Welcome to our review of Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food.

Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food Review

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List of products

Merrick Lil Plates Dry Products	Ratings	AAFCO
→ Salmon & Sweet Potatoes Recipe	4.5	Maintenance
→ Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe	4.3	Maintenance
→ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe	4.4	Maintenance
→ Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe	4.1	All Life Stages
→ Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe	4.3	Maintenance
→ Texas Beef & Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe	4.3	Maintenance

This dog food line has 6 recipes. Reviewing all isn’t possible. The review of Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe shows the quality, nutrition, and composition of the whole line.

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Ingredients

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Whitefish Meal, Miscanthus Grass, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Apples, Salmon Oil, Blueberries, MINERALS [Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate], DL-Methionine, Sunflower Oil, Taurine, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

Ingredient Analysis

The first five ingredients are highlighted as the primary ingredients in this review of Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food.

Primary Ingredients

→ Deboned chicken is a high-quality protein used in premium dog foods. It’s made by removing the bones from fresh chicken, leaving nutrient-rich meat. It supplies essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and energy, and it’s easy to digest.

However, since chicken is a common allergen, it may not suit pets with poultry sensitivities.

Deboned chicken (raw, skinless) provides about 22.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

→ Chicken meal is rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground, and it typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It has a higher protein concentration—approximately 65%—compared to deboned chicken, making it beneficial for muscle development.

Additionally, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, a key component in supporting cartilage and joint health.

→ Turkey meal is a highly concentrated protein source created by rendering and drying whole turkeys or turkey parts (flesh, skin and bone). This process removes most fat and moisture, resulting in a dense ingredient that typically contains about 60–65% protein (dry-matter basis) to support lean muscle mass.

It can also contain naturally occurring glucosamine from cartilage and connective tissue, though amounts are variable and often supplemented separately in finished pet foods.

→ Potatoes serve as a gluten-free carbohydrate source, providing energy, fiber (2.2g per 100g), and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They are easy to digest and often used in grain-free formulas.

However, their high starch content and glycemic index (which causes rapid blood sugar spikes) may not be suitable for dogs with diabetes.

→ Sweet potatoes are a starchy, nutrient-dense root vegetable prized for their sweet flavor and versatility. They provide fiber and steady energy, support eye and immune health with beta-carotene, and are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Each 100 g of raw sweet potatoes (without skin) contains approximately 17.3 g of carbohydrates and 4.44 g of fiber.

Secondary Ingredients

The three ingredients immediately following the primary ingredients are highlighted as the secondary ingredients in this review of Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food.

→ Peas are a common part of commercial pet foods. They provide fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, manganese, phosphorus), and antioxidants.

Raw green peas have 5.42 g of protein and 14.4 g of carbohydrates in each 100-gram serving.

→ Chicken fat is the fat separated from chicken tissues during rendering. It is commonly used in dog food as a concentrated energy source and flavor enhancer.

It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, and is often preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.

→ Natural flavor is an ingredient derived from plant or animal sources used to enhance taste and palatability.

It is commonly added to pet food to make it more appealing to dogs and may be sourced from herbs, meats, or concentrated extracts of animal products.

Other Ingredients

→ Whitefish meal is rendered fish that has been dried and ground. It typically includes clean flesh, skin, and bone.

It has a high protein concentration, approximately 60–70%, making it an excellent ingredient for supporting muscle maintenance and development.

It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system.

→ Miscanthus grass is a novel, sustainable source of insoluble fiber used in some dog foods to promote digestive health and regulate bowel movements. Its low glycemic index makes it a good option for dogs with diabetes or weight-management issues.

→ Dried yeast is a high-quality source of essential amino acids, protein, and B vitamins. Adding it to a dog food formula boosts flavor, making the food more appealing to picky eaters or dogs with poor appetites.

The Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe includes other beneficial ingredients further down the list to support your dog’s health. However, we won’t explore them in detail here due to the scope of this Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food Review.

Nutrient Sources - Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food

Nutrient	Sources
Protein	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Whitefish Meal, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed
Fat	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Whitefish Meal, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil
Carbohydrate	Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Apples, Blueberries
Fiber	Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Miscanthus Grass, Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Apples

Vitamins

The vitamin list provides all essential vitamins except C, which dogs synthesize naturally. Sources are synthetic, ensuring stability, with mixed tocopherols preventing degradation. No adequacy gaps exist.

Minerals

The dog food features key chelated minerals such as zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. These minerals are bonded to amino acids, which significantly enhances their absorption and utilization in the body.

Sodium selenite and calcium iodate are inorganic mineral sources. They have lower bioavailability but remain effective in fulfilling canine nutritional needs.

Ingredient Concerns

The recipe uses ingredient splitting: it lists multiple protein sources (deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal) and starches (potatoes, sweet potatoes), which pushes individual ingredients lower on the list while collectively representing a significant portion of the formula.

The inclusion of the synthetic vitamin K supplement menadione sodium bisulfite remains controversial among some nutrition advocates.

Despite using chelated minerals to improve absorption of trace elements, the recipe falls short by relying on sodium selenite instead of selenium yeast, which is more bioavailable.

The use of “natural flavor” raises concerns about ingredient transparency.

This Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food Review highlights both the strengths and potential concerns in the formulation, giving pet owners a clearer picture of what to expect from this popular dry dog food line.

Nutrient Analysis

Moisture=11% Max

Method of Analysis	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
→ Guaranteed Analysis	32%	16%	29.5%	3.5%
→ Dry Matter Basis	36%	18%	33.1%	3.9%
→ Calorie Content Basis	31.9%	38.7%	29.4%	NA

Normal dog food typically contains (18-35)% protein, (30–50)% carbohydrates and (9–25)% fat on a dry matter basis.

However, Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe contains 36.0% protein, 18.0% fat, and approximately 33.1% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.

This makes it High in protein, Moderate in fat, and Moderately Low in carbohydrates.

Compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF Standards

The Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe contains 36.0% protein and 18.0% fat on a dry matter basis.

These levels exceed the minimum requirements for adult maintenance set by AAFCO and FEDIAF standards, ensuring the food provides sufficient protein and fat to support your dog’s overall health.

Every recipe in Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food line meets AAFCO and FEDIAF standards.

AAFCO Statement

“Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.”

The statement indicates that the recipe meets AAFCO nutrient requirements based on laboratory nutrient analysis, but it does not confirm that the food has undergone AAFCO-approved feeding trials.

Lab analysis verifies that the nutrient levels meet the required standards on paper, whereas feeding trials demonstrate real-world performance in dogs, including digestibility, palatability, and overall health outcomes.

Cost Analysis

Cost Metrics	4-lb bag	12-lb bag	20-lb bag
→ Cost per Unit	$23.98	$49.98	$66.98
→ Cost per Pound	$6.00	$4.17	$3.35
→ Cost per Serving	$1.56	$1.09	$0.87

When evaluating the Merrick Lil Plates Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe, the cost metrics reveal clear trade-offs.

The 4-lb bag has the lowest upfront cost at $23.98 but the highest cost per pound ($6.00) and per serving ($1.56), making it expensive for regular feeding.

The 12-lb bag offers a moderate upfront price of $49.98, with improved per-pound ($4.17) and per-serving ($1.09) costs.

The 20-lb bag requires the highest initial outlay ($66.98) but delivers the best economy: only $3.35 per pound and $0.87 per serving.

While the larger bag demands more storage and upfront cash, its long-term savings are substantial. Therefore, the 20-lb option provides the best overall value for households committed to this diet.

Chewy Autoship offers 35% off (up to $20) on your first order. For a 20-lb bag, the cost is $66.98, but on Autoship, it drops to $46.98, saving $20.

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Note: Prices are subject to change based on retailer, location, and availability.

Pros and Cons - Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food

Pros

Real Deboned Chicken is the First Ingredient
High Protein Content for Lean Muscle Maintenance
Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Support
Includes Probiotics for Digestive Health
Kibble Size Optimized for Small Breeds to Support Dental Health

Cons

Contains Several High-Glycemic Ingredients (Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas)
Contains menadione sodium bisulfite (synthetic vitamin K)
Includes vague “Natural Flavor” (unspecified source)

Recalls and Safety

Merrick has had a few past recalls affecting specific dog treats: 2010 beef filet squares (Salmonella) and 2018 beef treats (high thyroid hormone). These were limited incidents, and none of their other dog food lines have been affected since.

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Our Rating

Our dog food rating system rated the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe at 4.4 out of 5, while the Merrick Lil Plates Dry Dog Food line received an overall rating of 4.32 out of 5.

Final Verdict

This article gives a basic look at dog food ingredients, but you should always ask your vet for specific advice. Your dog may have different needs, and an expert’s help is important.