Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Beef Recipe Review
$38.21 w/ code PawDiet20
Use Code: PawDiet20
$24.88 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
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 Beef 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 Beef 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 Beef Recipe, 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.
Beef broth is a flavorful and hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more appealing and easier to digest. It also provides essential nutrients and can help support overall health and well-being.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.
Dried ground pea is a good source of fiber and protein, supporting your dog's digestive health and muscle growth.
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.
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.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
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.
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.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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 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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Artichoke is a good source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion, and it also provides important vitamins and minerals.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
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.
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.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.
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.
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.
Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein value of 8.50% is primarily contributed by the beef, beef liver, and cod listed in the ingredients. Beef and beef liver are rich in animal proteins, which provide essential amino acids necessary for a dog's muscle development and overall health. Cod, being a fish protein, also adds to the protein content while providing additional benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids.
The Crude Fat minimum of 4.50% likely comes from the beef, which naturally contains animal fats, as well as the sunflower oil and ground flaxseed included in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential fatty acids that are vital for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat, as well as supporting overall wellness.
Crude Fiber at a maximum of 2.00% is relatively low, which is typical for animal-based wet foods. The fiber content is likely provided by the pea fiber, ground dried peas, and possibly some of the vegetables such as pumpkin and kelp. These ingredients help with digestive health and regularity.
The calorie content of 1013.00 per kg is a reflection of the overall energy density of the food, which is influenced by the combined amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The meats and fats are calorie-dense, while ingredients like vegetables and pea fiber contribute fewer calories but are important for nutrient balance and digestive health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Beef Recipe costs approximately $9.93 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 | $134.47 | $210.11 |
| 10 lbs | $226.15 | $353.36 |
| 15 lbs | $306.53 | $478.95 |
| 20 lbs | $380.34 | $594.28 |
| 30 lbs | $515.52 | $805.49 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed satisfaction with the Instinct Original Canned Small Breed Real Beef Recipe, noting that even picky eaters like French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas enjoy the taste. The beef flavor, in particular, seems to be a favorite among pets, with many owners stating that their dogs, including breeds like Shorkies and Shihtzus, eagerly consume the food and appear to thrive on it.
Several reviews highlight the convenience of the small can size, which ensures freshness and is ideal for single-meal servings. Pet owners appreciate the quality of the product and feel that it is worth the price, as it contributes positively to their dogs' health and happiness. The variety offered by alternating between beef and chicken flavors is also well-received.
In response to some concerns about the product's texture being too dry or pasty, it's worth mentioning that most reviews didn't share this issue, suggesting that such cases might be isolated or related to individual pet preferences. Additionally, some reports of dented or compromised cans seem to be more about shipping or handling, which does not necessarily reflect the quality of the food itself. Overall, the majority of customers are pleased with the product and its benefits for their small breed dogs.
