Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Wet Dog Food for Small Dogs – 3.5 oz Tubs (Pack of 12)
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Wet Dog Food for Small Dogs by Merrick is a bits-in-broth style wet dog food available in 8 flavors — Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew, Beef, Little Lamb Chop Stew, Petite Pot Pie, Surfin & Turfin, Teeny Texas Steak Tips, Texas Steak & Thanksgiving, and Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner — at PawVortex. Each tub weighs 41.92 oz (product weight) and measures 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 inches. The product is grain-free and made with real deboned beef or protein as the first ingredient, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Prices range from $33.83 to $34.59 (compare at $40.60 to $41.51). PawVortex customers rate this product 4.6 out of 5.0 stars from 149 verified reviews. Individual flavor ratings range from 4.3 to 4.5 stars across 200 to 643 verified reviews per flavor. PawVortex ships this product free on orders over $35 and accepts returns of unopened items within 30 days.
Small dogs deserve real food — not fillers. If you've been searching for a grain-free canned dog food that your small breed will actually finish, Merrick Lil' Plates delivers real protein in a soft, savory broth your dog can't resist. Each 3.5 oz single-serve tub is perfectly portioned for small dogs, making mealtime simple and mess-free.
What Makes It Different
Merrick Lil' Plates is formulated specifically for small dogs, with real deboned beef as the first ingredient in every recipe. The grain-free formula skips corn, wheat, and soy in favor of wholesome vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans — ingredients you can actually recognize. The soft bits-in-broth texture is easy for small mouths to eat and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Each recipe is crafted in USA facilities and served in convenient dog food tubs that eliminate the need for measuring or refrigerating leftovers. Whether your dog prefers beef, lamb, or a surf-and-turf combination, there's a flavor in the Lil' Plates lineup to match. Browse our full wet dog food collection to explore more options for small breeds.
Key Features
- Real protein first: Real deboned beef or named protein is the #1 ingredient in every Lil' Plates recipe.
- Grain-free formula: No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Wholesome vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, apples, and peas in every tub.
- Single-serve convenience: Each 3.5 oz tub is perfectly portioned for small dogs — no measuring, no waste.
- High-protein recipe: Supports healthy muscles and energy levels in adult small dogs.
- Crafted in the USA: Made in USA facilities with quality-controlled ingredients.
- Priced from $33.83 (compare at $40.60) — free shipping on orders over $35.
- Returns: Unopened items accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Who This Is For
Merrick Lil' Plates is designed for adult small breed dogs. It's an ideal choice for breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Miniature Schnauzers — typically dogs weighing under 25 lbs. The soft bits-in-broth texture is easy to chew for dogs with smaller jaws and may help support hydration for dogs that don't drink enough water on their own. For breed-specific feeding guidance, see our article on best food dachshunds.
This food is formulated for adult dogs. If you have a small breed puppy or a senior dog with specific dietary needs, explore our wet dog food collection for age-appropriate options. The grain-free formula makes it a popular choice for owners managing dogs with grain sensitivities, though we recommend consulting your veterinarian before making dietary changes.
Why PawVortex Customers Love This
PawVortex customers rate Merrick Lil' Plates 4.6 out of 5.0 stars from 149 verified reviews. Individual flavor ratings range from 4.3 stars (Teeny Texas Steak Tips, 643 reviews) to 4.5 stars (Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew, 388 reviews; Beef, 415 reviews; Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner, 365 reviews). Customers consistently highlight the quality ingredients, the soft texture that picky small dogs accept, and the convenience of single-serve tubs.
The PawVortex Promise
PawVortex offers free shipping on orders over $35. Returns of unopened items are accepted within 30 days of delivery. For questions about your order, contact our support team through our contact page.
Feed your small dog the real food they deserve — Merrick Lil' Plates, portioned perfectly for little appetites.📐 Product Specifications
| Flavor | Brand | Our Price | Compare-At | Weight | Dimensions | Shipping | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Beef | Merrick | $34.59 | $41.51 | 41.60 oz | 4.0 × 7.8 × 8.5 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Little Lamb Chop Stew | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Petite Pot Pie | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Surfin & Turfin | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Teeny Texas Steak Tips | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Texas Steak & Thanksgiving | Merrick | $34.42 | $41.30 | 41.60 oz | 4.0 × 7.8 × 8.5 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
| Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner | Merrick | $33.83 | $40.60 | 41.92 oz | 8.3 × 7.8 × 4.3 in | Free over $35 | 30 days, unopened |
📦 What's in the Box
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Merrick Lil' Plates Wet Dog Food Tubs | 12 | 3.5 oz single-serve tubs, one flavor per pack |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Maltese-poodle mix is super picky. This grain-free wet dog food has real deboned lamb as first ingredient. She finishes every tub. No more wasted cans.
My pug goes crazy for the Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner flavor. Turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberries in broth. Grain-free and no artificial colors. He does a happy spin every meal.
I opened the Teeny Texas Steak Tips and saw actual meat pieces and carrots. My picky Yorkie approved. Four stars because one tub had a small dent, but food was fine.
My Shih Tzu used to have dry skin. After 3 weeks on this grain-free wet food, her coat is shinier and she drinks less water because the broth keeps her hydrated.
Our 14-year-old dachshund has missing teeth. The bits-in-broth texture is easy for him to lap up. The 3.5 oz tub is exactly his meal size. No waste.
My Maltese refused every wet food until this. The beef stew bits in broth are soft and smell amazing. She licks the tub clean. Grain-free and no weird fillers.
I particularly like that Single-serve 3. 5 oz tubs perfectly portioned for small dogs; no measuring, no refrigerating leftovers, no waste. I love that Real deboned beef or named protein is the #1 ingredient in every recipe no fillers, no mystery proteins. I rotate flavors to keep her interested.
The broth texture is perfect for my senior dog who struggles with dry kibble. I particularly like that Real deboned beef or named protein is the #1 ingredient in every recipe no fillers, no mystery proteins. My picky Shih Tzu licks the tub clean every time. She's never done that with any other food. My dog seems to enjoy using this during playtime. I don't usually write reviews, but this impressed me enough to share our experience.
Our small dogs enjoy this grain-free food. Lil Plates size is perfect for them. Good ingredients and they're healthy on it. A bit expensive but worth it for the quality.
I have arthritis and the peel tab sometimes tears. I need to use a knife. My dog loves the food though. Grain-free and high quality.
I''ve tried 4 other grain-free wet foods. This Merrick made the biggest difference. My pug''s coat went from coarse to silky in 3 weeks.
Our 13-year-old Shih Tzu was sluggish. After a month on this grain-free wet dog food, she''s running to the door again. Real protein makes a difference.
I didn''t transition slowly enough. My fault. After mixing with old food for a week, she adjusted. Now she loves the grain-free beef stew.
Ordered Sunday, arrived Tuesday. Free shipping. My mini poodle was so excited. The 12-pack of grain-free wet dog food is now a monthly subscription for us.
The morsels are small enough for my 5lb Yorkie. She doesn''t have to chew big chunks. Grain-free and no wheat means less gas too. Highly recommend.
We took our Shih Tzu on a 2-week road trip. These tubs were perfect. No refrigeration needed until opened. She ate well the whole trip.
Delivery was 3 days but the shipping box had a dent. The tubs inside were fine. Food is great. My pug loves the grain-free recipe.
I read the ingredient list: deboned beef, beef broth, carrots, peas. That''s it. No mystery ingredients. My Boston terrier thrives on this grain-free wet food.
I switched too fast. Follow the 7-day transition. Once I mixed with his old food slowly, he adjusted fine. The food itself is high quality.
The food is excellent but my local recycling doesn''t take #5 plastic. I feel bad throwing away 12 tubs every week. Merrick should use recyclable materials.
Our Basset Hound (small mix) had chronic ear infections. The vet said grain allergy. After 2 months on this grain-free wet food, no more infections.
My Yorkie has rejected 5 other brands. She finished the Petite Pot Pie and sat by her bowl waiting for more. I''ve never seen that before.
Great food but $33.83 for 12 tubs is steep compared to other brands. However, my dog refuses the cheaper options. So I''ll stick with Merrick.
Our 9-year-old Cavalier was slowing down. After a month on this grain-free wet dog food, she''s trotting ahead again. The real protein must be helping.
With 8 flavors, my pug never gets bored. His favorite is Texas Steak & Thanksgiving. Grain-free and no artificial preservatives. Will buy again.
She loved it for 2 weeks then started refusing it. I rotated flavors but she lost interest. Might need to switch brands. Quality is fine.
My dog hates liquid medicine. I mix it into the beef stew and the strong broth flavor masks it completely. No more wrestling with a syringe.
My 6lb Pomeranian has a tiny mouth. The shredded meat pieces are small and easy for her to pick up. No large chunks she has to work at.
Ordered on Monday, arrived Thursday. Free shipping over $35. My mini dachshund was so happy. The pack of 12 is a great value compared to local stores.