Merrick Lil' Plates Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper 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 Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper 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 Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper 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.
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.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Salmon broth enhances the taste of the food making it more appealing to dogs, while also providing additional nutrients and hydration.
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.
Green beans are a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as dietary fiber. They can add valuable nutrients to your dog's diet and aid in weight management due to their low caloric content.
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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Potato starch is a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your dog while being gentle on their digestive system.
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.
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.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function 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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
Cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant benefits for your dog's overall health.
Cumin is a natural spice that adds flavor to dog food and may provide potential antioxidant benefits to support overall health.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 8.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the beef, beef liver, dried egg whites, and salmon. These ingredients are rich in animal proteins, which are essential for a dog's muscle development and overall health. Beef and salmon, being the first and seventh ingredients respectively, suggest they are present in significant amounts, thus contributing heavily to the protein content. The beef liver is also a concentrated source of protein and other nutrients.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.50%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the beef, as it naturally contains fat, especially if the cuts used are not lean. Additionally, the sunflower oil is a high-fat ingredient that would contribute to the overall fat content. Salmon is also a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which would contribute to the fat percentage.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for animal-based wet foods. The fiber present may be provided by the green beans and to a lesser extent by the potato starch. Fiber is important for digestive health, but since dogs are carnivorous by nature, their diet doesn't require as much fiber as a herbivore's would.
Calories of 895.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The beef and salmon provide calories from proteins and fats, while ingredients like potato starch may contribute calories from carbohydrates. The sunflower oil is also a calorie-dense ingredient. Together, these components determine the overall energy value of the food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $10.69 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 | $255.82 |
| 10 lbs | $430.24 |
| 15 lbs | $583.15 |
| 20 lbs | $723.57 |
| 30 lbs | $980.73 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally seem to be very satisfied with Merrick Lil' Plates Small Surfin' + Turfin' Supper, especially for senior dogs and small breeds. One senior dog owner noted that their dog loves the gravy and shows a preference for this flavor over others. Another customer mentioned that the small bites and moist texture are perfect for their senior toy fox terrier with dental issues, highlighting the food's suitability for dogs with sensitive teeth.
Many reviews praise the positive health effects of the food, particularly on their dogs' coats and dental health. One dog owner observed a significant improvement in their dog's coat and overall health after switching to Merrick's wet and dry food, based on a recommendation from their groomer. The transformation was noticeable after several months, indicating that consistent use yields results.
Despite some negative feedback, it appears that the majority of dogs enjoy the taste and variety offered by Merrick Lil' Plates. One rescue shih tzu loves it as a topper on dry food, and another customer's dogs reportedly go crazy for the fish flavor when mixed with kibble. Even in cases where one dog in a household might be less enthusiastic, another might find it irresistible.
For dogs with digestive sensitivities, the Surfin' and Turfin' variety has been a successful match, closely resembling a home-cooked diet. One owner was pleased with the smooth transition and lack of offensive odor, which is often a concern with wet dog foods. Additionally, the packaging has been well-received for its convenience.
Lastly, customers with particularly picky eaters or dogs with dietary restrictions have found solace in the Lil' Plates line. The variety of flavors and small kibble size cater to fussy dogs and those that graze rather than eat in one sitting. The visible vegetables in the food also give owners confidence in the product's quality, and it's reported that dogs eagerly consume it.
