Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potatoes | 4 lbs

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a high-protein dry dog food built for small breed dogs with big nutritional needs. Positioned as a grain-free, complete and balanced formula, it leads with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient and delivers 38% minimum crude protein alongside DHA and elevated omega-6 fatty acids to support lean muscle, skin, coat, and cognitive health in small, fast-metabolizing dogs.

Quick Product Snapshot

Why Pet Owners Choose This Food

• Real deboned chicken first - Poultry protein leads the ingredient list, delivering 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support.
• Multi-source poultry protein - Chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal provide a diverse amino acid profile for complete nutrition.
• DHA included - Supports cognitive function and overall wellness alongside omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Joint support built in - Glucosamine (1,200 mg/kg) and chondroitin sulfate (1,200 mg/kg) support mobility and joint comfort.
• High-potency probiotics - 90 million CFU/lb (Bacillus coagulans) plus four additional probiotic strains and prebiotic chicory root inulin for digestive health.
• Small kibble design - Sized for small breed mouths; crunchy texture helps reduce plaque buildup.
• Made in the USA - Crafted in Merrick's Hereford, TX kitchen under strict FDA guidelines.

Ingredient Transparency

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal and turkey meal as concentrated protein sources, with sweet potatoes and potatoes as primary carbohydrates. Peas round out the macronutrient profile. Salmon meal and flaxseed oil provide omega-3 fatty acids. Apples and blueberries contribute natural antioxidants. This formula contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Nutritional Positioning

This recipe delivers 38% minimum crude protein and 17% minimum crude fat - a high-protein, energy-dense profile suited to the fast metabolism of small breed dogs. DHA (min. 0.07%) supports cognitive health. The formula meets nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, making it suitable from puppyhood through adulthood. Caloric content: 3,740 kcal/kg (430 kcal/cup).

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (min.): 38.0%
• Crude Fat (min.): 17.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 4.8%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.40%
• DHA (min.): 0.07%
• Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Bacillus Coagulans (min.): 90,000,000 CFU/lb
• Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg (430 kcal/cup)

Texture, Palatability, and Feeding Experience

This dry dog food features a small, crunchy kibble designed for small breed mouths. The crunchy texture supports dental hygiene by helping reduce plaque buildup during chewing. Palatability is driven by real chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as primary protein sources. Most small breed dogs transition well to this formula when introduced gradually over 7-10 days.

Feeding Guidance and Portion Use

Feed as a complete daily meal. 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.

Typical Daily Feeding Guidelines:

• 3-5 lbs: 1/3 - 1/2 cup daily
• 5-10 lbs: 1/2 - 3/4 cup daily
• 10-15 lbs: 3/4 - 1 cup daily
• 15-20 lbs: 1 - 1 1/4 cups daily

Safety, Storage, and Handling

Store in a cool, dry place. Seal bag tightly after each use to preserve freshness. Always provide fresh, clean water alongside meals. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions.

Product Highlights

• Real deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient
• 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support
• Grain-free formula - no corn, wheat, or soy
• DHA for cognitive function and overall wellness
• Glucosamine and chondroitin (1,200 mg/kg each) for joint mobility
• 90 million CFU/lb probiotics plus prebiotic fiber for digestive health
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat
• Small crunchy kibble supports dental hygiene
• Whole food antioxidants from apples and blueberries
• AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages
• Made in the USA - Hereford, TX

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is a practical, ingredient-forward choice for owners who want a high-protein, complete dry dog food built around the specific energy and nutritional demands of small breed dogs. Feed consistently, transition gradually, and adjust portions to your dog's individual condition.

Product Specifications

Commercial

• Brand: Merrick
• Product Line: Lil' Plates Grain Free
• SKU: 022808384106
• Barcode: 022808384106

Physical

• Package Size: 4 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 4.25 lbs
• Form: Dry kibble
• Texture: Small crunchy kibble

Nutritional

• Primary Protein: Deboned Chicken
• Crude Protein (min.): 38.0%
• Crude Fat (min.): 17.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 4.8%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.40%
• DHA (min.): 0.07%
• Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Bacillus Coagulans (min.): 90,000,000 CFU/lb
• Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg (430 kcal/cup)

Dietary

• Grain-Free: Yes
• No Corn, Wheat, or Soy: Yes
• No Artificial Preservatives, Colors, or Flavors: Yes

Suitability

• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Breed Size: Small Breed
• AAFCO Statement: Meets nutritional levels for all life stages

Manufacturing

• Country of Origin: USA
• Manufacturing Location: Hereford, TX