Stella & Chewy’s Lil Bites Savory Stews for Small Breeds (Chicken & Salmon in Broth, 2.7 oz cups, Pack of 12) and how it compares to other wet foods for small dogs:
Stella & Chewy’s Lil Bites Chicken & Salmon Stew Overview
Key Features:
Format: Wet food in broth (2.7 oz cups, pack of 12 = 32.4 oz total).
Protein Sources: Chicken + salmon (dual animal proteins).
For Small Breeds: Tiny, soft chunks in gravy for petite jaws.
Grain-Free: No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives.
Added Nutrients:
Omega-3/6 fatty acids (for skin/coat health).
Taurine (supports heart health).
Nutritional Profile (per cup):
Crude Protein: 8% min (~40% dry matter basis).
Crude Fat: 4% min (~20% DMB).
Crude Fiber: 1.5% max.
Moisture: 82% max.
Calories: ~70 kcal/cup (~26 kcal/oz).
Pros:
✅ High-Quality Proteins: Chicken and salmon as first ingredients.
✅ Hydrating: High moisture content (great for pups who don’t drink enough).
✅ Small-Breed Focused: Easy-to-eat texture and portioned cups.
Cons:
⚠️ Expensive: ~30 per 12-pack (~0.92 per oz).
⚠️ Low Protein/Fat (as-fed): Requires larger volumes vs. dry kibble.
Comparison to Other Wet Foods for Small Breeds
| Feature | Stella & Chewy’s Lil Bites | Hill’s Science Diet Tiny Bites | Blue Buffalo Homestyle | Royal Canin Small Puppy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Chicken + salmon | Chicken + rice | Chicken + veggies | Chicken + rice |
| Protein % (DMB) | ~40% | ~30% | ~35% | ~28% |
| Texture | Chunks in broth | Pâté | Chunks in gravy | Pâté |
| Grain-Free? | Yes | No | Yes (some recipes) | No |
| Portion Size | 2.7 oz cups | 2.8 oz cans | 3 oz cans | 3 oz cans |
| Price per Oz | ~0.92 | ~0.60 | ~0.70 | ~0.80 |
Best For:
Small or toy breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians).
Picky eaters (irresistible broth and tender chunks).
Dogs needing hydration (82% moisture).
Not Ideal For:
Budget buyers (higher cost per ounce than kibble or pâté-style wet foods).
Dogs with chicken/salmon allergies.
Alternatives:
For Grain-Free Hydration:
Weruva Tiny Tails (similar texture, ~$0.80/oz).
Merrick Lil’ Plates (small-bite stews, ~$0.70/oz).
For Budget-Friendly Options:
Purina Pro Plan Savory Sensations (pâté, ~$0.40/oz).
For Allergies:
Zignature Small Breed Turkey (limited-ingredient, grain-free).
Feeding Guidelines:
Toy Breeds (under 10 lbs): 1–2 cups/day (split into 3+ meals).
Small Breeds (10–20 lbs): 2–3 cups/day (split into 2–3 meals).
As a Topper: Mix ½ cup with kibble to boost palatability.
Storage Tip: Refrigerate opened cups for up to 3 days.
Final Verdict:
Stella & Chewy’s Lil Bites is a premium, hydrating option for small breeds, but its cost and low calorie density make it better as a topper or occasional meal rather than a primary diet. For everyday feeding, consider pairing it with a high-quality dry kibble (e.g., NutriSource Small Breed Puppy).
