Instinct Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Adult 7+ Dogs (Healthy Aging) 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 Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Adult 7+ Dogs (Healthy Aging)

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 Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Adult 7+ Dogs (Healthy Aging) 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 Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Adult 7+ Dogs (Healthy Aging), we'll examine all 37 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 (ground with bone) is a great source of protein and calcium for dogs. The bones are ground to a safe size to provide necessary minerals and support dental health.

  2. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  3. Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.

  4. 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.

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

  6. Yellow squash is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins such as C, B6, and K, promoting digestion and overall health.

  7. 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.

  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. Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

  11. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

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

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

  14. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  15. Beet is a nutritious root vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your dog's overall health and digestion.

  16. New Zealand green mussel is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility in dogs.

  17. Chicory Root is a prebiotic that supports healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

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

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

  20. 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.

  21. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  22. 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.

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

  24. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  25. 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.

  26. Lemon Balm is often used to help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. It also contains antioxidants which can help to support overall health.

  27. Yeast culture is a beneficial ingredient included in dog food to support overall digestive health. It is a natural source of prebiotics, which help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve nutrient absorption, and aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

  28. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

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

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

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

  32. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

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

  34. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  35. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  36. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  37. 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 36.00%: The high crude protein content is primarily derived from the chicken, including ground chicken bone, which is also a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health. Additional protein contributions come from chicken liver and chicken heart, which are excellent sources of high-quality protein and essential amino acids that are vital for an older dog's muscle maintenance and overall health.

Crude Fat (min) of 34.00%: The substantial crude fat content in this pet food likely comes from the chicken, which is naturally rich in animal fats. Additional sources of fat include coconut oil and fish oil, both of which are high in essential fatty acids that contribute to the skin and coat health of dogs. These ingredients also provide a concentrated source of energy, which is reflected in the high-calorie content of the food.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for a diet that emphasizes meat. The fiber that is present may come from the carrots, apples, yellow squash, ground flaxseed, and other plant-based ingredients like spinach and beets. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, and these sources provide a balance to the high protein and fat content.

Calories of 4847.00 per kg: The calorie content is quite high, which is consistent with the high levels of protein and fat. This calorie density ensures that older dogs, who may have a reduced appetite or lower energy levels, still receive adequate energy intake to meet their needs. The chicken, fats from coconut oil and fish oil, and carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables all contribute to the total caloric value of the food.