Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies Review
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Review of Instinct Raw Meals 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 Meals 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 Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies, we'll examine all 29 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.
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.
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.
Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.
Chicory Root is a prebiotic that supports healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
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.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.
Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and 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 minimum of 38.00% is quite high, which is typical for a raw, meat-based diet for puppies who require ample protein for growth and development. This high protein content is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, chicken, which is a high-quality source of protein. Additionally, beef liver, beef spleen, and beef kidney are all rich in protein and also contribute to this value. The inclusion of cod, although further down the list, would also add to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat minimum of 29.00% is reflective of the energy-dense nature of the diet, which is important for the high energy needs of growing puppies. The chicken, which includes ground chicken bone, is likely a significant source of the fat content. The beef liver, spleen, and kidney would also contribute animal fats. Additionally, salmon oil and ground flaxseed are known to be good sources of essential fatty acids, which would contribute to the total fat content as well.
Crude Fiber maximum of 6.00% indicates the amount of indigestible or partially digestible carbohydrate in the food. Ingredients such as carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and particularly the inclusion of ground miscanthus grass and chicory root, are likely the primary contributors to the fiber content. These plant-based ingredients provide the necessary fiber for healthy digestion.
Lastly, the caloric content of 4590.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet. The high fat content, in particular, would significantly contribute to the calorie density, as fats are more energy-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The chicken and other meats, along with the salmon oil and flaxseed, are the primary contributors to the caloric value.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Puppies costs approximately $25.28 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $75.50 |
| 10 lbs | $126.98 |
| 15 lbs | $172.11 |
| 20 lbs | $213.56 |
| 30 lbs | $289.46 |
| 40 lbs | $359.16 |
| 50 lbs | $424.59 |
| 60 lbs | $486.80 |
| 70 lbs | $546.47 |
| 80 lbs | $604.03 |
| 90 lbs | $659.82 |
| 100 lbs | $714.07 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers are finding the Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe to be an effective training aid, especially for puppies like Eddie the Australian Shepherd mix. The freeze-dried food is not only enticing for dogs, but also allows for multiple rewards without the worry of weight gain or stomach upset.
Jackie, a 5-month-old mini Aussie, is another fan of this meal, showing an improved coat condition after just a couple of days of consumption. Even picky eaters, including a Cavalier puppy who usually avoids kibble, are enjoying this food, although there is a note about softer stools when on a freeze-dried diet.
One pet owner offers valuable insight into portion control, advising others to consult with a vet to determine the proper caloric intake for their puppies. This approach helps to avoid overfeeding, even when the packaging suggests higher amounts. The high quality of the food has made it a favorite for use as treats as well.
While some dogs are picky eaters, adding this product as a topper has proven successful for an Aussie who is usually indifferent to his meals. However, it's worth noting that one customer's Pomeranian was not enticed by the food, indicating that it may not suit all taste preferences.
For owners of giant breed puppies, this recipe is a hit, enhancing the appeal of their regular kibble and making mealtime much more enjoyable. The aroma of the product upon opening was also positively noted, suggesting that it is as appealing to pet owners as it is to their dogs.
