Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef Review
$51.99 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$63.99 w/ code PawDiet20
Use Code: PawDiet20
Use Code: AFPAWDIET
$127.98 w/ code PawDiet20
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 Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef
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 Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef 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 Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef, we'll examine all 45 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.
Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall 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.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
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.
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.
Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
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.
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.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.
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 36.00% is primarily contributed by the first few ingredients listed, which are the most abundant. These ingredients include beef, white fish meal, herring meal, and chicken meal. These are all high-protein ingredients, and they are listed first because ingredients are listed by weight.
The Crude Fat minimum of 20.50% is likely contributed by the beef, white fish meal, herring meal, and chicken fat. Animal-based ingredients are typically high in fat, and the inclusion of chicken fat as a separate ingredient also boosts the fat content.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is likely contributed by the plant-based ingredients such as peas, tapioca, chickpeas, and dried tomato pomace. These ingredients are typically higher in fiber compared to meat-based ingredients. The fiber content is kept relatively low in this recipe to better mimic a natural carnivorous diet.
The Calories of 4360.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources, which are energy-dense. The beef, white fish meal, herring meal, chicken meal, and chicken fat are likely the main contributors to the calorie content.
The vitamins and minerals listed are likely added as supplements to ensure a balanced diet. The fruits and vegetables included, such as carrots, apples, and cranberries, may also contribute some vitamins and minerals, but these are typically present in smaller amounts. The freeze-dried beef organs like liver, heart, and kidney are also known to be rich sources of certain vitamins and minerals.
The inclusion of ingredients like Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, and rosemary extract are likely to support digestion and provide additional health benefits. Montmorillonite Clay is known for its toxin-binding properties, Bacillus coagulans is a beneficial probiotic, and rosemary extract has antioxidant properties.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef costs approximately $4.19 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 | $13.19 | $20.60 |
| 10 lbs | $22.18 | $34.65 |
| 15 lbs | $30.06 | $46.97 |
| 20 lbs | $37.30 | $58.28 |
| 30 lbs | $50.55 | $78.99 |
| 40 lbs | $62.72 | $98.01 |
| 50 lbs | $74.15 | $115.86 |
| 60 lbs | $85.02 | $132.84 |
| 70 lbs | $95.44 | $149.12 |
| 80 lbs | $105.49 | $164.83 |
| 90 lbs | $115.23 | $180.05 |
| 100 lbs | $124.71 | $194.86 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have reported that their dogs love the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef. They mentioned that even their picky eaters have taken to this food without a problem. Some customers have also noticed a decrease in allergies such as rashes, itching, and licking since they started feeding their dogs this food.
There were a few negative reviews regarding the smell of the food, with some customers finding it unpleasant. However, others have mentioned that the smell seems to appeal to their dogs. One customer even noted that their dog, who usually needed encouragement to eat, now finishes his food without any coaxing.
Some customers have also noticed health improvements in their dogs since switching to this food. One customer reported that their dog's fur improved significantly within a week of starting this food. Other customers have also noticed that their dogs seem more playful and energetic since they started eating this food.
A few customers had concerns about their dogs' reactions to the food, with some reporting that their dogs had loose bowel movements or became sick after eating it. However, these reviews were in the minority, and some customers speculated that they may have received a bad batch of the food.
The food's ingredient list received high praise from customers, many of whom appreciate the grain-free recipe and the inclusion of real beef. Some customers have even stated that they consider Instinct to be one of the top dog food brands due to its high-quality ingredients. However, one customer did report finding a piece of plastic in the kibble, which they found concerning.
In conclusion, while there were a few negative reviews, the majority of customers seem happy with the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef. They have reported that their dogs enjoy the food and have seen improvements in their health and energy levels since switching to this food.
