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Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food

Part of the Lil' Plates product line →

Top 5 ingredients of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food are Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Potatoes. According to the guaranteed analysis, we calculated the starch ratio as 32.5%.

Deboned Salmon The flesh of salmon, an oily cold-water fish, used fresh.
Salmon Meal Salmon that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.
Whitefish Meal Whitefish that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal with most of the water removed.
Sweet Potatoes The tuber of the sweet potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate. Botanically unrelated to the ordinary potato.
Potatoes The tuber of the potato plant, cooked and used as a grain-free carbohydrate.

Guaranteed Analysis	Value
Crude Protein (min.)	32%
Crude Fiber (max.)	4.5%
Crude Fat (min.)	14%
Moisture (max.)	11%
Calories	3,581 kcal/kg, 390 kcal/cup

Nutrition, dry matter

The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 89% dry matter.

Nutrient	As fed	Dry matter	Reading
Protein	32%	36%	high
Fat	14%	15.7%
Fibre	4.5%	5.1%
Carbohydrate (estimated)	32.5%	36.5%	moderate

Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,581 kcal per kilogram, or 390 kcal per cup.

71 out of 100

The Open Score

Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.

Protein, dry matter 36% 26/30

Protein is 36% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 32%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 32% and 38% dry matter, comfortably above what an adult dog needs.
Carbohydrate load 36.5% 15/25

Estimated carbohydrate is 36.5% dry matter, between 30% and 40% dry matter, around the middle of the catalogue. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.
First five ingredients 3 named 15/25

The first five ingredients are Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes. 3 of them are a named animal protein.
Flagged additives 1 found 6/10

We found: Menadione (vitamin K3), a synthetic form linked to toxicity at high doses and not permitted in human supplements.
Brand recall history 1 on record 9/10

1 FDA recall matched to this brand, 0 of them in the last three years. This reflects the manufacturer, not this specific recipe.

A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.

How much to feed

We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,581 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.

The Impact of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food on Canine Longevity

A Healthy and Balanced Diet for Your Dog

When it comes to ensuring the longevity and overall well-being of our furry friends, providing them with a healthy and balanced diet is crucial. One brand that has gained popularity among dog owners is Merrick, specifically their Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and the feedback from dog owners to assess the benefits and drawbacks of this dog food in relation to canine longevity.

The Key Ingredients

The main ingredients of the Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food are deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. These ingredients are carefully selected to provide essential nutrients, promote energy levels, and contribute to a dog’s overall health and well-being.

Salmon is a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle development and repair. The inclusion of salmon meal and whitefish meal further boosts the protein content of this dog food. Protein is not only important for building strong muscles but also for maintaining a healthy coat and supporting a dog’s immune system.

Sweet potatoes and potatoes are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide dogs with the energy they need to stay active and playful throughout the day. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

The Benefits of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food

Positive feedback from dog owners who have fed their pets Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food highlights several benefits that contribute to canine longevity.

One dog owner noticed a significant improvement in their dog’s smell after switching to this brand. This positive change could be attributed to the high-quality protein sources, such as deboned salmon and salmon meal, which can help reduce body odor in dogs.

Another dog owner mentioned that their older dog, who has been eating this food, has maintained a healthy weight, shown high energy levels, and has a beautiful coat. These benefits can be attributed to the balanced nutrition provided by the combination of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients in this dog food.

Several dog owners have also reported a positive impact on their dogs’ digestive health. They noticed a reduction in gut problems such as gas and diarrhea after switching to Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food. This improvement could be due to the exclusion of gluten grains and the inclusion of easily digestible ingredients like sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While the majority of dog owners have had positive experiences with Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food, a few have reported that their dogs did not seem to enjoy the taste or had difficulty transitioning to this brand. It’s important to note that individual dogs have different preferences, and what works for one may not work for another. However, it’s commendable that these dog owners recognized the health benefits of the food and didn’t hold it against the company.

Conclusion

Overall, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food appears to be a beneficial choice for promoting canine longevity. The carefully selected ingredients, such as deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes, provide essential nutrients, contribute to energy levels, promote a healthy coat, aid in digestion, and support overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and their individual needs may vary. If you decide to switch your dog’s food, it’s recommended to do so gradually to allow for a smooth transition. Consulting with your veterinarian is also advised, especially if your dog has specific dietary requirements or health concerns.

By providing your furry friend with a high-quality and nutritious diet like Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food, you’re giving them the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food Ingredients

Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Chicory Root (source of Inulin), Potassium Chloride, Salt*, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product

Nutrition Distribution of Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food

According to the guaranteed analysis, Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food has 32% protein, 14% fat, 4.5% fiber, and 11% moisture. Assuming there is 6% ash, then this dog food has 32.5% starch.

The largest proportion of Carbohydrates in dog food is provided by starch and indeed dogs don't have carbohydrate requirement at all.

We calculated the starch ratio in Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Salmon + Sweet Potatoes Recipe Dry Dog Food as 32.5%. Basically, around one third of the food you feed to your dog is starch.

Average starch ratio of dry dog foods on inthekibble.com is 38.51% - and that means this Lil' Plates kibble has less starch ratio than the average.

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