Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
69.99 + Shipping (Free)
$45.49 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
69.99 + Shipping (Free)
$55.99 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
69.99 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $35+
69.99 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice 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 Chicken & Brown Rice 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 Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 48 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.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  18. 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.

  19. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  20. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  21. 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.

  22. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  26. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  27. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  28. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  29. 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.

  30. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  31. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  32. 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.

  33. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  34. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  35. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  36. 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.

  37. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  38. Freeze dried chicken is a highly digestible source of protein that retains the natural flavor and nutrients of fresh chicken. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall well-being.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.

  45. Freeze dried chicken liver is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. It is an excellent addition to dog food, as it supports overall health and well-being, and contributes to a shiny coat and strong immune system.

  46. Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.

  47. Freeze Dried Chicken Heart is a great source of lean protein and taurine, an essential amino acid for heart health in dogs.

  48. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the pet food. The primary contributors to this value in the ingredient list are chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of animal protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole chicken. Menhaden fish meal also contributes to the protein content, as it is another high-quality animal protein source.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is a measure of the oils and fats in the food, which provide essential fatty acids and energy. Chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, is likely the main contributor to this value. Fats are also naturally present in the chicken, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal. Ground flaxseed can also contribute some fat content, particularly in the form of omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Crude fiber represents the indigestible portion of the food that helps with intestinal health. The ingredients contributing to this fiber content include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. These are all sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. The fruits and vegetables listed, such as carrots, apples, and blueberries, may also contribute small amounts of fiber.

Calories of 3763.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy content of the food. The calorie content is derived from the combined macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are high in protein and contribute to the calorie count, while the chicken fat and the carbohydrates from brown rice, oatmeal, and barley also add to the total caloric value. Each ingredient contributes to the overall energy density of the product.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $2.67 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $9.72$15.18
10 lbs $16.34$25.53
15 lbs $22.15$34.60
20 lbs $27.48$42.94
30 lbs $37.24$58.20
40 lbs $46.21$72.21
50 lbs $54.63$85.36
60 lbs $62.64$97.87
70 lbs $70.32$109.87
80 lbs $77.72$121.44
90 lbs $84.90$132.66
100 lbs $91.88$143.56

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally appreciate Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe for its compatibility with dogs that have sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions. Many note improvements in their pets' digestion and health when switching to this food. The option to switch between chicken or salmon flavors is also appreciated for variety.

Some customers have reported that their dogs experienced increased vitality and longevity when fed Instinct Be Natural, attributing their pets' improved health to the quality of the diet provided by this food. The inclusion of nutritious ingredients without peas or legumes is a highlight for pet owners concerned about recent dietary trends and health issues.

While some negative reviews mention issues such as gastrointestinal discomfort or a refusal to eat the food, these experiences are often contrasted by the positive experiences of other customers whose dogs thrived on the same diet. It's acknowledged that every dog is different, and what works well for one may not suit another.

Customers have defended the brand against misunderstandings about ingredients, clarifying the difference between "meal" and "byproduct meal" to ensure accurate information. The brand's commitment to quality ingredients is often cited as a reason for continued use despite a higher price point compared to some other brands.

There is a recognition that while Instinct Be Natural may be more expensive than some alternatives, the health benefits and ingredient quality make it a worthwhile investment for many pet owners. Those who have switched from grain-free to grain-inclusive formulas have found this brand to be a good fit, although some pets may need time to adjust to the change.

In summary, Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe receives praise for its quality ingredients and positive impact on pet health, though it's acknowledged that individual dogs' reactions to the food can vary. The brand's commitment to avoiding certain ingredients like peas and legumes is particularly valued by customers.