit for training purposes, allowing pet parents to give them more frequently without overfeeding. The treats have also been helpful for dogs on a diet, contributing to a healthier weight.
In summary, Merrick Lil' Plates treats are a hit with most small dogs and their owners. They're cherished for their palatability, size, and healthy composition. While there are minor critiques regarding texture and size, these seem to be outweighed by the positive feedback from a majority of pet parents who recommend them for their furry friends.
