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Instinct
First Auto-Ship
20% OFF
Instinct
First Auto-Ship w/ Code: PAWDIET20
15% OFF
Instinct
For New Customers w/ Code: AFPAWDIET
Instinct vs. Pure Balance
In this comparison article for Instinct vs Pure Balance, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Instinct and Pure Balance, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Pure Balance vs Instinct comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Instinct Review Page or Pure Balance Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Pure Balance vs. Instinct
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Instinct Dog Food vs. Pure Balance Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food | Instinct | Pure Balance |
| Crude Protein | 36.2% | 29.2% |
| Crude Fat | 24.1% | 16.7% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.4% | 5.6% |
| Wet/Canned Dog Food | Instinct | Pure Balance |
| Crude Protein | 42.1% | 34.6% |
| Crude Fat | 27.7% | 24.6% |
| Crude Fiber | 10.0% | 7.2% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
The table shows that Pure Balance provides far less protein than Instinct. The difference in protein content is roughly 6.98%. In addition, Instinct wet dog foods also provide more protein than Pure Balance wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
Our analysis shows that Instinct guarantees 7.48% more fat than Pure Balance dry dog food recipes. For wet dog foods, Instinct typically provides a little more fat (about 3.10% more).
As you can see, Instinct and Pure Balance guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber. For wet dog foods, Instinct typically provides a little more fiber (about 2.79% more).
Instinct Cat Food vs. Pure Balance Cat Food
| Dry Cat Food | Instinct | Pure Balance |
| Crude Protein | 43.7% | 39.9% |
| Crude Fat | 25.4% | 17.7% |
| Crude Fiber | 3.7% | 5.9% |
| Wet/Canned Cat Food | Instinct | Pure Balance |
| Crude Protein | 47.1% | 42.0% |
| Crude Fat | 25.0% | 25.4% |
| Crude Fiber | 8.6% | 7.2% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.
If you look at the average percentages of crude protein, you'll notice that Instinct typically guarantees 3.77% more protein. This is a fairly small difference between Instinct and Pure Balance, but still worth mentioning. In addition, Instinct wet cat foods also provide more protein than Pure Balance wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
- Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Fats improve the taste/texture of food.
There is a relatively large difference between the fat content of Instinct and Pure Balance. On average, Pure Balance dry cat food recipes contain 7.68% less fat than Instinct recipes. For wet cat foods, Pure Balance and Instinct provide roughly the same amount of fat.
According to our data, Pure Balance guarantees 2.27% more fiber than Instinct. Although this difference is relatively small, it's still a notable difference. For wet cat foods, Instinct and Pure Balance provide roughly the same amount of fiber.
Instinct Pet Food Ingredients vs. Pure Balance Pet Food Ingredients
Instinct and Pure Balance both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Instinct.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Pure Balance.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Instinct and Pure Balance both use the following harmful ingredients in many of their products:
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Pure Balance.
Product Safety: Recall History of Instinct & Pure Balance?
Instinct has been recalled 2 times.
- July 24, 2015: Salmonella
- Feb. 15, 2013: Pieces of clear plastic in bag
According to our records, Pure Balance has never been recalled.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Instinct Pet Foods
You can purchase Instinct pet foods from the following stores:
Where To Buy Pure Balance Pet Foods
You can purchase Pure Balance pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
| Product | Instinct | Pure Balance |
| Dry Dog Food | 37 Recipes | 7 Recipes |
| Wet Dog Food | 10 Recipes | 15 Recipes |
| Dog Treats | None | None |
| Dry Cat Food | 20 Recipes | 5 Recipes |
| Wet Cat Food | 16 Recipes | 4 Recipes |
| Cat Treats | None | 3 Treats |
Top Rated Instinct Recipes
Top Rated Pure Balance Recipes
