Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs - Real

In this review of Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs, Chicken And Sweet Potato Kibble With Raw Bites, the bottom line is simple: it is a thoughtfully formulated small-breed dry food that prioritizes real deboned chicken and a textured bite to appeal to picky little dogs. Intended for adult small breeds that need compact kibble and higher protein, this formula's main selling point is the combination of real deboned chicken as the first ingredient and added freeze-dried raw pieces for flavor. The product aims to support lean muscle, digestion, skin and joint health in a grain free recipe.

Key Features

• Real deboned chicken: Chicken is the first ingredient to provide high quality protein for maintaining lean muscle mass and steady energy in small adults.
• Small breed kibble size: Smaller, rounded kibble pieces are designed to fit toy and small jaws and make chewing easier for tiny mouths.
• Freeze-dried raw bites: A blend of freeze-dried raw pieces mixed with kibble adds a stronger meaty flavor that can entice picky eaters.
• Digestive support: Probiotics are added to support optimal digestion and help with stool quality for sensitive tummies.
• Skin, coat and joint nutrients: Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin help nourish skin and coat and support healthy hips and joints.

Who It's For

This food is best for adult small-breed dogs and toy breeds that need a compact kibble and enjoy higher-protein recipes. Owners who prioritize whole-protein ingredients and a grain free formula will appreciate that real chicken is the lead ingredient and that the recipe includes nutrients for skin, coat and joint health.

Those with puppies, large-breed dogs, or pets with very strict ingredient sensitivities should look elsewhere; likewise owners concerned about occasional product inconsistency should monitor packages for the expected freeze-dried pieces, as some customers report variations in the raw bites.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality protein first ingredient helps maintain lean muscle in small adults.
• Smaller kibble and added freeze-dried pieces improve palatability for picky, small-eater dogs.
• Added probiotics and balanced omegas support digestion and coat health.

Cons

• Some buyers report inconsistency with the freeze-dried raw pieces and occasional dust in the bag, which can be disappointing.
• The grain free formula and richer ingredients may not suit every dog with food sensitivities.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Overall, Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a solid choice for adult small-breed dogs that benefit from a higher-protein, grain free dry food with compact kibble and added freeze-dried flavor bites. It provides good value for owners seeking quality ingredients and digestive support, though buyers should watch for occasional variation in the raw pieces and minor dust content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the freeze-dried raw bites actually included?
Most bags include freeze-dried raw pieces mixed with the kibble, but some customers have reported occasional inconsistency or fewer pieces than expected.

Is this suitable for puppies?
This formula is intended for adult small-breed dogs; choose a life-stage specific puppy formula for growing dogs.

Does it support joint and skin health?
Yes, the recipe includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin to help nourish skin, coat, and joints.