Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Beef & Sweet Potato

Our review of Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Dry Dog Food finds it best suited for small adult dogs that need a high-protein, grain free kibble with appealing real-meat flavor. The single biggest reason to consider this formula is that real deboned beef is the first ingredient, paired with freeze-dried raw pieces for added taste, which makes it a strong option for owners seeking a premium small-breed diet that supports lean muscle and coat health.

Key Features

• Real deboned beef: The first ingredient provides high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscle mass and sustained energy in small breeds.
• Smaller-sized kibble: Kibble is sized for toy and small dogs to make chewing easier and help reduce mess at mealtimes.
• Freeze-dried raw pieces: A blend of freeze-dried raw bites adds a distinct beef flavor that many dogs find palatable.
• Added joint support: Glucosamine and chondroitin are included to help support healthy hips and joints in active small dogs.
• Skin and coat nutrition: Elevated omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help nourish skin and promote a healthy coat.
• Probiotics for digestion: Added probiotics aim to support digestive health and stool quality for sensitive small digestive systems.

Who It's For

This recipe is aimed at owners of adult small-breed dogs who want a grain free, high-protein dry food with real beef as the top ingredient and the added flavor boost of freeze-dried raw pieces. It works well for active toy and small breeds that benefit from smaller kibble, extra joint support, and a formula designed to maintain lean body condition.

Owners whose dogs have known sensitivities to grain-free diets or who require a veterinary prescription diet should look elsewhere. Also, because customer reports on freeze-dried piece consistency and digestibility vary, those whose dogs have highly sensitive stomachs may want to trial a smaller bag first.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality primary ingredient with real deboned beef for strong protein content.
• Smaller kibble and raw bites increase palatability for picky small dogs.
• Includes omega fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin for coat and joint support.

Cons

• Some customers report inconsistent presence of freeze-dried pieces in bags, so raw bites may vary by package.
• A few dogs have shown digestive sensitivity to this formula, so transition and monitoring are recommended.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free is a solid choice for small adult dogs that benefit from a beef-first, grain free diet with smaller kibble and added raw bites for taste. It delivers targeted nutrition for coat and joint health and is good value for owners who prioritize premium ingredients, though buyers with very sensitive stomachs should monitor tolerance during transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the raw pieces real meat?
The product contains freeze-dried raw pieces made from real ingredients to boost flavor.

Is this suitable for toy breeds?
Yes, the smaller-sized kibble is formulated specifically for small and toy breed adult dogs.

Any digestive support included?
The formula includes added probiotics intended to support digestive health, but individual tolerance can vary.