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Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

proteinfatfibermoistureashstarch, derived

A quarter of this cup is starch, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 37.0%.

Protein
37.0%
Starch, derived
24.0%
Kcal / cup
499

Compare with another food

First five, and where the salt falls
  1. Chicken The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
  2. Chicken Meal Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
  3. Peas The seed of the pea plant, used whole, split or dried as...
  4. Chicken Fat Fat rendered from chicken tissue, used as an energy source and to...
  5. 5 Tapioca A starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant.

Salt is listed at #9. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.

The guaranteed analysis, as printed
Crude protein, minimum 37.0%
Crude fat, minimum 20.0%
Crude fiber, maximum 3.0%
Moisture, maximum 10.0%
Ash assumed, not published 6.0%
Starch, derived by us 24.0%
Calories 499 kcal/cup
86 out of 100

The Open Score

Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.

  1. Protein, dry matter 41.1% 30/30

    Protein is 41.1% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 37%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.

  2. Carbohydrate load 26.7% 21/25

    Estimated carbohydrate is 26.7% dry matter, between 20% and 30% dry matter, low. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.

  3. First five ingredients 3 named 15/25

    The first five ingredients are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat and Tapioca. 3 of them are a named animal protein.

  4. Flagged additives none found 10/10

    None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.

  5. Brand recall history none on record 10/10

    We have no FDA recall on record matched to this brand. That is not a guarantee that none exists, only that none is in our data.

A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.

Nutrition, dry matter

The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 90% dry matter.

Nutrient As fed Dry matter Reading
Protein 37% 41.1% very high
Fat 20% 22.2%
Fibre 3% 3.3%
Carbohydrate (estimated) 24% 26.7% low

Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 4,250 kcal per kilogram, or 499 kcal per cup.

How much to feed

We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (4,250 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.

Recall history: Instinct

We have no FDA recall on record for Instinct. This covers recall notices published by the FDA that we have matched to this brand. It is not a guarantee that none exists.

Get told if this changes

Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.

What to be alerted about

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis

When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important aspects to take into account is how the food will contribute to your dog’s overall health and longevity. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a popular choice among dog owners, and in this article, we will delve into the ingredients and customer feedback to evaluate its impact on canine well-being.

A Nutrient-Packed Formula

The main ingredients of this dog food include chicken, chicken meal, peas, chicken fat, and tapioca. Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of these components:

1. Chicken and Chicken Meal: Chicken is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle development and repair. It is a lean meat that can help maintain a healthy weight. Chicken meal, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of chicken that provides a higher protein content. Both ingredients contribute to energy levels and overall vitality, as confirmed by customer feedback.

2. Peas: Peas are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movements. However, some dogs may be sensitive to peas, as mentioned in a few customer reviews. If your dog has a known sensitivity to peas, it’s essential to consider alternative options.

3. Chicken Fat: Chicken fat is a highly palatable and energy-dense ingredient that provides essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. It also adds flavor to the food, making it more enticing for picky eaters.

4. Tapioca: Tapioca is a gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrate source that can provide energy without triggering allergies in dogs with sensitivities. However, some dog owners have expressed concerns about the use of tapioca, as it is a less nutritionally dense ingredient compared to whole grains.

Positive Effects on Digestive Health

Customer feedback has indicated that Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food has had positive effects on dogs with sensitive stomachs. Many dogs that struggled with vomiting and diarrhea saw significant improvements after switching to this brand. The absence of grains and potential allergens like dairy and certain vegetables in this formula makes it a suitable choice for dogs with dietary sensitivities, as reported by satisfied customers.

Glossy Coats and Improved Skin Health

A common theme in customer reviews is the noticeable improvement in dogs’ coat condition after switching to this dog food. Many owners have observed shinier, softer, and healthier coats in their pets. This can be attributed to the high-quality protein sources and essential fatty acids present in the formula, such as chicken and chicken fat. These ingredients nourish the skin from within, reducing dryness and itchiness.

Enhanced Energy Levels and Overall Well-Being

The positive effects of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food on energy levels and overall well-being are evident in customer reviews. Dogs consuming this food seem to have increased vitality, which can be attributed to the high protein content and balanced nutrition provided by the ingredients. This is especially notable in older dogs, as one review mentioned that a 14-year-old pom-chi experienced less difficulty while chewing this kibble compared to other brands.

Picky Eaters and Training Treats

While most dogs seem to enjoy the taste of this dog food, a few reviews mentioned that their dogs were not fond of the flavor. Taste preferences can vary among individual dogs, so it’s essential to consider your dog’s specific tastes and preferences when selecting a food brand. However, some customers have found success using this dog food as training treats, highlighting its palatability and versatility.

Price and Packaging Concerns

Price is a factor that many dog owners consider when choosing a dog food brand. Some customers have mentioned that Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is on the expensive side. However, they also expressed their willingness to pay the premium price due to the health benefits it provides. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned concerns about the packaging, with reports of bags being ripped or difficult to reseal.

Conclusion

Overall, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food has received positive feedback from dog owners. The high-quality protein sources, grain-free formula, and essential fatty acids contribute to improved energy levels, coat condition, digestive health, and overall well-being. While individual preferences may vary, this dog food brand has shown promising results in enhancing canine longevity. As always, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.