Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato With Raw Bites Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for small adult dogs that combines traditional kibble with freeze-dried raw beef pieces. Deboned beef, pork and bone meal, and salmon meal provide multiple animal protein sources, while sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas supply carbohydrates and fiber. It also includes added omega fatty acids, taurine, joint-support ingredients, and a probiotic to support overall wellness for active small breeds.
Overall, this is a nutrient-dense dry food for small adult dogs that leans heavily on animal proteins and includes some nice extras like joint support and probiotics. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for active small dogs, and the added omega-3 and omega-6 fats are helpful for skin and coat. Because it is grain-free and uses peas and potatoes as main carbs, I would be cautious using it as the only long-term diet in breeds at higher risk for heart disease.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef, pork meal, and salmon meal provide multiple high-quality animal protein sources.
- Protein and fat levels are well suited to many active small adult dogs.
- Includes added taurine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for overall support.
- Contains a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) and fiber sources that can support digestive health.
Considerations
- Contains beef, pork, salmon, peas, and yeast, which can be triggers for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
- This is a grain-free formula relying on peas and potatoes, which some studies have linked to heart issues in certain dogs.
- The calorie density is fairly high, so portion control is important for small dogs prone to weight gain.
- Freeze-dried raw bites may not suit households needing to avoid any raw-style products for immunocompromised people or pets.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
03
Bone
Bone is used in pet foods and supplements mainly as a source of minerals—ground bone or bone meal supplies calcium and phosphorus and can contribute flavor or texture. These minerals are essential for skeletal health in dogs and cats but must be provided in the correct calcium:phosphorus ratio and from safe, inspected sources because excessive bone content can cause constipation, dental fractures, or gastrointestinal obstruction, and high phosphorus or splintering cooked bones can be harmful, especially for pets with kidney disease.
04
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
05
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Merrick offers premium dog and cat food made with real, whole ingredients and regional produce. The brand is known for its recipes such as 'Grain Free', 'Backcountry', and 'Classic'. Merrick targets pet owners seeking natural and grain-free diets for their pets, with an emphasis on U.S.-sourced meats and fresh, farm-to-bowl ingredients.
Visit MerrickManufacturer
Merrick Pet Care manufactures its food in company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. The company maintains in-house quality control and safety testing, adhering to USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. Merrick emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and audits suppliers for quality and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato With Raw Bites Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Merrick ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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