Instinct Dog Food Reviews 2024: Best Raw Food Diet for Pooches?

Meet Instinct Dog Food

If you’re curious about canine raw food diets, but you don’t want to worry about the mess, there’s good news. Instinct is a raw blend kibble that uses bits of real freeze-dried raw meat to add a nutritious boost to your dog’s food. It’s a holistic brand that wants to help you get closer to your dog’s canine ancestral diet.

The formulas use only natural ingredients designed to offer dense nutrition without adding any extra fillers. There are none of the cheap ingredients used by bargain brands intended to lower the quality of food and bring down the price.

Instinct dog food may be just the thing to get your dog’s health and wellness under control and offer the building blocks for a lifetime of good days together.

Let’s break it all down in our detailed Instinct Dog Food Reviews below.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: M.I. Industries
• Founded in: 2002 (Nature’s Variety)
• Made in: USA
• Available at:  Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
• Types of Food: Wet, dry
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
• Recalled in Past? : No

Behind the Brand

Nature’s Variety has long provided dogs with holistic nutrition in the form of foods made without cheap fillers, artificial colors or flavors, or by-product meals.

The brand began in 2002 when Bob Milligan wanted to find a way to feed pets raw, holistic nutrition in an easier form than many of the canine raw diets out there. They’re headquartered in St. Louis and remain a privately held company.

Instinct uses no type of cheap fillers including corn or soy that could cause allergic reactions. They don’t need artificial colors or flavors which can just encourage pets to overeat.

They also have no by-product meals which unnamed meat meals are made from pieces of the animal not fit for human consumption. Overall, foods are nutrient dense and designed to be easily digestible.

Instinct Dog Food Reviews

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorite recipes. These could be an excellent option for your particular dog. Whether you choose the real raw or the raw mixed with kibble, you could notice improvements in your dog’s overall health.

 

1. Raw Boost Recipe with Real Chicken

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chickpeas

The Raw Boost formula uses freeze-dried bits of raw chicken mixed in with premium kibble to satisfy your dog’s tastes and to help you feed your dog the best nutrition available. It uses only premium ingredients including fruits and veggies to create kibble with all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for healthy skin, bones, and joints.

Classic chicken in freeze-dried bits mixed with high-quality kibble gives your dog all the building blocks of healthy muscles and bones. Dog’s tend to love the taste, and it’s an excellent way for you to feed your dog raw without all the fuss. There are no artificial ingredients, cheap fillers, or by-product meals.

Natural sources of glucosamine and omega fatty acids help keep inflammation down and cushion the joints while probiotics aid in digestion. There are no common food allergens including cheap fillers like corn or soy. There are no artificial ingredients that can cause your dog to overeat and no by-product meals. You have only named protein sources from quality pieces.

It’s an excellent recipe for pickier dogs because the texture and smell often appeal to dogs. It brings you closer to the canine ancestral diet without the fuss and mess of mixing your own raw foods.

Also, the kibble and freeze-dried bits are shelf stable and much easier to store long term. The food won’t go bad or stale before you can use it up. It’s a great middle ground that won’t break the bank.

2. Limited Ingredient Diet Recipe with Real Salmon

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Salmon, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil

The limited ingredient recipe uses only a single source of protein to fulfill your dog’s nutrition. Fewer ingredients give your dog’s digestion a chance to reset and hopefully improve inflammation and stomach issues caused by food sensitivities.

There are no common food allergens including corn or soy and no artificial ingredients. Dogs on the LID recipe may see an overall improvement in the quality of stools and a reduction in gas or itchy skin.

Made with real wild-caught salmon and salmon meal, this limited ingredient dog food is naturally rich in omega fatty acids that help support skin and coat health. Salmon is also a highly digestible protein source. This make this recipe ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

There are no common food allergens including corn or soy and no artificial ingredients. Peas are the only vegetable is used in this formula. Dogs on the LID recipe may see an overall improvement in the quality of stools and a reduction in gas or itchy skin.

The kibbles are tossed in freeze-dried raw cod to get a coating that provides an extra layer of nutrition and flavor. Fish fans are sure to love these tasty kibbles.

According to reviews, this grain-free limited ingredient recipe has helped numerous dogs have healthier and softer coats. Dog owners take this as a sign of good overall health.

This salmon recipe has also been great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They are able to keep the food down without upsetting their tummies.

However, a few reviews say that this salmon recipe gave their pups fish breaths.

3. Frozen Raw Beef Patties

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Carrots

Those of you who want to switch to all raw can take advantage of the fresh patties option. It takes all the guesswork out of feeding your pet raw and uses only natural, high-quality ingredients to produce something very similar to what your dog’s ancestors would have eaten. It’s portioned for your convenience and easy to serve. Plus, dogs really love it.

These beefy patties are packed with protein at 85% meat and organs. The remaining 15% is made up of non-GMO fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements. These ingredients are frozen raw and then cold-pressed to ensure the maximum retention of nutrients.

The raw, whole-food ingredients of Instinct Frozen Raw Patties are not only highly nutritious, but also promote maximum digestibility. Natural oils and omega fatty acids help promote healthy skin and coat.

To feed to your dog, simply defrost a portion by putting it in a covered container and keeping it in the refrigerator for overnight or approximately 4 to 6 hours. The patties should still be cold when served.

According to reviews, many dogs loved the beefy patties. Some dogs don’t seem to like these raw patties. Dog owners appreciate the quality of the ingredients that go into these frozen patties. However, some commented that it gave their dogs bad breath.

4. Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Millet

This is a grain-inclusive dog food made of high-quality lamb and other naturally nutritious whole ingredients.

With grass-fed lamb and menhaden fish meal as the most plentiful ingredients respectively, it provides high-quality protein to help dogs build lean and strong muscles.

Made with healthy whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and millet, this dry food gives the fiber that dogs need for better digestion. It also has nutrient-rich carrots, dehydrated alfalfa meal, apples, blueberries, and cranberries for natural antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

Each piece of kibble is tumbled in minimally processed crushed freeze-dried lamb for another layer of nutrients and flavor.

As per product reviews,it has been great for many dogs with allergies. This grain-inclusive food does not trigger the allergies of these dogs. This lamb and oatmeal recipe does not have any of the common triggers such as wheat, corn, or soy.

Pups with sensitive tummies are also doing well on this recipe. They are able to keep this food down without issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. It also helps that the dogs love the rich lamb flavor of this dry food from Instinct Be Natural.

5. Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Chicken Heart, Dried Pumpkin

This is a raw meal topper that is specially formulated to help improve the digestion of dogs. Simply pour some of these mixers on top of your dog’s kibble to give their gut a boost of nutrients, probiotics, and fiber.

Made with cage-free chicken, this meal topper is 36% protein. It has fiber-rich whole ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and chicory root. Live, natural probiotics are included to help maintain digestive health.

These whole ingredients are freeze-dried raw to gently remove moisture without dissolving the nutrients. Like all products from Instinct, these meal-toppers are free from artificial enhancers and fillers like corn, wheat or, soy.

It has received comments from buyers about how it has improved their dogs’ digestion. Constipated dogs were finally relieved after this meal topper was added to their kibble.

Pups who were previously vomiting have shown significant improvement since being given these mixers. Dog parents love giving this as treats as well. The dogs go crazy for the extra tasty chicken and pumpkin flavored pieces.

6. Original Recipe with Real Chicken

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca

This is made of 70% real animal ingredients and natural oils. Its remaining 30% is made up of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious ingredients. This freeze-dried raw coated dog food is a great way to introduce your dog to a raw diet.

High-quality protein from cage-free chicken helps support strong and lean muscles. Herring meal and menhaden fish meal are included as additional sources of protein. Chicken fat enhances the rich flavor of the kibbles.

This Original formula has guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics, natural omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to support gut, skin and coat, as well as immune system health. Every kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw whole ingredients.

Reviews for this product has been mostly positive. Dogs go crazy for the rich chicken flavor of the kibbles. They get excited for mealtimes, and gobble up the pieces right away.

This chicken recipe has also been good for many dogs with sensitive stomachs. Even dogs with allergies have been thriving on this grain-free dog food.

7. Original Real Beef Recipe Natural Canned Food

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Broth, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed

This is a natural wet dog food made up of 95% beef & liver and 5% vegetables, fruits & other wholesome ingredients.

This loaf-style wet dog food is extra rich in beef flavor. The soft texture makes it ideal even for older dogs. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe helps support skin and coat health.

This formula contains no fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. It is free from artificial enhancers like colors, flavors, or preservatives.

This beefy loaf is a hit among adult and senior dogs alike. Made with real beef and beef liver gently simmered in beef broth, it really is no wonder dogs go crazy for wet food.

This makes it a great way to stimulate your dogs’ appetite, and incorporate more protein and moisture into his diet.

8. LID Real Turkey Recipe Canned Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Peas, Pea Protein

Features a purposefully clean ingredient list for dogs with food sensitivities. It has only one source of animal protein, and one vegetable. The simplicity of this recipe makes it less likely to trigger allergies in dogs.

Made with cage-free turkey, this loaf provides a highly digestible meal that is both tasty and nutritious. This grain-free turkey recipe has all the essential amino acids that your dog needs. The soft texture makes it easy for both adult and senior dogs to chew and digest. This is a delicious way to add more hydration to your dog’s diet.

This has been great for numerous dogs with allergies. According to some owners, they are relieved to finally find a less expensive food than prescription dog food that does not trigger their dogs’ allergies. 

While it has received positive feedback from owners of sensitive dogs, some pet parents find this food too soupy. 

9. Frozen Raw Medallions Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Liver, Apples

These are 1-ounce pieces of raw food that are 85% meat and organs, and 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables. It is also enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

This high-protein raw food helps your dog build strong and lean muscles. Highly nutritious fruits and veggies such as apples, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Salmon oil provides omega fatty acids that help support skin and coat health.

Every recipe is frozen raw. They then go through cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and natural flavors intact. This raw food is free from artificial preservatives, as well as color and flavor enhancers.

To prepare, simply defrost a portion by putting it in a covered container and keeping it in the refrigerator for overnight or approximately 4 to 6 hours. The medallions should still be cold when served to your dog.

Reviews say that dogs with sensitive stomachs are thriving on it. The grass-fed lamb does not trigger vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues in these dogs. Other pet owners have noticed that their dogs coats are glossier than before.

However, a few pet owners find the smell of this raw food to be too strong for their liking.

10. Raw Boost Puppy Recipe with Real Chicken

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey Meal, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Egg Product

Specially developed for the nutritional needs of growing puppies, this high-protein kibbles are mixed with freeze-dried raw bits made of real chicken and non-GMO produce. This is another product that is great for introducing dogs to a raw diet.

Made with cage-free chicken, this dry puppy food is 34% protein. The high-protein kibbles and raw bits are made extra flavorful with chicken fat. This is great for stimulating the appetites of growing pups.

Peas, chickpeas, carrots, apples, cranberries, and other plant-based ingredients provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals for high-energy puppies.

Its rich chicken flavor makes it a hit among young pups. According to reviews, puppies just cannot get enough of this food. They gobble up the small pieces that are sized just right for their little mouths.

A few pups like to pick out the raw bits and leave the dry kibbles. Other pick out the raw bits first before proceeding to eat the rest of the kibbles.

 

What Types of Dog Food Does Instinct Offer?

The company makes several lines of their signature raw diet including both kibbles and wet foods. Dogs can take advantage of limited ingredient diets, for example, or canned foods with no grains or gluten.

Instinct Original

This was the first formula created for people interested in raw diets. They’re made with 70% real meats and nutritious oils for a power-packed meal with no empty fillers.

Thirty percent (30%) of fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. The kibble is mixed with freeze dried raw pieces both for a protein boost and to create a taste that dogs love.

Dry Foods:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Rabbit
• Salmon
• Small Breed Chicken

Wet Foods:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Venison
• Small Breed Chicken
• Small Breed Beef
• Beef Stew
• Chicken Stew
• Lamb Stew
• Turkey and Cod Stew
• Turkey and Duck Stew

Limited Ingredient Formula

For dogs with sensitive systems, the Limited Ingredient formula uses a single source of protein with just a few other ingredients to produce a recipe that’s easier on digestion and helps improve the quality of stool. It’s made without grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, potato, corn, soy, or any artificial ingredients.

Dry Food:

• Duck
• Lamb
• Salmon
• Turkey
• Small Breed Turkey

Wet Foods:

• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Turkey

Ultimate Protein

For athletic dogs with high energy, the Ultimate Protein recipe uses 90% protein for a high energy diet that can keep up with your sporting dog’s demands. It uses only real, whole proteins and no cheap fillers.

Dry Foods:

• Chicken
• Duck
• Small Breed Chicken

Wet Food:

• Beef
• Chicken

Raw Boost

Instead of tumbling kibble in freeze-dried protein, this uses larger pieces mixed in with kibble for a texture difference that dogs will love. It’s high protein and made with only the freshest ingredients for a premium dog food that may help improve a variety of conditions.

Dry Food:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Venison
• Small Breed Beef
• Small Breed Chicken
• Small Breed Duck
• Toy Breed Chicken
• Puppy Chicken
• Large Breed Puppy Chicken
• Senior Chicken
• Healthy Weight Chicken

Instinct Raw

If you want to feed your dog a completely raw diet, but you aren’t sure where to start, Instinct makes a raw food that comes in pouches for your convenience. It uses real meats with 15% fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals

Raw Bites:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb

Raw Bites Small Breed

• Beef
• Chicken

Frozen Raw Medallions

• Beef
• CHicken
• Lamb

Patties

• Beef
• Chicken

Raw Signature Recipe

Another line of truly raw food, these recipes don’t use any powders like some other raw foods. Each recipe uses whole, fresh ingredients including fruits and veggies.

Signature Bites:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Venison

Signature Medallions

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Venison

Signature Patties

• Beef
• Chicken
• Duck
• Lamb
• Rabbit
• Venison

Be Natural Recipe

The final recipe line is a stripped down kibble to only the most natural few ingredients tumbled in raw bits. It’s a balanced protein and carbohydrates recipe with real fruits and vegetables.

Dry Foods:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Salmon

Instinct Recall History List:

Instinct has no history of recalls, making it a very safe food to feed your dog. while accidents can sometimes happen in processing plants or test kitchens, Instinct has managed to avoid recalls by producing consistently top rated foods.

Customer Reviews

Instinct is a well-rated food both from customers and independent reviewers. They have well over four stars across several platforms including Amazon and Chewy.

Customers appreciated the quality of ingredients and how much their dogs seemed to thrive on the food after eating commercial, bargain brands. They also appreciated that the food isn’t a budget-breaking price.

What Do People Like And Dislike About Instinct Dog Food?

Most people like the balance of price with high-quality ingredients. Those who feed kibble note that the presence of quality ingredients allows dogs to receive benefits of a raw ancestral diet without the mess and uncertainty of a real raw food diet. It’s a convenient way to feed dogs excellent nutrition.

Some complaints centered around bag size, which could be too small for owners with very large dogs or more than one dog. Also, freeze dried bits tend to sink to the bottom of the bag, making mixing food up a frustrating endeavor.

Positive

“I am a crazy dog mom and look up any and everything for recalls/reviews before giving it to my boy Beauford. I have experienced nothing but good things with this brand and this specific dog food! I also love the instinct senior dog food but my boy is 12 years old and has arthritis so it is improtant I keep his weight down and him healthy! Love love love!” BBoy, chewy.com

“We are recent converts to Instinct. We originally went with the beef flavor, but the smell was a bit overwhelming for this vegetarian and just seemed okay to King. The chicken flavor seems to be a much better fit for both of us. King likes the flavor, it agrees with his tummy, and it is for weight management, so it keeps my pittie round but not too round and happy.” Cindy, chewy.com

Negative

“Our golden retriever, ABY, is on a prescribed fresh meals diet with a little bit of kibble because of a couple health issues. I ordered this brand after researching the RAW aspect of kibble. She didn't like it even though I mixed it with her regular prescribed kibble. She picked out the raw veggies and fresh meat and ate around the kibble or only ate half of her meal which isn't like her at all. Would not touch the kibble when I offered it to her without the fresh meal portion. I ordered her regular prescribed kibble again. So much for trying something new. This brand might be good for other dogs, but my dog's reaction to it means I will not buy it again. Not sure about a refund. What do I do with a new bag of kibble?” Kase, chewy.com

Is Instinct good dog food?

Instinct by Nature's Variety is an excellent line of dog food. The company is fantastic, and they genuinely care about the well-being and nutritional needs of your dog. Nature's Variety uses only the best and natural ingredients in their products, making their dog food stand out from other brands of a similar price.

Is instinct dog food AAFCO approved?

Yes, all of Instinct products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Does instinct dog food contain taurine?

When it comes to high-quality nutrition, it's hard to beat something like this Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Senior Recipe with Real Chicken. This recipe contains natural sources of taurine and L-carnitine as well as supplemental sources, plus it is loaded with natural meat flavor.

Is instinct dog food human grade?

Unfortunately their recipes cannot be classified by the USDA's definition of human grade because their facilities are used to produce pet food rather than human food.