Instinct Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Longevity 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 Longevity 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 Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 32 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. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  3. Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.

  4. Yellow squash is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins such as C, B6, and K, promoting digestion and overall health.

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

  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. 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.

  8. Dried pumpkin is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and a strong immune system. The dietary fiber in dried pumpkin can help regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements, making it a beneficial ingredient for dogs with digestive issues.

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

  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. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  13. Beet is a nutritious root vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your dog's overall health and digestion.

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

  15. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

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

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

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

  21. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  22. 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.

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

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

  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. 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.

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

  29. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  30. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  31. 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.

  32. 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 analysis of the Instinct Raw Longevity Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies indicates a crude protein minimum of 36.00%. The primary contributors to this protein content are the first three ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, and chicken heart. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, with chicken providing the bulk of the muscle meat, while chicken liver and heart are rich in protein and also supply essential nutrients and vitamins.

The crude fat minimum of 34.00% is likely due to the inclusion of chicken, which naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included, and chicken fat may also be present even if not explicitly listed. Additionally, the fish oil and ground flaxseed contribute to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a puppy's development, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Crude fiber maximum of 4.00% is relatively low, reflecting the diet's focus on animal ingredients over plant-based fibers. The fiber that is present likely comes from the fruits and vegetables included in the recipe, such as yellow squash, apples, carrots, and beets, as well as the dried pumpkin and ground miscanthus grass. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for digestive health.

The calorie content of 4760.00 per kg is a measure of the energy the food provides and is influenced by the levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Given the high protein and fat content, it's clear that this recipe is calorie-dense, suitable for the high energy needs of growing puppies. The high caloric value is a direct result of the significant amounts of chicken and fat sources in the formula.