Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
38.28 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+
47.76 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $35+
35.22 + Shipping ($4.95)
$22.89 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
35.22 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+
38.28 + Shipping ($5.95)
$30.62 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20

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 Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken 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 Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken 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 Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken 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.

  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 broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  3. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  4. Cod is a lean fish that's high in protein, low in fat and filled with vitamins and minerals essential for your dog's health.

  5. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  6. Egg is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle growth, coat health, and overall wellness.

  7. Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  11. 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.

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

  13. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  14. Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

  15. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.

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

  17. 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.

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

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

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

  21. Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.

  22. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

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

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

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

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

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. Artichoke is a good source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion, and it also provides important vitamins and minerals.

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

  38. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  39. Tomato is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides your dog with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients support a strong immune system, promote heart health, and contribute to overall well-being.

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

  41. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.

  42. Cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being. It is low in calories and high in antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your dog's diet.

  43. Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a strong immune system, healthy skin, and coat in dogs.

  44. Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 8.50% is primarily contributed by the chicken, chicken liver, cod, and eggs in the ingredients list. These are all high-protein ingredients, with chicken and cod being lean sources of animal protein. The chicken liver is also a good source of protein and provides many essential vitamins and minerals.

The crude fat minimum of 4.50% is likely to be derived from the chicken, cod, and eggs. All these ingredients contain healthy fats. The ground flaxseed also contributes to the fat content, as it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

The crude fiber maximum of 3.00% is most likely contributed by the peas, pea fiber, and ground flaxseed. These are all plant-based ingredients known for their fiber content. The various fruits and vegetables listed (artichokes, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kale, parsley) also contribute some fiber, although they are listed towards the end and may be present in smaller amounts.

The calorie content of 1033.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients combined, but the primary contributors would be the protein and fat sources, which are the chicken, chicken liver, cod, and eggs. The peas and ground flaxseed, as sources of carbohydrates and fats respectively, would also contribute to the calorie content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken Recipe costs approximately $9.84 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $130.63$204.11
10 lbs $219.69$343.27
15 lbs $297.77$465.27
20 lbs $369.48$577.30
30 lbs $500.79$782.48

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers reported that their dogs, even the picky eaters, loved the Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken Recipe. Some dogs that had previously been hard to feed or had specific dietary needs due to health issues such as dementia or dental surgery were able to enjoy this food. The food was also praised for its high protein content and quality ingredients.

Despite a few instances of dogs not taking to the food, many users found it to be a reliable choice for their pets. The food was also useful for pet owners who needed to administer medication to their dogs, as it could be easily mixed in. Some customers noted that their dogs seemed to have more energy and playfulness after switching to this food.

The Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Chicken Recipe was also appreciated for its convenience, especially for travel. Although some customers found it more expensive to buy in small cans, they considered it worth the cost due to the positive response from their pets. The food was also used as a special treat or mixed with kibble to enhance meal times.

In a few cases, dogs had loose stools after eating the food. However, many customers reported that this brand did not cause any negative reactions, such as upset stomach or vomiting, which were issues they had encountered with other wet foods. The food was also praised for its smell and appearance, being compared favorably to other brands.