Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon Review
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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon
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 Salmon 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 Salmon, we'll examine all 39 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.
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.
Pacific whiting meal is a high-quality, easily digestible source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that support your dog's muscle development, skin and coat health, and cognitive function.
Pacific Sole Meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining a healthy coat, skin, and supporting overall health in dogs.
Pacific rockfish meal is a highly nutritious source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can support heart health, skin and coat health, and immune function.
Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.
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.
Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a good source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall health.
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.
Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.
Pea protein is a plant-based protein source that is often used as a supplement in dog food. It's beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a plant-based diet.
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.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.
Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.
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.
Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.
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.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
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.
Freeze dried cod is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The freeze-drying process retains the nutritional content while providing convenience and a longer shelf life.
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.
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 37.50% is a high value, indicating a high concentration of protein in the pet food product. The primary contributors to this value are the first two ingredients listed, Salmon and White Fish Meal (Pacific Whiting, Pacific Sole, Pacific Rockfish). These are rich sources of protein. Other ingredients like Menhaden Fish Meal, Herring Meal, and Pea Protein also contribute to the protein content.
The Crude Fat (min) of 21.00% is also relatively high, which is ideal for pets requiring a high-fat diet. The primary contributors to this value are likely the Salmon, White Fish Meal, and Menhaden Fish Meal. These fish are naturally high in fats. The Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid) also significantly contributes to the fat content.
The Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00% indicates the amount of indigestible material in the food. The primary contributors to this value are the Peas, Chickpeas, and Tapioca. These plant-based ingredients are high in dietary fiber.
The Calories of 4570.00 per kg is the energy content of the food. All the ingredients contribute to this value, but the primary contributors are likely the high-protein and high-fat ingredients such as the Salmon, White Fish Meal, and Canola Oil. These ingredients are energy-dense, meaning they provide a lot of calories per unit of weight.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon costs approximately $4.25 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $12.75 | $19.93 |
| 10 lbs | $21.45 | $33.51 |
| 15 lbs | $29.07 | $45.42 |
| 20 lbs | $36.07 | $56.36 |
| 30 lbs | $48.89 | $76.39 |
| 40 lbs | $60.67 | $94.79 |
| 50 lbs | $71.72 | $112.06 |
| 60 lbs | $82.23 | $128.48 |
| 70 lbs | $92.30 | $144.22 |
| 80 lbs | $102.03 | $159.42 |
| 90 lbs | $111.45 | $174.14 |
| 100 lbs | $120.61 | $188.46 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers appreciated that Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon is grain-free and suitable for dogs with various allergies. They noted that their dogs enjoyed the taste, and some even mentioned that their pets' stools were solid and healthy after eating it. Despite its strong smell, some customers reported that their dogs loved it, and it did not cause any digestive issues.
However, some customers reported that their dogs experienced loose stools after transitioning to this food. A few also expressed concerns about certain ingredients in the recipe, suggesting that customers should research the ingredients before purchasing. Some customers found the strong salmon smell off-putting, and a few mentioned that their dogs did not enjoy the taste.
Several customers mentioned that they had switched to this food due to unavailability of their usual brand or because their dogs had specific dietary needs. They appreciated that this food was high in protein and low in carbs, and some even reported that their dogs' coats were shiny and full after switching to this food. A few customers also mentioned that their dogs were picky eaters, but they enjoyed this food.
A few customers had issues with the food's smell, stating that it was very strong and made their homes smell like fish. Some also reported that their dogs had digestive issues after switching to this food, including vomiting and diarrhea. However, others noted that their dogs had no issues with the food and seemed to enjoy it.
Some customers praised the quality of the food and the fact that it included probiotics and no preservatives. They also appreciated that it was suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, some customers noted that the food did not help with their dogs' allergies and caused loose stools and gas. Despite this, many customers recommended the food and planned to keep it on their recurring order.
A few customers reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food, and some had to give their bags away to friends. However, others noted that their dogs loved the food and it was a good choice due to its high-quality ingredients and high calorie count. Some customers also mentioned that they had been feeding their dogs Nature Variety's products for a long time and were happy with the results.
Despite some negative reviews, many customers were satisfied with Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon and planned to continue purchasing it. They appreciated that it was suitable for dogs with allergies and dietary restrictions, and many noted that their dogs enjoyed the taste.
