Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe (Whole Grain) Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe (Whole Grain)

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

Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe (Whole Grain) 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 Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe (Whole Grain), we'll examine all 58 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. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, promoting your dog's heart health and bone health.

  6. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  7. 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.

  8. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

  9. 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.

  10. Freeze dried beef is a high-quality protein source that retains more of its nutritional value compared to traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids and supports muscle development and maintenance.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Freeze dried beef liver is a nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It contains essential amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, which support your dog's overall health, growth, and immune function. Freeze drying preserves the nutrients in beef liver, making it a healthy and delicious treat or meal addition for your dog.

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

  16. Freeze dried beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, promoting overall well-being and vitality in dogs.

  17. 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.

  18. Freeze dried beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a natural source of vitamins A and B, iron, and essential amino acids, promoting overall health in dogs.

  19. Freeze Dried Beef Spleen is an organ meat that is rich in iron and other minerals, providing a natural source of essential nutrients.

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

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

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

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

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

  25. 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.

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

  28. 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.

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

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

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

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

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

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

  38. 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.

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

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

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

  42. 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.

  43. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  44. Freeze-dried lamb is a high-quality protein source used in dog food. It provides essential amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance, as well as healthy skin and coat. Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value of the meat, ensuring that your dog gets the maximum benefits from this protein source.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

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

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

  52. 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.

  53. Freeze dried lamb liver is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your dog. It supports overall health, immune system function, and well-being, making it a beneficial addition to your dog's diet.

  54. Freeze dried lamb spleen is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

  55. Freeze dried lamb heart is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system in your dog.

  56. Freeze dried lamb kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for optimal health and well-being in dogs. It supports overall muscle growth, maintenance, and immune system function.

  57. 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.

  58. 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

The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 25.50% is likely contributed by the high-protein ingredients such as lamb, menhaden fish meal, turkey meal, freeze-dried beef, and the various freeze-dried organs like beef liver, beef heart, beef kidney, and beef spleen. These animal-based ingredients are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle development and repair in pets.

The crude fat minimum of 15.00% can be attributed to the lamb, which is a naturally fatty meat, as well as the menhaden fish meal and canola oil. Canola oil is included as a fat source and is preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are a form of Vitamin E and act as a natural preservative. The inclusion of fatty organs and salmon oil also contributes to the overall fat content, providing essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Crude fiber maximum of 6.50% is relatively moderate and comes from the inclusion of whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and millet, as well as the dehydrated alfalfa meal and ground flaxseed. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber for a healthy digestive system. Fiber aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.

The calorie content of 3729.00 per kg provides an idea of the energy density of the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrient profile of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. High-energy ingredients like fats from the animal proteins and canola oil contribute significantly to the caloric content, as fats provide more than twice the calories per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe (Whole Grain) costs approximately $4.61 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $16.96$26.49
10 lbs $28.52$44.56
15 lbs $38.65$60.39
20 lbs $47.96$74.94
30 lbs $65.00$101.57
40 lbs $80.66$126.03
50 lbs $95.35$148.99
60 lbs $109.32$170.82
70 lbs $122.72$191.75
80 lbs $135.65$211.95
90 lbs $148.18$231.53
100 lbs $160.36$250.56

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers report that their beagles and other breeds are very fond of the Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe, with many noting improved health and happiness in their pets since making the switch. The food is described as a bit pricey, but many owners consider it a worthwhile investment for their dogs' well-being.

Pets with specific health issues like CHF have shown increased appetites and enjoyment when eating this kibble, indicating that it's appealing to dogs with various dietary needs. Owners of picky eaters have also expressed relief at finding a food that their dogs will consistently eat, with some noting that it's the first food their picky pets have accepted.

While some dogs have experienced digestive issues or allergies with this food, the majority of reviews highlight positive outcomes such as muscle gain, energy improvements, shiny coats, and better overall digestive health. Many appreciate the quality ingredients and the fact that the food is grain-inclusive, which is suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or specific dietary requirements.

Some dogs have shown a remarkable preference for this food, with one owner noting that their dog began eating it directly from the bag upon opening. The inclusion of raw freeze-dried pieces is a hit with many pets, and owners are happy to see their dogs enjoying their meals while also experiencing health benefits.

Despite a few instances of dogs not taking to the food or experiencing adverse reactions, the general consensus is that Instinct Raw Boost Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe is a high-quality, palatable option for many dogs, and it's particularly praised for its nutritional benefits and appeal to picky eaters.