Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken 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
24.99 + Shipping ($5.95)
$19.99 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
24.99 + Shipping (By Weight)
Free Shipping On Orders $35+
24.99 + Shipping (By Weight)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+
77.99 + Shipping (Free)
$50.69 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
77.99 + Shipping (Free)
$62.39 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
77.99 + Shipping (Free)
15% Off For New Customers
Use Code: AFPAWDIET
77.99 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $35+
77.99 + Shipping (Free)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+
155.98 + Shipping (Free)
$124.78 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20

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 Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken

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

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken, we'll examine all 41 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. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  4. 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.

  5. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  6. Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall growth and development.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  10. 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.

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

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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

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

  18. 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.

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

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  27. 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.

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

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

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

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

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

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

  40. 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.

  41. 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

The Crude Protein (min) of 37.00% is a measure of the total protein content in the pet food. This value is contributed mainly by the chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, and menhaden fish meal. These ingredients are all high in protein, which is essential for the growth, repair, and general maintenance of your pet's body.

The Crude Fat (min) of 20.00% is a measure of the total fat content in the pet food. This value is mainly contributed by the chicken fat and the fish meals. Fats are a concentrated source of energy for your pet and also provide essential fatty acids and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 2.50% is a measure of the indigestible portion of the pet food that helps in maintaining the health of the digestive system. This value is contributed by the peas, dried tomato pomace, carrots, apples, and cranberries. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion and bowel regularity.

The Calories of 4430.00 per kg indicate the energy that the pet food can provide. This is contributed by all the ingredients but especially by those high in fats and proteins, such as the chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and fish meals. These ingredients are energy-dense and contribute significantly to the caloric content of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken costs approximately $3.62 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $11.22$17.53
10 lbs $18.86$29.48
15 lbs $25.57$39.95
20 lbs $31.73$49.57
30 lbs $43.00$67.19
40 lbs $53.36$83.37
50 lbs $63.08$98.56
60 lbs $72.32$113.00
70 lbs $81.18$126.85
80 lbs $89.73$140.21
90 lbs $98.02$153.16
100 lbs $106.08$165.75

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for its high-quality ingredients and the positive effects it has had on their dogs. Some pet owners reported that their dogs, who were previously picky eaters, thoroughly enjoyed this food and even asked for more. The food was also credited for improving the dogs' coat conditions, aiding weight gain, and being a great option for dogs with grain allergies.

Some customers experienced issues with their dogs developing diarrhea or other digestive problems after switching to this food. However, it's important to note that a sudden change in diet can often lead to such problems, and a gradual transition is usually recommended. The brand was also praised for its freeze-dried raw food option, which some owners found to be a convenient and healthy choice for their pets.

For those with dogs that have food allergies, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken was highly recommended. One pet owner mentioned that their dog, who had severe food allergies, showed significant improvement after switching to this food. The food was also appreciated for being easy to digest, with one owner mentioning that their American Dingo, a breed not known for being food-motivated, enjoyed it.

Despite some negative experiences, many customers expressed satisfaction with the product and noticed a positive change in their dogs' behavior and health. Some dogs that were previously not interested in their meals started showing excitement for feeding time after switching to Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken. The food was also praised for being a good alternative to raw diets, which some owners found hard to maintain.

In conclusion, while some dogs experienced digestive issues after switching to this food, the majority of pet owners were satisfied with the product. They reported that their dogs loved the taste and that the food contributed positively to their pets' health and well-being. The food was also appreciated for its high protein content and the benefits it offered to dogs with food allergies.