
Instinct vs. WholeHearted
In this comparison article for Instinct vs WholeHearted, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Instinct and WholeHearted, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this WholeHearted vs Instinct comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Instinct Review Page or WholeHearted Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: WholeHearted vs. Instinct
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Instinct Dog Food vs. WholeHearted Dog Food
Dry Dog Food | Instinct | WholeHearted |
Crude Protein | 35.5% | 29.2% |
Crude Fat | 20.3% | 15.8% |
Crude Fiber | 4.6% | 5.6% |
Wet/Canned Dog Food | Instinct | WholeHearted |
Crude Protein | 45.0% | 43.6% |
Crude Fat | 25.1% | 24.3% |
Crude Fiber | 8.1% | 7.0% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
The table shows that WholeHearted provides far less protein than Instinct. The difference in protein content is roughly 6.27%. For wet dog foods, Instinct and WholeHearted provide roughly the same amount of protein.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
Our analysis shows that Instinct guarantees 4.58% more fat than WholeHearted dry dog food recipes. For wet dog foods, Instinct and WholeHearted provide roughly the same amount of fat.
As you can see, Instinct and WholeHearted guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Instinct and WholeHearted also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Instinct Cat Food vs. WholeHearted Cat Food
Dry Cat Food | Instinct | WholeHearted |
Crude Protein | 44.4% | 36.7% |
Crude Fat | 20.4% | 14.9% |
Crude Fiber | 4.1% | 5.8% |
Wet/Canned Cat Food | Instinct | WholeHearted |
Crude Protein | 48.2% | 57.0% |
Crude Fat | 24.4% | 17.1% |
Crude Fiber | 8.8% | 7.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.
There is a relatively large difference between the protein content of Instinct and WholeHearted. On average, WholeHearted dry cat food recipes contain 7.70% less protein than Instinct recipes. In addition, WholeHearted wet cat foods also provide more protein than Instinct wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
- Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Fats improve the taste/texture of food.
WholeHearted dry recipes contain 5.47% less fat than Instinct dry recipes. This difference in fat content is a notable difference between Instinct and WholeHearted. In addition, Instinct wet cat foods also provide more fat than WholeHearted wet foods.
Instinct and WholeHearted both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet cat food, Instinct and WholeHearted also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Instinct Pet Food Ingredients vs. WholeHearted Pet Food Ingredients
Instinct and WholeHearted both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Instinct.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by WholeHearted.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Instinct and WholeHearted both use the following harmful ingredients in many of their products:
Product Safety: Recall History of Instinct & WholeHearted?
Instinct has been recalled 2 times.
- July 24, 2015: Salmonella
- Feb. 15, 2013: Pieces of clear plastic in bag
According to our records, WholeHearted has never been recalled.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Instinct Pet Foods
You can purchase Instinct pet foods from the following stores:




Where To Buy WholeHearted Pet Foods
You can purchase WholeHearted pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
Product | Instinct | WholeHearted |
Dry Dog Food | 31 Recipes | 22 Recipes |
Wet Dog Food | 19 Recipes | 21 Recipes |
Dog Treats | 18 Treats | |
Dry Cat Food | 16 Recipes | 11 Recipes |
Wet Cat Food | 18 Recipes | 17 Recipes |
Cat Treats | 14 Treats |