Lil' Plates Little Lamb Chop Stew Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a grain-free, lamb-based wet food made for adult small-breed dogs, with a chunky texture in gravy. Deboned lamb is the primary protein, supported by beef, beef liver, and egg white, while sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots provide carbohydrates and fiber. It offers a moderate protein and fat content for a wet food and includes added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet food option for adult small-breed dogs who enjoy lamb and beef flavors and do well on grain-free diets. It uses named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list and avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The grain-free formula relies on peas and potatoes for carbohydrates, which some owners may want to weigh carefully in breeds with potential heart concerns.
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
- Deboned lamb as the first ingredient, with additional beef, beef liver, and egg whites providing multiple high-quality animal protein sources.
- Grain-free recipe that avoids wheat and soy, which can help some dogs with specific sensitivities.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and includes a full vitamin and chelated mineral premix for balanced nutrition.
- Single-serve wet format can be very palatable and convenient for small dogs, and the moisture content helps support adequate hydration.
Considerations
- Contains peas and potatoes as key carbohydrate sources; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been associated with certain heart issues in some dogs, so this is worth discussing with your veterinarian for at-risk breeds.
- Includes common protein allergens such as lamb, beef, and egg, so it would not be appropriate for dogs already known to react to any of these ingredients.
- As a relatively low-fat wet food, it may not provide enough calories on its own for very high-energy small dogs without feeding larger volumes.
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
Deboned Lamb
Deboned lamb is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein source for dogs and cats, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron and zinc while lacking the calcium associated with bone-in meats. It can be a palatable option and a potential novel protein for animals with food sensitivities, but owners should note lamb can be higher in fat and calories than lean meats and raw or undercooked lamb may carry pathogens unless properly processed, so check product labels and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs.
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.
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.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 Little Lamb Chop 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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