Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Review
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Review of Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & 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 Salmon & 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 Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 44 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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a good source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall health.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Freeze dried cod is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The freeze-drying process retains the nutritional content while providing convenience and a longer shelf life.
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.
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%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the salmon, menhaden fish meal, and salmon meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that are rich in essential amino acids necessary for a pet's muscle development and overall health. The inclusion of dehydrated alfalfa meal and ground flaxseed may also contribute to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the animal sources.
Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is most likely derived from the salmon, which is a naturally oily fish, as well as the menhaden fish meal and canola oil. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The canola oil, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, also contributes beneficial fatty acids and helps in keeping the product fresh.
Crude Fiber (max) of 4.50%: Ingredients such as oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and dehydrated alfalfa meal contribute to the crude fiber content. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting the gut microbiome. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and blueberries may also add to the fiber content, along with providing antioxidants and other nutrients.
Calories of 3719.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The high-calorie contributors are likely the salmon and menhaden fish meal, due to their fat content, and the carbohydrate-rich ingredients like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. Fats provide more calories per gram than proteins or carbohydrates, so the canola oil will also be a significant contributor to the total caloric value of the pet food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $3.21 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 | $11.83 | $18.48 |
| 10 lbs | $19.89 | $31.08 |
| 15 lbs | $26.96 | $42.13 |
| 20 lbs | $33.45 | $52.27 |
| 30 lbs | $45.34 | $70.85 |
| 40 lbs | $56.26 | $87.91 |
| 50 lbs | $66.51 | $103.92 |
| 60 lbs | $76.25 | $119.15 |
| 70 lbs | $85.60 | $133.75 |
| 80 lbs | $94.62 | $147.84 |
| 90 lbs | $103.36 | $161.49 |
| 100 lbs | $111.85 | $174.77 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed satisfaction with the Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, highlighting that their dogs enjoy the taste. One poodle owner mentioned that their dog loved the food, which was recommended by another dog owner. There are positive remarks about the food's ingredients and the benefits observed in pets, such as improved energy levels and coat health in a 17-year-old dog.
Despite some reports of an unpleasant smell from the food, which one customer described as a "rotten fish" odor, others have praised the product's quality. For instance, a dog owner appreciated that the food actually smells appetizing and like the ingredients listed on the label. Another reviewer noted that their dog's digestion improved significantly after switching to this food.
Several pet owners have commented on the health benefits their dogs have experienced since starting on this diet. Some mentioned that their dogs' coat and skin conditions improved, while others observed a positive change in digestive health. One dog with severe allergies and skin issues saw a cessation in itching and hair regrowth within weeks of switching to this food.
In response to concerns about the food's scent, it's worth noting that while some customers experienced issues with a chemical-like smell, others found the aroma to be acceptable and even appealing to their pets. The small kibble size was also appreciated by owners of small and senior dogs with dental issues.
A few negative reviews mentioned gastrointestinal distress and pickiness in some dogs, but these were balanced by stories of successful dietary changes that resolved skin allergies and other health problems. One owner, whose dog had food allergies, was pleased with the chicken-free and grain-minimized formulation that alleviated their pet's incessant scratching.
Overall, the positive reviews showcase a strong preference for the natural ingredients and the health benefits provided by the Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe. Customers value the product for its positive impact on their dogs' well-being, from alleviating allergies to improving coat quality and digestive health.
