Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies (Whole Grain) Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies (Whole Grain)

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

Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies (Whole Grain) 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 Boost Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies (Whole Grain), we'll examine all 50 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. 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.

  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. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  24. 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.

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

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

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

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

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

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

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

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

  48. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 25.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the chicken, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered from chicken flesh and skin, minus moisture, making it a dense source of protein. Menhaden fish meal is also a high-quality protein source, providing essential amino acids. Additionally, lamb meal further contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 18.50%: The crude fat content is largely provided by the chicken fat, which is a high-energy, digestible fat source rich in essential fatty acids. Menhaden fish meal also contributes not only protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, which are a component of the fat content. Salmon oil is another ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which contribute to the overall fat content and offer health benefits for a puppy's developing brain and coat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in this pet food is derived from ingredients such as barley, brown rice, oatmeal, and ground flaxseed. These whole grains and seeds provide not only fiber but also various nutrients and help in maintaining a healthy digestive system. The fiber content aids in digestion and helps to ensure firm stools.

Calories of 4023.00 per kg: The caloric content is a combined measure of all the macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the high protein and fat levels, particularly from the chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat, contribute significantly to the caloric density of this food. Carbohydrates from ingredients like barley, brown rice, and oatmeal also add to the overall calorie count, providing energy for active puppies.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Puppies (Whole Grain) costs approximately $4.49 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $15.30
10 lbs $25.73
15 lbs $34.88
20 lbs $43.27
30 lbs $58.65
40 lbs $72.78
50 lbs $86.04
60 lbs $98.64
70 lbs $110.73
80 lbs $122.40
90 lbs $133.70
100 lbs $144.70

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have chosen Instinct Raw Boost for their puppies have reported overwhelmingly positive experiences. Many have noted that after extensive research, they found this brand to be highly recommended. Puppies seem to love the taste, resulting in excitement at meal times, healthy digestion, and energetic behavior, which speaks to the quality of the food.

While there are instances of puppies being picky or preferring the freeze-dried chicken pieces to the kibble, the overall consensus is that the food is well-received by most pets. For those puppies that initially turned up their noses, some owners found that persistence paid off, with their dogs eventually taking to the food. In cases where the puppies only ate the freeze-dried pieces, owners appreciated the convenience of not having to mix freeze-dried food separately.

The food has been praised for its good ingredients and the noticeable health benefits such as solid stools, less paw licking, and a soft, lush coat. Even with some dogs showing a preference for the freeze-dried pieces, the overall assessment is that the food is beneficial and well-liked. Owners of larger breed puppies are hopeful for a specific formula to meet their needs, indicating the brand's popularity and trust among dog owners.