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Instinct dog food is often positioned as a premium option for owners who want to move closer to raw or biologically appropriate feeding without fully committing to homemade raw diets. The brand attracts attention for its high animal protein content, raw coated kibble, and freeze dried raw formulas. At the same time, it raises practical questions about safety, cost, and whether these recipes actually deliver measurable benefits.
This review looks at Instinct dog food from a real world perspective. It examines ingredient quality, raw processing methods, nutritional balance, recalls, and how Instinct compares to other high end brands. The goal is not to promote or dismiss the brand, but to help you decide if it fits your dog, your budget, and your expectations.
What Is Instinct Dog Food?
Instinct dog food is a premium pet food line built around raw nutrition principles. It is produced by Nature’s Variety, a manufacturer known for focusing on minimally processed, animal based diets.
The defining feature of Instinct is its use of raw elements. Depending on the formula, this can mean freeze dried raw meals or kibble that has been coated with freeze dried raw pieces. Most recipes are grain free, high in protein, and designed to reflect how dogs would eat in a more ancestral or biologically appropriate context.
Why Instinct Emphasizes Raw Nutrition?
Raw feeding is based on the idea that dogs evolved eating prey based diets rich in animal protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates. Instinct attempts to bridge the gap between traditional kibble and raw feeding by offering raw components in a shelf stable format.
This matters because processing can reduce certain nutrients. By minimizing heat exposure and preserving raw ingredients, Instinct aims to retain natural enzymes, amino acids, and fats that are often lost in heavily processed foods.
How Instinct Is Made and Processed?
One of the most important safety questions around raw dog food is bacteria. Instinct addresses this through High Pressure Processing. This method uses pressure rather than heat to reduce pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli while maintaining the integrity of raw ingredients.
Dry kibble formulas are cooked like traditional kibble but then coated with freeze dried raw meat. Freeze dried raw formulas are not cooked at high temperatures and are intended to be fed as complete meals after rehydration or served dry.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing
Instinct dog food ingredients generally start with named animal proteins. Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, duck, rabbit, and salmon are common primary ingredients. These are supported by animal meals rather than vague meat by products.
Typical ingredient characteristics include:
- Named protein sources rather than generic meats
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Limited use of high glycemic fillers
- Added probiotics for digestive support
Plant ingredients such as pumpkin, apples, carrots, and cranberries are included for fiber and micronutrients rather than bulk. Fat sources often include chicken fat or salmon oil, which contribute essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Nutritional Balance and AAFCO Compliance
Instinct formulas are designed to meet the standards set by AAFCO for their intended life stages. Protein levels are typically higher than average kibble, while carbohydrate content is lower.
This nutrient density can be beneficial for active dogs, working breeds, and dogs with higher metabolic demands. It also means portion control matters more. Feeding by volume without adjusting for calorie density can lead to weight gain.
Instinct Product Lines Explained
Instinct Raw Boost
This line combines traditional kibble with freeze dried raw pieces. It is often chosen by owners who want raw benefits without the complexity or cost of fully raw diets.
Best for dogs transitioning from standard kibble or owners new to raw feeding concepts.
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw
These are complete raw meals that can be fed dry or rehydrated. They are highly concentrated in protein and fat and require smaller serving sizes.
Best for owners committed to raw feeding who want convenience and shelf stability.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
Designed for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. Each formula uses a single animal protein and a simplified ingredient list.
Best for dogs with chronic itching, digestive issues, or suspected protein intolerance.
Instinct Puppy
Formulated with higher fat and DHA levels to support growth and brain development.
Best for puppies who tolerate higher energy diets and do not require veterinary prescription foods.
Pros and Cons of Instinct Dog Food
Pros
High animal protein content
Raw options without full raw handling
Clear ingredient labeling
Wide variety of protein sources
Strong option for dogs with sensitivities
Cons
Premium pricing
Not ideal for dogs needing low fat diets
Some dogs experience transition related digestive upset
Raw handling still requires hygiene awareness
Safety, Recalls, and Quality Control
Instinct has had limited recalls in the past, primarily related to raw product pathogen risks. These recalls were isolated rather than systemic and led to increased safety protocols.
Overall, the brand’s recall history is relatively modest compared to many raw focused competitors. The use of High Pressure Processing and batch testing reduces risk but does not eliminate the need for proper handling by pet owners.
Grain Free Diets and Heart Health Concerns
Many Instinct formulas are grain free. While grain free diets are not inherently harmful, concerns have been raised about potential links between certain formulations and heart disease in dogs.
Instinct offers some grain inclusive options for owners who prefer to avoid grain free feeding. Dogs with known cardiac issues or breeds predisposed to heart conditions should be evaluated by a veterinarian before switching diets.
Who Instinct Dog Food Is Best For?
Instinct is well suited for
- Active adult dogs
- Dogs with food sensitivities
- Owners interested in raw or ancestral feeding
- Dogs who thrive on high protein diets
It is particularly appealing to owners who want higher quality nutrition without preparing raw meals at home.
When Instinct May Not Be the Right Choice?
Instinct may not be ideal for
- Dogs with pancreatitis or fat sensitivity
- Dogs on veterinary therapeutic diets
- Owners on strict budgets
- Households unwilling to manage calorie dense foods carefully
Price, Value, and Global Availability
Instinct is positioned in the premium price range. Costs vary by formula and region, with freeze dried raw products being the most expensive.
While the price is higher than standard kibble, part of the cost reflects meat heavy formulations, raw processing methods, and sourcing standards. Many owners justify the cost through improved coat condition, stool quality, and energy levels.
Instinct is available in many countries through independent pet stores and online retailers. Availability can vary by region, and raw shipping restrictions may apply in some markets.
How to Choose the Right Instinct Formula?
- Identify your dog’s life stage and activity level
- Consider any allergies or digestive issues
- Decide between kibble plus raw or fully raw
- Match fat content to energy needs
- Transition gradually over one to two weeks
Feeding Guidelines and Transition Tips
Because Instinct foods are calorie dense, measuring portions accurately is important. Follow feeding charts as a starting point and adjust based on body condition.
When transitioning
Start with small amounts mixed into the current food
Increase gradually every two to three days
Monitor stool consistency and appetite
Provide constant access to fresh water
Instinct Compared to Other Premium Brands
Instinct is often compared to Orijen, Blue Buffalo, and Stella and Chewy’s. Its main distinction is offering both raw coated kibble and complete freeze dried raw meals under one brand, giving owners more flexibility without switching manufacturers.
Conclusion
Instinct dog food delivers high protein, raw focused nutrition designed for owners who want more than conventional kibble. Its ingredient quality, processing methods, and formula variety make it a strong option for many dogs, especially those with sensitivities or high energy needs.
The higher cost and calorie density mean it is not a universal solution. When chosen thoughtfully and fed responsibly, Instinct can be a valuable long term diet for the right dog and household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our pet care services.
Some formulas are fully freeze dried raw, while others are kibble coated with freeze dried raw pieces.
Yes, when fed according to guidelines and matched to your dog’s health needs.
High meat content, raw processing methods, and premium sourcing increase production costs.
Yes, Instinct offers puppy specific formulas that meet growth requirements.
Digestive upset can occur during transition but usually resolves when introduced slowly.
Grain free diets are not inherently harmful, but dogs with heart concerns should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
It is available through independent pet stores and online retailers in many regions.
