Lil' Plates Grain Free Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a grain-free wet food formulated for small-breed dogs, featuring deboned beef and beef liver as the main animal protein sources in a chunky stew-style gravy. Carbohydrates and fiber come from potato starch, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, and peas, which also provide natural vitamins and antioxidants. It’s designed as a complete and balanced diet in convenient single-serve trays for small dogs at any life stage.
This is a high-quality, meat-forward wet food that should suit many small dogs who do well on a grain-free diet. Beef and beef liver provide good-quality animal protein, and the added fruits and vegetables contribute extra nutrients and fiber. It’s complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be used as a main diet, but the grain-free, legume-containing formula may not be ideal for every dog, especially those with heart concerns in breeds already at risk.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Real beef and beef liver are prominent ingredients, offering high-quality animal protein and essential amino acids.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be fed as a primary diet for most small dogs, including many puppies once appropriately weaned.
- Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, peas) that add natural vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and the fat and moisture levels are appropriate for a stew-style wet food.
Considerations
- Contains beef and egg, which are common food allergens for some dogs; not suitable if your dog reacts to these proteins.
- This is a grain-free recipe that includes peas among the ingredients; legume-heavy grain-free diets have been linked to certain heart issues in some dogs, so it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian if you have a breed prone to heart disease.
- The minimum protein (8%) and fat (3%) values are typical for wet food but relatively modest; very high-energy or working dogs may need additional calories or a higher-calorie companion diet.
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
Beef Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
03
Venison Broth
Venison broth is a flavorful, hydrating meat-based liquid used in pet foods or as a meal topper to enhance palatability and moisture while contributing small amounts of protein, minerals, collagen and gelatin from simmered venison (venison often serves as a novel protein for pets with food sensitivities). It can help stimulate appetite in picky or ill dogs and cats and support hydration, but owners should choose low-sodium, additive-free products (or ensure homemade broths contain no onion/garlic and that bones are removed), remember it is not a complete diet, and be mindful of fat content and storage/contamination risks.
04
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
05
Egg White
Egg white is a highly digestible, low‑fat, high‑quality protein source in pet foods, supplying concentrated albumin and essential amino acids that support muscle maintenance and growth in dogs and cats. It provides a lean protein alternative to meat but lacks the vitamins and fats of the yolk, can be an allergen for some pets, and raw egg white contains avidin (which can interfere with biotin) and may carry salmonella risk, so cooked or pasteurized forms are preferred.
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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.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 Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew Wet 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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