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Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew Wet Dog Food
Merrick

Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 24, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult Small

This is a grain-free wet food designed for small adult dogs, featuring deboned lamb as the main protein source along with beef and beef liver. It uses sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots for carbohydrates and fiber, and is served in a chunky stew-style gravy. The formula aims to provide complete and balanced nutrition in convenient single-serve trays for small breeds.

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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

This wet food is formulated for small adult dogs who do well on a grain-free diet and enjoy a stew-style texture. It offers animal-based proteins from lamb, beef, and egg, which can support lean muscle in active small breeds. It can work as a complete meal or as a topper to enhance palatability for picky small dogs.

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

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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
Adult Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned lamb is the first ingredient, backed up by beef and beef liver for varied animal protein sources.
  • Grain-free formula may suit dogs that truly need to avoid grains, using sweet potatoes and peas for carbohydrates.
  • Single-serve trays can help with portion control for small dogs and keep the food fresh.
  • Includes a full vitamin and chelated mineral mix to support complete and balanced daily nutrition.

Considerations

  • Contains lamb, beef, and egg, which are common triggers for food allergies in some dogs.
  • This is a grain-free recipe with peas in the ingredient list, so I’d be cautious in breeds with known heart concerns.
  • The protein level is modest for a high-energy claim, so very active small dogs may need careful portioning or added calories.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

DEBONED LAMB, LAMB BROTH, BEEF BROTH, BEEF, BEEF LIVER, DRIED EGG WHITES, SWEET POTATOES, CARROTS, POTATO STARCH, PEAS, GUAR GUM,TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SUNFLOWER OIL, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL FLAVOR, 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), VITAMINS (VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, (VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID), CHOLINE CHLORIDE, XANTHAN GUM.

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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
View ingredient
02
Lamb Broth
Lamb broth is used in pet foods and toppers primarily as a flavorful, moisture-rich base or gravy to boost palatability and hydration, and it can contribute small amounts of animal protein, amino acids, and electrolytes. Pet parents should be aware that broths can be high in sodium or fat and may contain allergens or toxic seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, xylitol), so choose low‑sodium, pet-safe formulations and consult a veterinarian for pets with dietary restrictions or sensitive stomachs.
03
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.
04
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.
View ingredient
05
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.

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)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
3.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.40%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
1137
kcal / Kg
113
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 Adult
Breed size Small
Texture Chunks In Gravy
Processing method Steam Cooked
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 Little Lamb Chop Stew 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 Little Lamb Chop Stew 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.