Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe Review
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Review of Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe
According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe, we'll examine all 49 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.
Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.
Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.
Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid) is a source of essential fatty acids which can improve skin and coat health, as well as provide a concentrated source of energy.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.
Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Montmorillonite clay is a natural source of minerals and can help support your dog's digestive health by binding and eliminating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a form of iodine used in dog foods. Iodine is crucial for your dog's thyroid health, which regulates metabolism and energy.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Freeze dried beef is a high-quality protein source that retains more of its nutritional value compared to traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids and supports muscle development and maintenance.
Yeast culture is a beneficial ingredient included in dog food to support overall digestive health. It is a natural source of prebiotics, which help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve nutrient absorption, and aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.
Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract is a source of enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. It can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog.
Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.
The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.
Freeze dried beef liver is a nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It contains essential amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, which support your dog's overall health, growth, and immune function. Freeze drying preserves the nutrients in beef liver, making it a healthy and delicious treat or meal addition for your dog.
Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.
Freeze dried beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, promoting overall well-being and vitality in dogs.
Freeze dried beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a natural source of vitamins A and B, iron, and essential amino acids, promoting overall health in dogs.
Freeze Dried Beef Spleen is an organ meat that is rich in iron and other minerals, providing a natural source of essential nutrients.
Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 24.00% is likely largely contributed by the beef and turkey meal, which are the first two ingredients listed and are known to be high in protein. Menhaden fish meal is another protein-rich ingredient that likely contributes significantly to this value. Ingredients like the dehydrated alfalfa meal and ground flaxseed may also add to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the meat-based components.
The Crude Fat minimum of 13.00% is probably most influenced by the chicken fat, which is a concentrated source of energy and fatty acids. The beef, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal will also contribute to the total fat content, as these ingredients naturally contain fats. Additionally, ground flaxseed is a source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which could contribute to the overall fat content.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 5.00% is likely due to the inclusion of barley, oatmeal, and brown rice, which are sources of dietary fiber. The dehydrated alfalfa meal and ground flaxseed can also be significant contributors to fiber content. Fiber is essential for gastrointestinal health, but it is present in moderate amounts in this food to ensure proper digestion without an excess that could be hard on a pet's system.
As for the caloric content of 3773.00 kcal/kg, this is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The protein and fat levels, particularly from the beef, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, and chicken fat, are the primary contributors to the calorie count. Carbohydrates from barley, oatmeal, and brown rice also contribute to the overall energy content, although to a lesser extent than fats and proteins.
Other ingredients such as carrots, apples, blueberries, and cranberries provide additional nutrients and antioxidants but do not significantly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values. The vitamins and minerals listed are essential for overall health and are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for pets. The freeze-dried organ meats and pumpkin seeds are likely included for their nutrient content and palatability, but they are further down the ingredient list, indicating they are present in smaller amounts and therefore contribute less to the guaranteed analysis values.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe costs approximately $3.18 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $11.56 | $18.07 |
| 10 lbs | $19.45 | $30.39 |
| 15 lbs | $26.36 | $41.19 |
| 20 lbs | $32.71 | $51.10 |
| 30 lbs | $44.33 | $69.27 |
| 40 lbs | $55.00 | $85.94 |
| 50 lbs | $65.03 | $101.60 |
| 60 lbs | $74.55 | $116.49 |
| 70 lbs | $83.69 | $130.77 |
| 80 lbs | $92.51 | $144.54 |
| 90 lbs | $101.05 | $157.89 |
| 100 lbs | $109.36 | $170.87 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have expressed satisfaction with the Instinct Be Natural Real Beef & Barley Recipe, noting that their dogs seem to love the taste. For instance, one customer mentioned that three out of their four dogs enjoyed the beef flavor, while another highlighted that all six of their dogs are fans of this food. Several reviews praise the quality of ingredients, indicating that dogs with allergies have had positive experiences, and one dog's coat became noticeably softer and shinier after switching to this food.
Some reviews specifically point out the positive changes observed in their dogs after transitioning to this food, such as increased activity levels and the disappearance of dandruff. The brand loyalty is evident, with one customer feeding their dog Instinct products for over five years and another remarking on the variety of flavors that keep their dog interested. A recurring positive note is that even picky eaters seem to clean their bowls when fed this recipe.
While there are a few instances where dogs did not take to the food or experienced digestive issues, these appear to be isolated cases, often attributed to individual sensitivities or preferences. One owner mentioned that their dog, who is usually a picky eater, loves Instinct food, suggesting that the product is generally well-received by dogs. Another customer noted that their Belgian Malinois, who had a previous allergic reaction to another brand, had no issues with Instinct's ingredients and enjoys the food.
In response to the few negative reviews, it's important to consider that dogs, like humans, have individual tastes and dietary needs, which means that not every product will be suitable for every pet. It's also worth noting that some customers experienced issues with the packaging, such as the bag's zipper being difficult to use, but this did not detract from their overall satisfaction with the food itself.
