Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato | 4 lbs

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe is a high-protein dry dog food built for adult small breed dogs with big nutritional needs. Positioned as a grain-free, complete and balanced formula, it leads with real deboned beef as the first ingredient and delivers 38% minimum crude protein to support lean muscle and sustained energy in small, fast-metabolizing dogs.

Quick Product Snapshot

Why Pet Owners Choose This Food

• Real deboned beef first - Animal protein leads the ingredient list, delivering 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support.
• Diverse protein sources - Beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal provide a multi-protein profile for broad amino acid coverage.
• 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.
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids - Salmon oil and flaxseed oil support healthy skin and coat condition.
• 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 beef is the first ingredient, followed by lamb meal and sweet potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources. Peas, potatoes, and salmon meal round out the protein and carbohydrate profile. Salmon oil 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. 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.): 17.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 3.7%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.37%
• 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 beef and lamb 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 beef is the #1 ingredient
• 38% minimum crude protein for lean muscle support
• Grain-free formula - no corn, wheat, or soy
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility support
• Five probiotic strains 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 Texas Beef & Sweet Potato 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: 022808260035
• Barcode: 022808260035

Physical

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

Nutritional

• Primary Protein: Deboned Beef
• Crude Protein (min.): 38.0%
• Crude Fat (min.): 17.0%
• Crude Fiber (max.): 3.7%
• Moisture (max.): 11.0%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.): 3.7%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.37%
• 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