Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potatoes | 12 lbs

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a fish-based dry dog food built for small breed dogs that thrive on high-quality animal protein and elevated omega-3 nutrition. Positioned as a grain-free, complete and balanced formula, it leads with real deboned salmon as the first ingredient and delivers 38% minimum crude protein alongside 1.3% minimum omega-3 fatty acids - making it a strong choice for owners prioritizing skin, coat, and joint support.

Quick Product Snapshot

Why Pet Owners Choose This Food

• Real deboned salmon first - Fish protein leads the ingredient list, delivering 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support.
• Elevated omega-3 content - 1.3% minimum omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, whitefish, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil - notably higher than many dry dog food formulas.
• Multi-source fish protein - Salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, and deboned whitefish provide a diverse fish-based amino acid profile.
• Joint support included - Glucosamine (1,200 mg/kg) and chondroitin sulfate (900 mg/kg) support mobility and joint comfort.
• Digestive health support - Five probiotic strains plus prebiotic chicory root inulin promote a balanced digestive system.
• 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 salmon is the first ingredient, followed by salmon meal and sweet potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources. Peas, potatoes, whitefish meal, and deboned whitefish round out the protein and carbohydrate profile. Coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and salmon oil provide omega-3 and omega-6 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 15% minimum crude fat with a notably high 1.3% minimum omega-3 fatty acid content - driven by multiple fish-based ingredients. The formula meets nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, making it suitable from puppyhood through adulthood.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (min.): 38.0%
• Crude Fat (min.): 15.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.5%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 2.5%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 1.3%
• Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 900 mg/kg

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 salmon and salmon 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 salmon is the #1 ingredient
• 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support
• 1.3% minimum omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat
• Grain-free formula - no corn, wheat, or soy
• Fish-based protein profile from salmon, whitefish, and salmon meal
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility support
• Five probiotic strains plus prebiotic fiber for digestive health
• 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 Salmon & Sweet Potatoes is a practical, ingredient-forward choice for owners who want a fish-based, high-protein dry dog food with elevated omega-3 nutrition built around the specific needs of small breed dogs. The 12 lb bag offers a convenient supply for consistent daily feeding. 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: 022808260059

Physical

• Package Size: 12 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 14.29 lbs
• Form: Dry kibble
• Texture: Small crunchy kibble

Nutritional

• Primary Protein: Deboned Salmon
• Crude Protein (min.): 38.0%
• Crude Fat (min.): 15.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.5%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 2.5%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 1.3%
• Glucosamine (min.): 1,200 mg/kg
• Chondroitin Sulfate (min.): 900 mg/kg

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