Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Review
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Review of Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
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 Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 28 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.
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.
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.
Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.
Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.
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.
Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
Butternut Squash in dog food provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps promote healthy digestion and is also beneficial for a dog's eyesight due to its high Vitamin A content.
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.
Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
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%: This high protein content is largely attributable to the first three ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, and chicken heart. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute to the overall protein percentage. Chicken liver and heart are particularly rich in protein and also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Crude Fat (min) of 33.00%: The substantial fat content is likely coming from the chicken, which naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included. Chicken liver and heart also contribute to the fat content. Additionally, salmon oil is a significant source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which would contribute to the overall fat content.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber in this pet food is probably derived from the plant-based ingredients such as carrots, apples, sweet potato, butternut squash, ground flaxseed, and ground Miscanthus grass. These ingredients are known for their fiber content, which is essential for digestive health. The maximum of 5.00% indicates a controlled amount of fiber to prevent excessive stool bulk and to maintain a balanced diet.
Calories of 4698.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The high protein and fat levels, primarily from the chicken and its organs, as well as the salmon oil, contribute significantly to the calorie count. Carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits also add to the total caloric value.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe costs approximately $24.74 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $112.83 |
| 10 lbs | $189.76 |
| 15 lbs | $257.20 |
| 20 lbs | $319.13 |
| 30 lbs | $432.55 |
| 40 lbs | $536.71 |
| 50 lbs | $634.49 |
| 60 lbs | $727.46 |
| 70 lbs | $816.62 |
| 80 lbs | $902.64 |
| 90 lbs | $986.01 |
| 100 lbs | $1067.08 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally express high satisfaction with the Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe, emphasizing its health benefits and palatability for their dogs. Many dog owners appreciate the convenience of the freeze-dried format, which allows them to provide a raw diet without the hassle of managing frozen products. The product is often praised for its versatility, being used as a primary meal, a kibble topper, or as treats during training sessions, with several noting that their pets, including picky eaters and older dogs with sensitive teeth, enjoy the texture and taste.
Despite the positive feedback, there are a few concerns regarding cost, with some customers finding the price point challenging for feeding larger dogs or as a sole diet option. However, they often still recommend the product for its quality and nutritional benefits, using it to supplement their pet's regular meals. A few reviewers encountered issues such as finding a sharp piece in the food, but these instances appear to be rare. Overall, the product is well-received by both pets and their owners for its quality ingredients, ease of use, and the enjoyment it brings to mealtime.
