Is instinct dog food human grade? A Comprehensive Guide

Is Instinct Food Good For Dogs?

Yes, Instinct Dog Food is good.

Instinct Dog food is an affordable holistic pet food brand that provides dogs with healthy food without any filler, preservatives, or controversial ingredients.

All Instinct Dog Food recipes meet the nutrient requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Their standard is derived from the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats published by the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science in Washington, D.C.

Please be aware that while Instinct Dog Food is excellent for pet health, it is not human grade. Instinct Dog Food has also had an above-average number of recalls since production began.

Which Instinct Sub-Brand Is Right for You?

In the section below, you’ll discover Instinct’s 6 most popular sub-brands. We’ll share what makes each one different. So, you can choose the food that best suits your dog.

Rating:

Original is Instinct’s classic grain-free kibble… ideal for those who prefer a high-protein, dry diet.

  • No corn, wheat, rice or barley
  • 39-42% protein (above-average)
  • Added 30% fruit and veggie blend
  • 5 recipes (ratings consistent)
  • Rating:

    Raw Boost is Instinct’s premium dry food. The grain-free recipe starts with a high-protein kibble… and adds in real freeze-dried raw meat… all in the same bag.

  • No BHA, BHT or other high-risk preservatives
  • 33% mean carbs (below-average)
  • 15 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    This is Instinct’s limited ingredient grain-free dry kibble… and a smart choice for a dog with a suspected food sensitivity.

  • Only one animal protein, one vegetable per recipe
  • Each kibble piece is raw-coated
  • 3 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    This is the wet version of Instinct’s dry limited ingredient canine diet (above). For the same reasons, this canned line may be helpful for dogs with possible food sensitivities.

  • Single animal protein source
  • Tasty topper for matching limited ingredient kibble
  • 3 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Instinct Original grain-free wet boasts a fine-chopped pate texture… which makes it an easy-to-mix, tasty topper to enhance any dry kibble.

  • 2 can sizes. Ideal for small or medium breeds
  • 95% meat, low carb recipe
  • 6 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Rating:

    Instinct Raw Frozen includes 100% fresh raw (not cooked) meat and veggies… minimally processed to preserve the integrity of every ingredient.

  • 85% fresh uncooked meat
  • 15% non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • 5 recipes (ratings vary)
  • Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health Recipe

    First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Chicken Heart, Dried PumpkinWHY YOU SHOULD BUY

    Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain-Free Gut Health Recipe 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.

    Instinct Raw vs Blue Buffalo

    Instinct Raw Boost is made by Nature’s Variety, a brand that was started in 2002 with the intention of creating holistic food for pets. None of their foods use any artificial colors or flavors, and they also avoid animal by-products; every ingredient is included with pets’ health in mind.

    Their Instinct Raw Boost line is notable for having chunks of freeze-dried raw meat inside. It’s akin to feeding a raw diet, without having to completely transition over. As a result, it’s become very popular among owners who believe in the virtues of feeding a raw diet, but don’t have the time or money to do so.

    All their food is made in the St. Louis area, where they’re headquartered. They’re a privately-owned company, so they don’t answer to a giant multinational corporation.

    We really like this food, but it’s not necessarily for everyone. Read on to find out who we feel should (and shouldn’t) give it a try.