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Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint Sized Puppy Plate Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog Food
Merrick

Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint Sized Puppy Plate Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 21, 2026

Dog · Wet Puppy Small

This is a grain-free, wet food formulated for small-breed puppies, featuring deboned chicken and turkey as the main animal protein sources. The chunks-in-gravy texture and moderate fat level can work well for puppies who need a softer food or extra palatability. Added salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega fatty acids, and the recipe includes vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.

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Over-the-counter No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.9 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, this is a high-quality wet food option for small-breed puppies who do well on grain-free diets. It offers multiple animal protein sources, a moderate calorie density for growing pups, and beneficial fats from salmon oil and sunflower oil. It is best suited for puppies without chicken, turkey, or egg allergies, and for owners who are comfortable with a legume-containing, grain-free formula.

Nutritional profile 8.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Digestive Health High Energy
Suitable For
Puppy Small
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned chicken and turkey, plus egg whites, provide multiple high-quality animal protein sources.
  • Includes salmon oil and ground flaxseed, which supply omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Wet, chunks-in-gravy texture can be easier for very small or young puppies to eat and helps with hydration.
  • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which some dogs tolerate better.

Considerations

  • Contains peas as a carb source; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs, so discuss with your vet if you have concerns.
  • Uses chicken, turkey, and egg, which are common allergens, so it is not ideal for puppies with known sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Protein and fat levels are moderate for a puppy diet, so very high-energy or large-breed puppies may need additional calorie sources or a different formula.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

DEBONED CHICKEN, CHICKEN BROTH, TURKEY BROTH, CHICKEN LIVER, DEBONED TURKEY, DRIED EGG WHITES, POTATO STARCH, POTATOES, PEAS, APPLES, RED PEPPERS, GUAR GUM, SUNFLOWER OIL, SALMON OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MINERALS (ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE), GROUND FLAXSEED, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, VITAMINS (VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID), ROSEMARY, SAGE, THYME, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.

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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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02
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavoring and moisture enhancer to improve palatability, and in wet formulas it contributes small amounts of protein, amino acids and electrolytes. It can help entice dogs and cats to eat or increase hydration, but caregivers should check sodium levels and avoid broths with onion, garlic, xylitol or other harmful additives, and be mindful if the pet has a poultry allergy.
04
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
05
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
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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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
8.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
3.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.40%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
968
kcal / Kg
96
kcal / Bowl
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Puppy
Breed size Small
Texture Chunks In Gravy
Food type Wet

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.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Merrick Pet Care
Parent company Nestlé Purina PetCare
Founded 1988
Headquarters Amarillo, Texas, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Texas
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint Sized Puppy Plate Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.9 /10 Grade A
Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint Sized Puppy Plate Recipe In Gravy Wet Dog Food
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Merrick ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Merrick. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.