Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken 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 Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken 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 Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies, 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. Chicken (ground with bone) is a great source of protein and calcium for dogs. The bones are ground to a safe size to provide necessary minerals and support dental 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 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Cod is a lean fish that's high in protein, low in fat and filled with vitamins and minerals essential for your dog's health.

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

  12. 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.

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

  15. Chicory Root is a prebiotic that supports healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

  16. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and 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. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

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

  20. 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.

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

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

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

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

  25. 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.

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

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 13.00% is primarily derived from the first ingredient, chicken, which includes ground chicken bone. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that is essential for the growth and development of puppies. Other protein-contributing ingredients include beef liver, beef spleen, and beef kidney, which are organ meats known for their high protein content and nutrient density. Cod, another source of protein, also contributes to this value, providing essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

The crude fat content of 8.00% is likely to come from the chicken, as it naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included. Beef liver, spleen, and kidney also contribute to the fat content, though to a lesser extent. Salmon oil is a significant contributor to the fat content as well, providing healthy omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for a puppy's skin, coat, and cognitive development.

The crude fiber maximum of 3.00% is relatively low, indicating that this is a diet focused on high protein and moderate fat with less emphasis on fiber. The fiber present is likely sourced from the plant-based ingredients such as carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, ground miscanthus grass, and ground flaxseed. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for gastrointestinal health.

The caloric content of 1590.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The high-quality proteins and fats, particularly from the chicken and salmon oil, are calorie-dense and contribute significantly to the overall caloric content. Carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, apples, and other vegetables also contribute to the calorie count, providing energy as well as essential nutrients and fiber.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $8.00 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $68.96
10 lbs $115.98
15 lbs $157.19
20 lbs $195.05
30 lbs $264.37
40 lbs $328.03
50 lbs $387.79
60 lbs $444.61
70 lbs $499.10
80 lbs $551.68
90 lbs $602.63
100 lbs $652.18

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have tried Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for their puppies have shared a variety of positive experiences. Many puppies seem to love the taste, with owners reporting that their pets eagerly eat up their meals and look for more, indicating high palatability. Some owners have noticed significant improvements in their puppies' coat quality, energy levels, and digestive health, which they attribute to the high-quality ingredients and raw formulation of the food.

There are also accounts of picky eaters being particularly fond of these raw bites, with the food being favored over other brands. This suggests that Instinct Raw Bites may be a good option for owners struggling to find food that appeals to their fussy puppies. Additionally, some owners appreciate the convenience of the product, finding it easy to thaw and serve, and are pleased with the healthy growth and development observed in their puppies while on this diet.

In response to any negative experiences, it's worth noting that proper storage and handling are essential, as the food needs to be kept frozen to maintain its quality. Some negative experiences could be attributed to mishandling, such as not thawing the product correctly, which might affect its texture and appeal to some puppies. The majority of reviewers, however, have had positive outcomes and continue to recommend Instinct Raw Bites for its health benefits and high acceptance rate among puppies.