Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

by Merrick

Overall Score: 92/100

Ingredients

1. Deboned Beef (protein)
2. Pork And Bone Meal (protein)
3. Salmon Meal (protein)
4. Sweet Potatoes (carbohydrate)
5. Potatoes (carbohydrate)
6. Peas (carbohydrate)
7. Pork Fat Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols (protein)
8. Pea Protein (protein)
9. Natural Flavor (additive)
10. Potato Protein (other)
11. Sunflower Oil (fat)
12. Miscanthus Grass (fiber)
13. Dried Yeast (other)
14. Flaxseed (fat)
15. Potassium Chloride (mineral)
16. Salt (mineral)
17. Choline Chloride (vitamin)
18. Apples (other)
19. Blueberries (other)
20. Salmon Oil (protein)
21. MINERALS [Zinc Amino Acid Complex (other)
22. Iron Amino Acid Complex (other)
23. Sodium Selenite (mineral)
24. Manganese Amino Acid Complex (other)
25. Copper Amino Acid Complex (other)
26. Calcium Iodate] (other)

Ingredient concerns

• Peas (low concern): Peas and other legumes have been associated with the FDA investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While a definitive causal relationship has not been established, the FDA continues to investigate. Peas are frequently used in grain-free formulations as a primary carbohydrate and protein source.
• Pea Protein (medium concern): Plant-based protein concentrates like pea protein can artificially inflate the total protein percentage on guaranteed analysis without providing the same amino acid profile as animal proteins. Associated with the FDA investigation into grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though a causal link has not been definitively established.
• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 35.6%, fat 16.7%, fiber 0%, ash 7.5%, carbohydrate 40.3%. By calories: 30.6% from protein, 34.8% from fat, 34.6% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 35.6% vs 18% minimum, fat 16.7% vs 5.5% minimum.

Dry food, grain-free, for the adult life stage.

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