Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Turkey For Small Breed Dogs Review

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 Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Turkey For Small Breed Dogs

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Turkey For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Turkey For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 35 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. 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.

  2. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

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

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

  5. 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.

  6. Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  13. 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.

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

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

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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

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

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

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

  31. Freeze dried turkey is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, supporting your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune system.

  32. Freeze dried turkey liver is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. It supports healthy muscle growth, immune system function, and overall well-being.

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

  34. Freeze Dried Turkey Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, which are vital for muscle development and energy.

  35. 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 30.50%: The high protein content is primarily contributed by the turkey meal and turkey, which are the first two ingredients listed. Turkey meal is a concentrated form of protein because it has already had most of the moisture removed. Pea protein also contributes to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the animal-based proteins.

Crude Fat (min) of 18.50%: The fat content is likely coming from the turkey, as it naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included. Canola oil and coconut oil are also significant contributors to the fat content. These oils are added to pet food to provide essential fatty acids and to increase the overall dietary fat percentage.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The fiber in this food is relatively low, which is common for grain-free formulas. The fiber present likely comes from the peas and other plant-based ingredients. Peas are a common source of fiber in grain-free pet foods. Montmorillonite clay may also contribute a small amount to the dietary fiber and is often included for its potential health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and providing minerals.

Calories of 4196.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food and is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The turkey meal and turkey provide not only protein but also calories from their fat content. The canola and coconut oils are calorie-dense ingredients, significantly contributing to the total caloric value. Tapioca and peas also contribute calories, primarily in the form of carbohydrates.