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- Description
Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes with Raw Bites is a grain-free dry dog food formulated specifically for small breed dogs. Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, enhanced with freeze-dried raw chicken bites for added taste and nutrition, delivering 38% crude protein in a small kibble size calibrated to the higher metabolic needs of small dogs.
Quick Product Snapshot
| Primary Protein | Deboned Chicken |
| Food Type | Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Bites |
| Texture | Small kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces |
| Life Stage | All life stages |
| Breed Size Suitability | Small breeds |
| Diet Positioning | Grain-free, gluten-free, freeze-dried raw enhanced |
| Feeding Purpose | Complete and balanced for all life stages |
| Key Feature | Freeze-dried raw bites, 38% protein, 1,200 mg/kg glucosamine and chondroitin |
| Package Size | 4 lbs. |
Why Pet Owners Choose This Food
- Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient, providing quality animal protein for lean muscle maintenance in small dogs
- Freeze-dried raw chicken bites are mixed throughout the kibble, locking in fresh taste and easily digestible nutrition
- 38% crude protein supports the higher energy demands of small breed dogs
- 1,200 mg/kg glucosamine and 1,200 mg/kg chondroitin sulfate support healthy joint function - particularly important for small breed mobility
- Omega-6 (4.0% min.) and omega-3 (0.80% min.) fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat
- DHA (0.07% min.) supports brain health
- Probiotic blend including Bacillus coagulans plus prebiotic fiber from chicory root supports digestive health
- Grain-free, gluten-free formula with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
Ingredient Transparency
Deboned chicken and chicken meal lead the formula, delivering concentrated poultry protein. Turkey meal contributes additional protein. Sweet potatoes and potatoes provide grain-free digestible carbohydrate energy. Freeze-dried raw chicken pieces are incorporated throughout for enhanced palatability and nutritional density. Flaxseed and salmon oil supply essential fatty acids including omega-3s and DHA. Chicory root provides prebiotic fiber. Real apples and blueberries add natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Cooked in Merrick's Hereford, TX facility under strict FDA guidelines.
Nutritional Positioning
- Crude Protein (min.): 38%
- Crude Fat (min.): 17%
- Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
- Moisture (max.): 11%
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 4.0%
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.80%
- DHA (min.): 0.07%
- Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
- Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
- Caloric Content: 413 kcal/cup (3,760 kcal/kg ME)
This recipe meets the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, providing complete and balanced nutrition for small breed dogs at every stage of life.
Texture, Palatability, and Feeding Experience
Small kibble size is designed for the smaller jaw and mouth structure of small breed dogs. Freeze-dried raw chicken bites are distributed throughout the bag, adding textural variety and a fresh, palatable taste that appeals to selective small breed eaters. The grain-free carbohydrate base from sweet potatoes and potatoes provides digestible energy without corn, wheat, soy, or gluten.
Feeding Guidance and Portion Use
Feed as a complete daily meal. Small breed dogs have higher caloric needs per pound of body weight than larger breeds - adjust portions based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Transition gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts with your dog's current food to support digestive comfort during the switch. Always provide fresh, clean water. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog's individual health needs.
Safety, Storage, and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Seal the bag tightly after each use to preserve freshness of both the kibble and freeze-dried raw bites. Always provide fresh, clean water alongside meals.
Product Highlights
- Real deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Freeze-dried raw chicken bites throughout
- 38% crude protein for small breed energy needs
- Small kibble size designed for small breed dogs
- 1,200 mg/kg glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega-6 (4.0%) and omega-3 (0.80%) fatty acids for skin and coat
- DHA (0.07% min.) for brain health
- Probiotic blend with Bacillus coagulans and prebiotic chicory root fiber
- Grain-free and gluten-free - no corn, wheat, or soy
- 413 kcal/cup - calorie-dense for small breed metabolism
- AAFCO-approved for all life stages
- Made in the USA - Hereford, TX
Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes with Raw Bites is a practical, ingredient-forward dry dog food built for the unique nutritional demands of small breed dogs. Consistent daily feeding supports lean muscle maintenance, joint comfort, skin and coat health, and digestive regularity across all life stages.
Product Specifications
Commercial
- Brand: Merrick
- Product Line: Lil' Plates
- Recipe: Real Chicken + Sweet Potatoes with Raw Bites
- SKU: 022808354680
- UPC: 022808354680
Physical
- Package Size: 4 lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 4.25 lbs.
- Form: Dry kibble with freeze-dried raw bites
- Kibble Size: Small breed
Nutritional
- Primary Protein: Deboned Chicken
- Secondary Protein: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
- Crude Protein (min.): 38%
- Crude Fat (min.): 17%
- Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
- Moisture (max.): 11%
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 4.0%
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.80%
- DHA (min.): 0.07%
- Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
- Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
- Caloric Content: 413 kcal/cup (3,760 kcal/kg ME)
Dietary
- Grain-Free: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Suitability
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Breed Size: Small breeds
- AAFCO: Meets nutritional levels for all life stages
Manufacturing
- Country of Origin: USA
- Manufacturing Location: Hereford, TX
