Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato (Small Breed) – 4 lb Review & Comparison
Final Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent for protein & joint care, but check for legume sensitivities.)
Merrick Lil’ Plates is a grain-free, high-protein kibble designed for small-breed dogs, featuring real deboned beef as the first ingredient. The small kibble size is easy for tiny mouths to chew, and the formula includes glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health.
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Key Features
✅ Grain-Free – No corn, wheat, or soy.
✅ High-Protein (34% min) – Deboned beef is the #1 ingredient.
✅ Small Kibble Size – Perfect for toy & small breeds.
✅ Added Joint Support – Glucosamine & chondroitin for mobility.
✅ Natural Probiotics & Omega Fatty Acids – Supports digestion & skin/coat health.
Ingredients Breakdown
Deboned Beef, Beef Meal, Salmon Meal (high-quality animal proteins)
Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes (grain-free carbs)
Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil (omega-3 & -6 for coat health)
Glucosamine, Chondroitin (joint support)
Chelated Minerals, Probiotics (better absorption & digestion)
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Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) 34%
Crude Fat (min) 15%
Crude Fiber (max) 3.5%
Moisture (max) 11%
Pros
✔️ Rich in animal protein (great for muscle maintenance).
✔️ Small kibble size (ideal for Yorkies, Chihuahuas, etc.).
✔️ No artificial preservatives or fillers.
✔️ Added joint support (important for small breeds prone to patellar luxation).
Cons
❌ Contains peas & potatoes (some dogs may be sensitive to legumes).
❌ Higher fat content (15%) – May not suit all small dogs (e.g., pancreatitis-prone breeds).
❌ Pricey for a 4 lb bag (~20).
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Comparison to Similar Small-Breed Kibbles
| Feature | Merrick Lil’ Plates (Beef) | Blue Buffalo Life Protection (Small Breed) | Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley (Small Breed) | Royal Canin X-Small Puppy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein % (min) | 34% | 26% | 32% | 28% |
| Grain-Free? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (contains brown rice & oatmeal) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (corn, wheat) |
| Kibble Size | ⭐ Very small | Small | Small | ⭐ Tiny (for XS breeds) |
| Joint Support? | ✅ Yes (glucosamine) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Best For | High-protein needs | Balanced nutrition | Grain-free, high-protein | Puppies & teacup breeds |
| Price (4 lb) | ~20 | ~16 | ~18 | ~25 |
Verdict
Merrick Lil’ Plates is a top-tier choice for small breeds needing high protein & joint support, but it’s pricier than some competitors.
Best Alternatives Based on Need:
More Affordable: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed (good balance, but lower protein).
Best Grain-Free Alternative: Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley (32% protein, venison-based).
For Teacup Breeds: Royal Canin X-Small Puppy (tiny kibble, but not grain-free).
