Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed 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 Raw Boost Small Breed 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 Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef, we'll examine all 48 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. 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.

  2. 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.

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

  4. 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.

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

  7. 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.

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

  9. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

  20. Freeze Dried Beef Spleen is an organ meat that is rich in iron and other minerals, providing a natural source of essential nutrients.

  21. 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.

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

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

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

  28. 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.

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

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

  31. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  37. 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.

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

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

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

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

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

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

  45. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

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

  47. 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.

  48. 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 33.50%: The high protein content in this pet food is primarily contributed by the beef, herring meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal listed in the ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of protein that are essential for the muscle development and overall health of small breed dogs. The inclusion of egg product also adds to the protein content. The freeze-dried beef, liver, heart, and kidney contribute to the overall protein percentage as well, while also providing a variety of nutrients.

Crude Fat (min) of 21.50%: The fat content is likely derived from the chicken fat, which is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids in pet foods. Chicken fat is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, which are natural preservatives. Coconut oil also contributes to the fat content, providing additional fatty acids that can be beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health. The various meats (beef, herring meal, turkey meal, lamb meal) will also contain natural fats, contributing to the overall fat percentage.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber is an important component for digestive health. In this pet food, the fiber likely comes from the peas, chickpeas, dried tomato pomace, and other plant-based ingredients such as carrots, apples, and cranberries. These ingredients provide a source of dietary fiber which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Calories of 4287.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet. The high calorie count reflects the energy-dense nature of the food, suitable for the typically higher metabolism of small breed dogs. The combination of meats and fats, along with carbohydrates from ingredients like peas, tapioca, and chickpeas, all contribute to the total caloric value.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe With Real Beef costs approximately $5.75 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $18.39$28.73
10 lbs $30.92$48.32
15 lbs $41.91$65.49
20 lbs $52.01$81.26
30 lbs $70.49$110.14

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have tried Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef for their dogs have given mixed feedback. Positive reviews often highlight that even picky eaters seem to enjoy the taste of this food. For instance, one German Shepherd who typically required ground beef or chicken to be added to his kibble now eats this food eagerly on its own. Similarly, a mini goldendoodle who was notoriously finicky now looks forward to mealtime and consumes the food with gusto.

Some dogs have shown improvements in health and vitality after switching to this food. A miniature poodle service dog with a dry and flaky coat regained his healthy sparkle and beautiful coat after starting on this kibble. Another owner reported that their dog, who needs to maintain stable insulin levels, has benefited from the low glycemic nature of this food. Multiple pet parents have noted that their dogs, including those with sensitive digestion or specific dietary needs, have adapted well and are thriving on this diet.

Owners of multiple dogs have appreciated that this food caters to both their picky eaters and those with less discerning palates. One owner mentioned successfully feeding it to two senior dogs aged 16 and 14, who have shown positive responses to the diet change. The small kibble size and the inclusion of raw pieces have also been praised for being suitable and enjoyable for smaller breeds.

While some negative reviews mention gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting, it's important to consider that dietary changes can sometimes lead to temporary digestive upset as a dog's system adjusts. Additionally, some dogs may have specific sensitivities or allergies that could be triggered by new foods. It's always recommended to transition to new dog food gradually and consult a veterinarian if any health concerns arise.

Overall, the Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef seems to be a hit with many dogs, especially those who are picky eaters or require a specialized diet. The food's natural ingredients and the inclusion of raw pieces are often cited as factors that contribute to the positive reception among pets and their owners.