Instinct Raw Meals Real Beef Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
24.99 + Shipping ($4.95)
$16.24 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
52.49 + Shipping (Free)
$34.12 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
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 Raw Meals Real Beef 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 Real Beef 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 Real Beef Recipe, we'll examine all 27 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. 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.

  3. Beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a concentrated source of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting your dog's immune system, cognitive function, and overall health.

  4. Beef spleen is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which support your dog's immune system, red blood cell production, and overall health.

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

  6. 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.

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

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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

  13. 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.

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

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

  16. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  27. 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 protein content in this pet food is primarily derived from the beef, which is the first ingredient and thus the most abundant in the formula. Beef is a rich source of protein, contributing significantly to this percentage. Secondary protein contributions come from beef liver, beef kidney, and beef spleen, which are also rich in protein and provide a variety of essential amino acids that complement the muscle meat.

Crude Fat (min) of 29.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the beef itself, as well as the beef liver, kidney, and spleen, since these organs can contain higher fat concentrations. Additionally, salmon oil and ground flaxseed contribute to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids such as omega-3s that are beneficial for a pet's skin, coat, and overall health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Dietary fiber in this pet food comes from plant-based ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, sweet potato, butternut squash, ground miscanthus grass, and possibly the montmorillonite clay, which can also act as a source of dietary fiber. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to support digestive health and help regulate bowel movements.

Calories of 4534.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this product, the high caloric value is largely due to the high fat content, as fats are more energy-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The beef and its organ components, along with the added fats from salmon oil and flaxseed, contribute most significantly to the calorie count. Carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits also add to the total caloric value, though to a lesser extent compared to fats and proteins.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Meals Real Beef Recipe costs approximately $25.68 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $121.36
10 lbs $204.10
15 lbs $276.64
20 lbs $343.26
30 lbs $465.25
40 lbs $577.29
50 lbs $682.46
60 lbs $782.46
70 lbs $878.36
80 lbs $970.88
90 lbs $1060.55
100 lbs $1147.75

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed satisfaction with the Instinct Raw Meals Real Beef Recipe, noting that their dogs show high levels of enthusiasm and engagement when consuming the product. For many, it has become a favorite treat or meal topper, even for picky eaters, with reports of dogs who previously rejected other foods now eagerly finishing their meals. The product's use as a training aid has also been highlighted, with one reviewer mentioning increased focus during walks.

While some pet owners find the product to be a bit pricey, they still see value in it due to the positive response from their dogs. The convenience of the freeze-dried format, the quality of ingredients, and the health benefits observed, such as improved coat shine and energy levels, are frequently mentioned. Even dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies appear to tolerate this food well, with owners noting a reduction in adverse reactions.

A few customers have faced challenges with the quantity provided for the price, and some have reported their dogs experiencing digestive issues when transitioning to this food. However, these concerns are often outweighed by the overall benefits, with many dogs showing a clear preference for this food over their previous diets. Owners appreciate the limited ingredients and the fact that it is made in the USA. Despite the cost, the product's appeal to dogs, including those with specific dietary needs, has led to repeat purchases and recommendations to other pet owners.