In this comparison article for Instinct vs Ultimates, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Instinct and Ultimates, 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 Ultimates 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 Ultimates Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Ultimates 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. Ultimates Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Instinct
Ultimates
Crude Protein
36.1%
26.3%
Crude Fat
24.3%
14.9%
Crude Fiber
4.5%
5.7%
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.
On average, Instinct dry dog food recipes contain 9.73% more protein than Ultimates recipes. Clearly, there is a significant difference between the protein content of Ultimates and Instinct.
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.
When you look at the average percentages of crude fat for dry dog food, it's clear that Instinct provides significantly more fat. On average, Instinct guarantees about 9.44% more protein than Ultimates.
As you can see, Instinct and Ultimates guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber.
Instinct Pet Food Ingredients vs. Ultimates Pet Food Ingredients
Instinct and Ultimates both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Pea Protein
Pea Protein
Pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Instinct.
Canola Oil
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Dried Tomato Pomace
Dried Tomato Pomace
Dried tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Ultimates.
Beet Pulp
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is the by-product which remains once sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. The primary contribution of beet pulp is dietary fiber.
We'd also like to note that beet pulp is fairly controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that beet pulp can promote intestinal health and regulate blood sugar. However, opponents claim that beet pulp is an inexpensive filler.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Instinct.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Product Safety: Recall History of Instinct & Ultimates?
Instinct has been recalled 2 times.
July 24, 2015: Salmonella
Feb. 15, 2013: Pieces of clear plastic in bag
According to our records, Ultimates 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:
98 Recipes In-Stock Today
63 Recipes In-Stock Today
67 Recipes In-Stock Today
15 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Ultimates Pet Foods
You can purchase Ultimates pet food products from these retailers:
16 Recipes In-Stock Today
Type Of Pet Foods Available
Product
Instinct
Ultimates
Dry Dog Food
33 Recipes
13 Recipes
Wet Dog Food
9 Recipes
None
Dog Treats
None
4 Treats
Dry Cat Food
20 Recipes
None
Wet Cat Food
15 Recipes
None
Cat Treats
None
None
Top Rated Instinct Recipes
Dog Food
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken