Dog Food
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food Real Chicken, Sweet Potatoes + Peas with Raw Bites Recipe

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food Real Chicken, Sweet Potatoes + Peas with Raw Bites Recipe

By Merrick 88 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 95% confidence
8.8 /10
Quality
8.5
Value
8.0
Design
8.0
Function
9.0
Durability
8.0

In a Nutshell

  • Highly rated for small kibble size and quality
  • Inconsistent raw bits can be a deal-breaker for some
  • Generally well-received by dogs and owners

Quick Verdict

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food is highly rated by most users, especially for its small kibble size and quality ingredients. However, there are concerns about the consistency of raw bits, which some users have found missing. The food is generally well-received by dogs and praised for its quality, but the variable quality of the raw bits could be a potential deal-breaker for some buyers.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 88
Would Recommend 90%
Would Buy Again 90%
Avg Lifespan 6 months

Pet Compatibility

πŸ• Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Small Kibble Size (2)

    The small kibble size is ideal for senior dogs and those with dental issues

  • Quality Ingredients (4)

    The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients

  • Dog Enjoys the Food (4)

    Dogs seem to enjoy the taste and texture of the food

  • Balanced Nutrition (1)

    The food provides a balanced and nutritious diet

Cons

  • Missing Raw Bites (3) major

    Some bags are missing the raw chicken bites that are a key selling point

  • Inconsistent Quality (2) high

    The quality of the product can vary between bags

Who Is This For?

βœ“ Best For

  • β€’ Dogs with dental issues or senior dogs β€” Small kibble size is easier to chew and digest

βœ— Skip If

  • β€’ Pet owners who prioritize consistency in raw bites β€” There are reports of missing raw bites in some bags

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 5+ months

Factors: frequency of feeding, storing method, weather conditions

Cleaning Methods

βœ— Machine wash
βœ“ Hand wash
βœ— Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • πŸ’‘ Store in a cool, dry place, well ventilated closet

Floor Compatibility

βœ“ Hardwood
βœ“ Tile
⚠️ Carpet
βœ“ Vinyl
βœ“ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.8
88 reviews
5β˜…
79%
4β˜…
0%
3β˜…
0%
2β˜…
0%
1β˜…
21%
quality (10) taste (7) missing bites (3) quality variation (2)

Highlighted Reviews

β€” Kandace

"I loved how small the kibble was for my dog. He is a senior and eats this food. I always am cautious when buying other flavors that are for all breeds because the kibble is bigger. My dog is missing a lot of his teeth and the small food doesn't make me worry as much. I also always break up the freez..."

β€” Samantha

"This is not the first time this has happened. My pup looks so forward to the chicken bites and there’s not one in this bag! I did call Chewy and they were so nice. They are going to send a replacement to see if the next bag is good. But the quality control for this brand is lacking! We love this f..."

Bottom Line

If you have a small breed dog, especially one with dental issues, and are okay with the risk of missing raw bits, Merrick Lil' Plates is a good option. The high positive sentiment and consistent ratings indicate a generally satisfied customer base, but be aware of the potential for missing raw bits and the need to break them up for easier consumption by your pet.

8.8 /10
β€” Excellent