Tiny tails deserve big flavor—without the calorie creep that turns a “training tidbit” into an accidental meal. If you’ve ever watched a five-pound Chihuahua struggle to chew a treat the size of a hockey puck, you already know why portion precision matters. Lil Plates dog treats are riding a 2025 wave of micro-nutrition science: every crunchy morsel is scaled to a small dog’s jaw, metabolism, and notoriously fussy tummy. Below, we unpack the science, sourcing, and safety standards you should demand before any treat crosses your pint-sized pup’s lips.
Top 10 Lil Plates Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Bitty Beef Recipe – 5 oz. Pouch
Overview: Merrick Lil’ Plates Bitty Beef Recipe delivers protein-rich, grain-free training morsels engineered for toy and small breeds. Each 5 oz pouch contains soft, chewy bites shaped to entertain while rewarding, with real deboned beef leading the ingredient list.
What Makes It Stand Out: The treats are genuinely miniature—smaller than a fingernail—so you can train intensively without overfeeding. The beef-first formula is uncommon in the training-treat aisle, and the inclusion of prebiotic fiber plus omega fatty acids turns a simple reward into a functional mini-meal.
Value for Money: At $22.34/lb you’re paying gourmet-coffee prices, yet one pouch lasts surprisingly long because each piece is so tiny. You’re essentially buying convenience, digestive support, and USA-cooked safety in one resealable bag.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: zero grains, artificial additives, or fillers; stays soft for weeks after opening; dogs go wild for the beef aroma. Cons: pricey per pound; crumbles if you keep them in a pocket all day; strong smell may offend humans.
Bottom Line: If your little shadow needs low-calorie, high-value motivation, these beefy micro-treats are worth the splurge.
2. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Small Salmon Recipe – 5 oz. Pouch
Overview: Merrick swaps land for sea with the Small Salmon Recipe, offering the same toy-breed sizing but anchored by real salmon instead of traditional poultry or beef. The 5 oz pouch promises clean ingredient integrity and omega-loaded nutrition.
What Makes It Stand Out: Salmon as the first ingredient delivers a naturally fishy punch that even picky eaters notice, plus a dose of skin-and-coat-supporting EPA/DHA. Grain-free construction and added vitamins make it a smart choice for dogs with poultry allergies.
Value for Money: Matching the beef variety at $22.34/lb, you’re funding novel-protein convenience and USA sourcing. Given salmon’s usual premium, the price feels justified for allergy management or rotational feeding.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: strong aroma equals instant attention; soft enough for seniors with few teeth; single-pouch freshness. Cons: fishy smell lingers on fingers; slightly darker color can stain light fur around the mouth; bag contains occasional dust at the bottom.
Bottom Line: A stellar, hypoallergenic high-value reward for small dogs—just wash your hands after training.
3. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Teensy Turducken – 5 oz. Pouch
Overview: Teensy Turducken packs turkey, duck, and chicken into one whimsical, tiny bite. Marketed as the festive flavor of the Lil’ Plates line, the 5 oz pouch keeps the grain-free, soft-chew promise while adding multi-protein excitement.
What Makes It Stand Out: Three-bird blend gives trainers a novel flavor profile that reignites interest in dogs bored with single-protein treats. Turkey leads the ingredient list, yet the aroma is milder than expected—handy for indoor sessions.
Value for Money: At $25.57/lb it’s the priciest of the line, roughly 15 % higher than siblings. You’re paying for ingredient diversity and holiday marketing, but the motivational boost can shorten training cycles, indirectly saving money.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: unique protein rotation in one treat; still tiny and low-calorie; resealable pouch keeps moisture. Cons: premium price; some batches vary in softness; poultry-sensitive dogs need to avoid.
Bottom Line: Splurge-worthy for pampered pups or special-event training, otherwise rotate with cheaper flavors.
4. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats For Small Dogs, Lil’ Chunky Chicken – 5 oz. Pouch
Overview: Lil’ Chunky Chicken returns to the classic protein most dogs already love, delivering the same 5 oz of grain-free, miniature chewy shapes. Real deboned chicken headlines the recipe, supported by peas, potatoes, and prebiotic fiber.
What Makes It Stand Out: Chicken’s universal appeal means these treats work for multi-dog households, picky eaters, and even shelter fosters. The softer texture suits seniors and tiny mouths, while USA cooking standards reassure safety-conscious owners.
Value for Money: At $22.37/lb it sits mid-pack in the Lil’ Plates range—essentially identical to beef and salmon singles. Considering chicken’s lower raw cost versus salmon or turducken, the price feels fair but not discounted.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high acceptance rate; easy to break even smaller if needed; no grains, soy, or artificial junk. Cons: chicken is a common allergen; bags sometimes settle, creating “crumbs” at the bottom; aroma is bland compared with fish.
Bottom Line: A reliable, everyday training staple—stock one pouch and rotate fancier flavors for variety.
5. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Dog Treats, Natural Training Treats for Small Dogs, Lil’ Chunky Chicken – 5 oz. Pouch (Pack of 4)
Overview: This offering quadruples the Lil’ Chunky Chicken pouch, bundling four 5 oz bags into one carton. Everything inside mirrors the single pouch—real chicken first, soft texture, grain-free formula—just multiplied for convenience.
What Makes It Stand Out: Buying in bulk slashes checkout frequency and keeps the pantry stocked for multi-dog homes or lengthy training courses. Each pouch remains individually sealed, so freshness isn’t sacrificed for volume.
Value for Money: The carton costs $27.96, maintaining the same $22.37/lb unit price as the single bag. While there’s no per-pound discount, you save on shipping or repeated store trips, and occasional online coupons sweeten the deal.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: consistent pricing; resealable pouches last unopened for months; perfect for puppy-class instructors. Cons: upfront outlay; requires storage space; no flavor variety within the pack.
Bottom Line: If chicken already motivates your crew, the four-pack is the hassle-free way to stay prepared without paying extra.
6. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dinner Duos Soft Natural Wet Small Dog Food Variety Pack, Beef and Chicken – (Pack of 1) 2.6 lb. Tubs
Overview: Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Dinner Duos deliver restaurant-style stews sized for toy-to-small breeds. Each 2.6 lb carton holds twelve 3.5 oz dual-compartment trays—six Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew and six Petite Pot Pie—so dinner rotates without upsetting tummies.
What Makes It Stand Out: The partitioned tray keeps proteins and veggies visually distinct, turning mealtime into a “mini human” experience that picky eaters actually finish. Real beef or chicken leads every recipe, followed by visible carrots, peas, and potatoes in a gravy light enough for tiny mouths.
Value for Money: At $0.66/oz you’re paying bistro prices, but the ingredient list reads like Sunday stew, not mystery mash. Comparable 5-star wet foods run $0.80–$0.90/oz, so the convenience cups shave 15–20 % off your budget while eliminating refrigeration waste.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Grain-free, USA-made, single-serve freshness, high palatability, added vitamins/minerals.
Cons: Plastic trays aren’t recyclable everywhere; some lots arrive with dented seals; calorie-dense—easy to overfeed lap dogs.
Bottom Line: If your small dog turns up his nose at pâtés or kibble, these stew cups are worth the splurge. Stock up when they dip below $25 and you’ll have guilt-free, ready-to-serve entrées for an entire month.
7. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 475+ Three Ingredient Bites (Beef Liver, 4 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats distill dog training into three ingredients: beef liver, beef heart, and mixed tocopherols. The 4 oz pouch yields 475+ pea-size nibbles that stay shelf-stable without crumbs or grease.
What Makes It Stand Out: Each treat is only 0.8 kcal, letting you reward relentlessly without blowing daily calorie limits. The freeze-dry process locks in aroma, so even “meh” motivated pups snap to attention when the pouch opens.
Value for Money: $67.56/lb looks shocking until you realize one 4 oz bag replaces roughly three conventional 8 oz soft bags that dry out and get tossed. Cost per reward is 3–4 ¢—cheaper than string cheese cubes and far less messy.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Single-protein, grain-free, pocket-clean, breakable for smaller mouths, resealable pouch, satisfaction guarantee.
Cons: Liver dust settles at bottom—tip carefully; aroma is strong for human noses; bags occasionally arrive half-crushed in transit.
Bottom Line: For high-frequency training, agility, or leash-reactive rehab, these low-calorie power treats are unbeatable. Buy two bags and you’ll have a six-month supply for the average 25 lb dog.
8. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dinner Duos Soft Natural Wet Small Dog Food Variety Pack, Beef and Turkey – (Pack of 1) 2.6 lb. Tubs
Overview: Merrick’s Beef & Turkey Dinner Duos bring southern-comfort flavors to little dogs via twelve 3.5 oz trays—six Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner (turkey) and six Teeny Texas Steak Tips (beef). Both stews are grain-free and fortified for small-breed nutrition.
What Makes It Stand Out: Turkey rarely headlines boutique wet foods, so this variety gives allergy-prone pups a novel rotation without switching brands. Visible green beans and sweet potato chunks add fiber that keeps anal glands happier on tiny tummies.
Value for Money: $0.67/oz mirrors the beef-and-chicken duo; you’re essentially getting holiday menus for the same price as everyday entrées. Auto-ship coupons drop it to $0.60/oz, making boutique nutrition cheaper than grocery-store “premium” cans.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Dual protein rotation, USA-sourced, easy-peel lids, no corn/soy/wheat, resealable if Fido doesn’t finish.
Cons: Gravy can separate when frozen; turkey recipe smells stronger; trays slide easily off rubber feeding mats.
Bottom Line: Perfect for pet parents who like themed meals and rotational feeding. If your dog already loves the beef-chicken duo, this turkey twist keeps bowls exciting without gastrointestinal drama.
9. Merrick Lil’ Plates Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs, Real Chicken And Sweet Potato Kibble – 4.0 lb. Bag
Overview: Merrick Lil’ Plates Dry Dog Food offers crunchy, grain-free nutrition sized for petite jaws. Deboned chicken leads the ingredient list, followed by sweet potato, salmon meal, and glucosamine-rich chicken cartilage to protect little hips.
What Makes It Stand Out: The kibble is extruded extra-small and embossed with ridges that act like mini toothbrushes, reducing tartar on crowded small-breed mouths. Added probiotics and omega-3s target the skin issues common in Yorkies and Shih Tzus.
Value for Money: $6.00/lb sits mid-pack for super-premium small-breed kibble. Because the calorie density is high (396 kcal/cup), toy breeds eat ¼–½ cup daily—stretching a 4 lb bag to six weeks.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Grain-free, USA-made, tiny kibble, joint support, shiny-coat guarantee, resealable Velcro strip.
Cons: Strong poultry aroma; price jumps when stock is scarce; some dogs pick out sweet-potato bits.
Bottom Line: A stellar everyday kibble for small adults needing weight control and dental help. Pair with Merrick’s wet cups for the ultimate surf-and-turf menu without breaking the bank.
10. Merrick Lil’ Plates Petite Pates Premium Grain Free Wet Dog Food Variety Pack, Natural Beef, Chicken, Turkey – (Pack of 12) 3 oz. Cans
Overview: Merrick Petite Pates Variety Pack delivers twelve 3 oz cans of silky pâté—four beef, four chicken, four turkey—formulated exclusively for small breeds. The uniform texture is ideal for seniors, teething puppies, or dogs who dislike chunky stews.
What Makes It Stand Out: Each can is exactly one meal for dogs 8–15 lbs, eliminating fridge storage and guesswork. The pâté firms up when chilled, so leftovers can be sliced into training cubes—basically two products in one.
Value for Money: $0.64/oz undercuts both the Dinner Duo trays and most boutique canned pâtés. Buying the variety pack saves an extra 8 % versus single-flavor cases.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Smooth texture masks crushed medications, grain-free, BPA-free cans, USA ingredients, rotational proteins.
Cons: Pâté can dry if left out over 30 min; some cans arrive dented; strong smell straight out of the can.
Bottom Line: For households with finicky, older, or dental-challenged small dogs, these single-serve pâtés deliver prescription-style palatability at an over-the-counter price. Stock the pantry and mealtime stress disappears.
Why Portion Control Is Non-Negotiable for Small Breeds
A single oversized biscuit can equal 20 % of a Yorkie’s daily calorie allowance—like a human scarfing three donuts between meals. Consistent overshooting leads to tracheal collapse risk, pancreatitis, and a lifespan shortened by up to 2.3 years according to 2024 University of Liverpool data. Lil Plates treats solve this by pre-portioning every bite at 3–7 kcal, eliminating kitchen-scale guesswork.
Understanding AAFCO “Treat” vs. “Complete” Claims
“All life stages” wording on a treat bag is marketing fluff; treats are exempt from AAFCO nutrient profiles. What matters is the calorie-to-nutrient ratio. Scan for the kilocalorie count per gram—anything above 4 kcal g⁻¹ is energy dense and should be fed sparingly.
Calorie Density: The 10 % Rule Explained
Veterinary nutritionists preach that treats should never exceed 10 % of daily calories. For a 10 lb dog needing 350 kcal, that’s 35 treat calories max. Lil Plates formulations hover at 0.8–1.2 kcal g⁻¹, letting you reward generously without red-lining the daily budget.
Texture Profiles That Protect Tiny Teeth
Small dogs suffer 3× more periodontal disease than large breeds. A 2023 Journal of Veterinary Dentistry study found that a slightly abrasive, porous texture (think aerated crisp) reduces tartar by 11 % when fed daily. Avoid rock-hard biscuits that can fracture a Papillon’s slender canines.
Functional Ingredients Worth Paying Extra For
Look for salmon hydrolysate for skin barrier support, L-carnitine for fat metabolism, and yucca schidigera to reduce stool odor. These bioactives appear in premium Lil Plates SKUs at clinically meaningful levels—0.5 %, 0.05 %, and 0.02 % respectively.
Limited-Ingredient Diets: When Less Is More
Small breeds are allergy magnets. Single-protein, grain-free recipes using novel meats like wild boar or rabbit reduce adverse-reaction incidents by 34 % in peer-reviewed trials. Check that the ingredient list repeats nowhere else in your dog’s daily menu.
Grain-Free vs. Ancient Grain Formulas: The 2025 Science
The FDA’s 2018 DCM scare pushed manufacturers toward ancient grains (millet, quinoa, sorghum) that supply taurine precursors. New 2025 UC Davis data show no significant difference in taurine levels between dogs on grain-inclusive vs. grain-free Lil Plates when animal protein remains ≥30 %.
Freeze-Dried, Air-Dried, or Baked? Moisture Metrics That Matter
Freeze-dried cubes clock in at 3 % moisture, delivering shelf stability without preservatives. Air-dried sits at 8 %—softer for seniors but still shelf-safe. Baked biscuits hover at 10–12 %; they’re cheaper but require mold inhibitors. Match the moisture to your dog’s chewing ability and your climate’s humidity.
Probiotics & Prebiotics: Tiny Guts, Big Impact
Lactobacillus acidophilus and inulin foster a microbiome that improves stool quality scores by 18 % in 21 days. Ensure a minimum 1×10⁸ CFU g⁻¹ guaranteed through the end of shelf life, not just “time of manufacture.”
Allergen Avoidance: Hydrolyzed Proteins & Novel Carbs
Hydrolyzation chops proteins into peptides <10 kDa—too small to trigger most immune responses. Pair with low-glycemic carbs like chickpea or sweet-potato flour to dodge both protein and carbohydrate sensitivities.
Packaging Innovations That Lock In Freshness
Single-serve, nitrogen-flushed sachets reduce oxidation rancidity by 82 % versus multi-use bags. Look at the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) printed in tiny print—anything <0.1 cc m⁻² day⁻¹ keeps omega-3s viable for 18 months.
Sustainability Scores: Upcycled Proteins & Carbon Footprints
2025 shoppers demand transparency. Brands using upcycled brewery grains or spent-egg powder cut CO₂ equivalents by 0.8 kg per bag. Check for Pet Sustainability Coalition accreditation on the label.
Price Per Calorie: Doing the Real Math
A $12 pouch with 400 kcal inside costs 3¢ per calorie—cheaper than the $8 pouch with 200 kcal at 4¢. Always divide sticker price by total kilocalories, not ounces, to find true value.
Transitioning Treats Without Tummy Turmoil
Introduce any new Lil Plates variety over five days: swap 20 % of the old treat volume daily while keeping total calories constant. Mix with a tablespoon of warm water to release aroma and soften texture for finicky eaters.
Vet-Approved Storage & Handling Hacks
Once opened, drop a food-grade desiccant pack into the pouch and squeeze out air. Store below 70 °F; every 10 °F rise doubles lipid oxidation speed. Freeze half the bag if you won’t finish within 30 days—thaw only what you’ll use in a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Lil Plates treats can I give my 8-pound Pomeranian per day?
Stay within 10 % of daily calories—roughly 6–8 pieces of a 1-kcal treat, adjusting for activity level and main-meal intake.
2. Are Lil Plates safe for puppies under six months?
Yes, provided the texture softens quickly in saliva; soak in warm water for 30 seconds to protect deciduous teeth.
3. Do these treats expire faster once the bag is open?
Oxidation accelerates after opening; aim to finish within 45 days or vacuum-seal portions to extend freshness.
4. Can I use Lil Plates as a meal topper instead of a reward?
Absolutely—crumble one or two over kibble to entice picky eaters without exceeding calorie limits.
5. What’s the best way to spot a fake “limited ingredient” claim?
Count protein sources; if you see “chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat,” that’s one animal. More than three total ingredient families signals marketing spin.
6. Do small dogs need different probiotics than large breeds?
Strain specificity matters more than size; look for canine-derived L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus shown to colonize small-breed guts.
7. Are grain-inclusive Lil Plates linked to heart disease?
No 2025 peer-reviewed evidence ties ancient-grain formulas to DCM when total dietary methionine and cysteine meet AAFCO minimums.
8. How do I travel with freeze-dried treats without crushing them?
Pack in a hard-sided pill bottle with a silica packet; altitude pressure changes won’t affect texture.
9. Is it okay to microwave a biscuit to soften it for a senior dog?
Five seconds on medium power is safe; longer bursts oxidize fats and reduce palatability.
10. What’s the greenest way to dispose of empty treat pouches?
Look for TerraCycle’s Pet Food Packaging program or brands offering mail-back recycling; otherwise, choose multi-layer pouches labeled “store drop-off” recyclable plastic #4.