Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Small Breed Dogs Review

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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Small Breed Dogs

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 Chicken For Small Breed Dogs 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 Chicken For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 43 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. 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.

  4. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  5. 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.

  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. 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.

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

  9. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  10. 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.

  11. Coconut Oil is a source of healthy fats which can support your dog's skin and coat health, and it also possesses some antimicrobial properties.

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

  14. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

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

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

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

  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. 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.

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

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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 35.00% in the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Small Breed Dogs is likely contributed by the high placement of chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and herring meal in the ingredient list. These are all excellent sources of animal protein.

The Crude Fat minimum of 19.50% is likely due to the chicken fat, coconut oil, and the fats naturally present in the chicken, turkey, and herring meals. Chicken fat is a highly digestible source of energy for dogs and is rich in essential fatty acids.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.50% is likely contributed by the chickpeas, peas, dried tomato pomace, carrots, apples, and cranberries in the ingredient list. These are all sources of dietary fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion in dogs.

The Calories of 4262.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein-rich chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and herring meal, and the fat-rich chicken fat and coconut oil. Carbohydrate sources like chickpeas and tapioca also contribute to the caloric content.

In addition to these, the product contains a range of vitamins and minerals, which are likely contributed by both the natural ingredients and the added supplements. For instance, chicken liver is a good source of vitamin A, while the added supplements ensure that the food meets the nutritional requirements of dogs for all necessary vitamins and minerals.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $4.54 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $14.62$22.84
10 lbs $24.59$38.42
15 lbs $33.33$52.07
20 lbs $41.35$64.61
30 lbs $56.05$87.58

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally very pleased with Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Small Breed Dogs. Many have found that their dogs love the taste of the food and eagerly await meal times. Some pet owners have also noted an improvement in their dogs' overall health and appearance, including shinier coats, after switching to this brand.

Several customers have praised the high-quality ingredients used in the product. They appreciate the absence of grain and the inclusion of real chicken. The product has been particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it has helped to alleviate gas issues.

Despite the higher price point, a number of customers believe the product is worth the cost due to the positive impact on their dogs' health and well-being. They recommend trying a smaller bag first to see if it suits the pet's taste before investing in a larger quantity.

However, one customer reported finding foreign objects in the dog food, which raised concerns about the product's quality control. It's important to note that this seems to be an isolated incident and not representative of the overall customer experience.

A few customers have noted that their dogs were initially hesitant to try the new food, but after a period of adjustment, they began to enjoy it. This suggests that while some dogs may need time to adapt to the change, most end up liking the food.

Lastly, the product has received a five-star rating from Dog Food Advisor, which further reinforces its quality and popularity among pet owners.