Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
A quarter of this cup is starch, the lowest tenth of everything we have measured. Protein leads at 35.0%.
- Protein
- 35.0%
- Starch, derived
- 26.0%
- Kcal / cup
- 476
-
Chicken
The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
-
Chicken Meal
Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
-
Chickpeas
The seed of the chickpea plant, also sold as the garbanzo bean.
- 4 Tapioca A starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant.
Salt is listed at #12. The 15 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.
| Crude protein, minimum | 35.0% |
| Crude fat, minimum | 19.5% |
| Crude fiber, maximum | 3.5% |
| Moisture, maximum | 10.0% |
| Ash assumed, not published | 6.0% |
| Starch, derived by us | 26.0% |
| Calories | 476 kcal/cup |
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.
-
Protein, dry matter 38.9% 30/30
Protein is 38.9% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 35%, but that figure includes the water. This food is at or above 38% dry matter, which is a high-protein food by any measure.
-
Carbohydrate load 28.9% 21/25
Estimated carbohydrate is 28.9% 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.
-
First five ingredients 2 named 10/25
The first five ingredients are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas and Tapioca. 2 of them are a named animal protein.
-
Flagged additives none found 10/10
None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.
-
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 | 35% | 38.9% | very high |
| Fat | 19.5% | 21.7% | |
| Fibre | 3.5% | 3.9% | |
| Carbohydrate (estimated) | 26% | 28.9% | 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 4,262 kcal per kilogram, or 476 kcal per cup.
How much to feed
We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (4,262 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.
Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food: An Analysis
The Importance of Ingredients for Canine Longevity
When it comes to promoting a long and healthy life for our beloved canine companions, choosing the right dog food is paramount. The ingredients in a dog food play a crucial role in determining the overall well-being of our furry friends. Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients of Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food: chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, and tapioca.
Energy Levels and Overall Well-being
The collective feedback from dog owners who have fed their pets Instinct Original Small Breed reveals some interesting insights. One dog owner mentions that their pug, who has been on this brand for over two years, is in great shape and eagerly devours every meal. This positive experience suggests that the energy levels and overall well-being of the dog are positively impacted by this dog food.
On the other hand, another reviewer expresses concerns about their dog’s sudden change in behavior after consuming this food. The dog became hyperactive, drank excessive amounts of water, and had frequent urination and bowel movements. While this may not be the typical experience, it is essential to consider individual variations in a dog’s response to different ingredients.
Coat Condition and Digestive Health
A healthy coat is often an indication of a dog’s overall health. Several dog owners praise the Instinct Original Small Breed for improving their dogs’ coat condition. One owner even receives compliments on their dog’s beautiful coat, attributing it to this particular dog food. Additionally, a chihuahua owner mentions that their dog’s coat is shiny and healthy after consuming this food.
Unfortunately, not all reviews are positive in this regard. One dog owner reports that their dog started scratching, licking paws excessively, and biting their own skin after consuming this food. The issues subsided upon switching to a different brand. While this may be an isolated case, it highlights the importance of monitoring a dog’s reaction to new foods.
Digestive health is another crucial aspect of a dog’s overall well-being. One reviewer experienced a negative side effect of this food, with their dog suffering from bloody stool and decreased appetite. These symptoms resolved after switching to a rice and chicken diet. This incident raises questions about the suitability of grain-free diets, as mentioned by the vet who treated the dog.
Considering the Collective Feedback
While individual experiences may vary, it is clear that Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food has had a positive impact on the health and happiness of many dogs. The majority of the reviews highlight improved energy levels, a healthy coat, and overall well-being.
However, it is important to approach any new food with caution and monitor a dog’s response closely. Some negative experiences, such as hyperactivity, excessive water consumption, and digestive issues, remind us that each dog is unique and may react differently to certain ingredients.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the right dog food for your furry companion, it is crucial to consider their individual needs and preferences. Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food offers a promising formula that has proven beneficial for many dogs, with improved energy levels, coat condition, and overall well-being.
However, it is essential to introduce any new food gradually and monitor your dog’s response closely. If you notice any adverse effects or changes in behavior, consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best course of action for your beloved pet. Remember, the goal is to provide a balanced diet that supports canine longevity and enhances their quality of life.
