Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Review

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Review of Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe

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

Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe 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 Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe, 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. 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. 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. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

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

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

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

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

  32. 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.

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

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

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. 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.

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

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients such as lamb, menhaden fish meal, and turkey meal. These are high-quality sources of protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a dog's health. The inclusion of dehydrated alfalfa meal and the various fermentation products may also contribute some protein, though to a lesser extent compared to the animal ingredients.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come mainly from the lamb, which is a red meat known to have a higher fat content, as well as the menhaden fish meal, which typically includes fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Canola oil, listed as an ingredient preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, is also a significant source of dietary fat. The ground flaxseed contributes not only fat but also omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: The fiber in this pet food is derived from plant-based ingredients such as oatmeal, barley, millet, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. These grains and plant materials provide the dietary fiber necessary for proper digestion and gut health. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and blueberries also adds to the total fiber content.

Calories of 3675.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative measure of the energy provided by all the macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The lamb and menhaden fish meal are calorie-dense due to their high protein and fat content. The grains such as oatmeal, barley, and millet also contribute to the caloric content by providing carbohydrates. Canola oil is another calorie-dense ingredient due to its fat content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe costs approximately $3.21 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $11.97$18.70
10 lbs $20.13$31.45
15 lbs $27.28$42.63
20 lbs $33.85$52.90
30 lbs $45.88$71.69
40 lbs $56.93$88.96
50 lbs $67.31$105.16
60 lbs $77.17$120.57
70 lbs $86.63$135.35
80 lbs $95.75$149.61
90 lbs $104.59$163.43
100 lbs $113.19$176.87

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate that Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe is made with natural ingredients and is often well-received by dogs with specific dietary needs, such as those with chicken allergies or sensitive stomachs. The inclusion of grains like oatmeal is also a plus for pet owners who are wary of grain-free diets.

Some dogs with health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease have seen improvements on this diet, indicating that the food can be suitable for managing certain digestive issues. Additionally, the food's positive impact on dogs' energy levels and coat condition has been highlighted by several reviewers.

Despite some reports of dogs not liking the taste or experiencing digestive upset, many dogs seem to enjoy the flavor and have no trouble with digestion. Owners of picky eaters have found success with this food, noting that even their fussy dogs are happy to eat it.

A few reviewers have noted concerns about the presence of bone fragments in the kibble, which could pose a risk to dogs. However, these seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues.

The food's affordability and the positive health outcomes reported, such as weight gain in underweight dogs and better regulation of bowel movements, suggest that Instinct Be Natural can be a cost-effective and beneficial option for many pet owners.

Some negative experiences involve dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs reacting poorly to the food, but others have found that it helps identify and manage these sensitivities, especially to chicken.

Despite some dogs not being interested in the food or experiencing digestive issues, the majority of reviews indicate satisfaction with the product, particularly praising its quality ingredients and the health benefits observed in their pets.