Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  4. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  5. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  6. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  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. 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.

  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. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  20. 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.

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

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

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

  38. Freeze dried chicken is a highly digestible source of protein that retains the natural flavor and nutrients of fresh chicken. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall well-being.

  39. 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.

  40. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  41. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  42. Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract is a source of enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. It can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog.

  43. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.

  44. The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.

  45. Freeze dried chicken liver is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. It is an excellent addition to dog food, as it supports overall health and well-being, and contributes to a shiny coat and strong immune system.

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

  47. Freeze Dried Chicken Heart is a great source of lean protein and taurine, an essential amino acid for heart health in dogs.

  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 25.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are chicken, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal. Chicken and chicken meal are high-quality sources of protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a puppy's growth and muscle development. Menhaden fish meal is also a concentrated form of protein and contributes not only to the overall protein content but also provides omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fat (min) of 18.00%: The crude fat in this formula is likely coming from the chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, lamb meal, and salmon oil. Chicken fat is a high-energy source and is rich in essential fatty acids. Menhaden fish meal and salmon oil both contribute omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a puppy's skin, coat, and immune system. Lamb meal also contains fats, although it is listed lower in the ingredients, indicating a smaller contribution.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The sources of fiber in this pet food are the barley, brown rice, oatmeal, and various fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and blueberries. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, and while these ingredients contribute to the overall dietary fiber content, they are also included for their nutritional value, providing carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Calories of 3980.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high-calorie count is reflective of the energy-dense ingredients like chicken fat, chicken meal, and carbohydrates from grains such as barley and brown rice. Puppies require more calories for their growth and high energy levels, so a higher caloric density is suitable for this life stage.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $3.44 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $11.84
10 lbs $19.92
15 lbs $27.00
20 lbs $33.50
30 lbs $45.41
40 lbs $56.34
50 lbs $66.60
60 lbs $76.36
70 lbs $85.72
80 lbs $94.75
90 lbs $103.50
100 lbs $112.01

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are expressing great satisfaction with Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies, highlighting its palatability and health benefits. Many puppies, including dachshunds, whippets, and large breeds like Newfoundlands, are enjoying the taste and are thriving on this food. The absence of peas and inclusion of natural ingredients are particularly appreciated by some pet owners.

Several reviews note improvements in their puppies' digestive health, with firmer stools being a common benefit mentioned after switching to Instinct. The food is also praised for its suitability for both small and large breeds, with kibble size being appropriate for different puppy sizes. Moreover, the resealable bag feature is recognized as a convenient bonus.

Even though some dogs may be picky eaters or have unique dietary needs, Instinct Be Natural seems to be a hit with many, with reports of dogs eagerly anticipating mealtime and showing a preference for this brand over others. The food is commended for its quality ingredients and the fact that it is free from common allergens and fillers, making it a good choice for growing puppies.

In response to a few concerns about the product's appeal to some dogs, it's worth noting that individual preferences can vary and what works for one dog may not work for another. However, the overall sentiment from the majority of reviews is positive, with many puppies enjoying the food and pet owners noticing healthful results.