Merrick Lil' Plates Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner For Small Breed Dogs Review
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Review of Merrick Lil' Plates Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner 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 Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner 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 Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 40 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.
Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
Turkey broth can be a flavorful addition to dog food that also provides hydration and nutrients. It's a good source of protein and flavor for picky eaters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 8.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this dog food are the deboned turkey, chicken liver, deboned chicken, and dried egg whites. These are all high-quality sources of protein that are essential for muscle development and maintenance in dogs. The turkey and chicken provide a rich source of animal protein, while egg whites are almost pure protein and low in fat.
Crude Fat (min) of 3.50%: The crude fat content is likely derived from the deboned turkey, chicken liver, deboned chicken, and to some extent, the sunflower oil included in the ingredients. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and promoting healthy skin and coat. Sunflower oil is a good source of essential fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's overall health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 1.40%: The dietary fiber in this food is provided by the plant-based ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, peas, and potatoes. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity. The maximum crude fiber content indicates that the food is not excessively high in fiber, which is suitable for small breed dogs that may require a more easily digestible diet.
Calories of 969.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a measure of the energy it provides. It is influenced by all the macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – but the primary contributors to the calorie count are the fats and proteins due to their higher caloric density. The deboned turkey, chicken liver, and deboned chicken are rich in proteins and fats, which are calorie-dense nutrients, while the carbohydrates from vegetables and potatoes also contribute to the overall energy content.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Merrick Lil' Plates Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $10.86 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 | $240.19 |
| 10 lbs | $403.96 |
| 15 lbs | $547.52 |
| 20 lbs | $679.37 |
| 30 lbs | $920.82 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have been long-time purchasers of Merrick Lil' Plates Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner for Small Breed Dogs have expressed concerns about recent changes in the product's consistency and smell, leading to their pets refusing to eat it. However, many positive reviews highlight the product's effectiveness for dogs with sensitive stomachs and picky eating habits. For instance, one pet owner found that the food helped their 14-year-old dog with irritable bowel syndrome, leading to normal bowel movements and increased energy.
Several reviews from dog owners of small breeds rave about how their dogs love the taste of Merrick Lil' Plates, noting improvements in their pets' eagerness to eat and overall health. The food is appreciated for its American-made quality and the convenience of the small portion sizes, which are perfect for tiny breeds and result in no waste. It's also mentioned that the food's gravy content is a hit among dogs who prefer wetter meals.
Owners of senior dogs and dogs with dental issues have particularly praised Merrick Lil' Plates. The wet food is easier for their pets to eat and enjoy, especially after dental surgeries or for those with missing teeth. The variety of flavors and the option to mix the wet food with dry kibble have been beneficial for maintaining their dogs' interest in meals. Despite some dogs turning their noses up at the food, the positive reviews suggest that many dogs not only enjoy the taste but also experience health benefits from this product.
