Is Instinct a Good Dog Food: My Honest Verdict

Finding the right kibble is tough. There are so many brands on the shelf. You might be asking yourself, is Instinct a good dog food for your pup? I know I asked that exact question before I made the switch.

I wanted a high-protein option without artificial junk. After dealing with picky eating and minor stomach issues, I bought a bag of their RawBoost line. Here is exactly what I learned from feeding it every single day.

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Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

Yes, it is a great choice if you want high protein and raw ingredients. I wanted to see if the hype was real. I bought a big bag of the Instinct RawBoost Beef recipe. My dog used to leave plain kibble sitting in the bowl for hours. That stopped on day one.

I noticed a huge change at mealtime right away. The freeze-dried raw beef chunks grab his attention fast. He picks those out first, but he always finishes the rest of the bowl. It makes feeding time very easy.

His coat also looks much better now. The lack of grains, corn, and soy helped clear up some dry skin patches he had. The food uses real USA-raised beef. It keeps the overall carb count very low. This matches what dogs naturally need to eat.

Pros and Cons of Instinct

Here is a quick look at the good and the bad from my daily testing.

Type	Feature	My Experience
Pro	Freeze-dried raw bits	My dog loves the taste and eats much faster.
Pro	High protein levels	Helped build strong, lean muscle mass safely.
Pro	Grain-free recipe	Cleared up his minor skin and coat issues.
Pro	No fake fillers	I feel safe knowing exactly what is in the bag.
Con	High price tag	It costs more than standard grocery dry kibble.
Con	Raw bit sorting	Sometimes he digs for raw bits and makes a mess.

Ingredient Quality: Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

The very first thing I check on any bag is the label. Real beef is the very first ingredient here. This brand avoids cheap fillers completely. You will not find corn, wheat, or soy inside.

They use natural fruits and veggies instead. Things like apples, carrots, and blueberries add real vitamins. You also get healthy fats from natural salmon oil.

This makes the meals very dense in true nutrients. I like knowing that every bite serves a purpose. There is no wasted space in the recipe.

Ingredient Type	Why It Matters	My Observation
Real Meat	Builds strong muscle	Gives the food a rich, authentic meaty smell.
Salmon Oil	Promotes skin health	His fur is noticeably softer and shinier now.
No Grains	Easier to digest	We have far fewer upset stomach days.

Nutritional Value: Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

The nutritional profile is very strong. It goes far beyond basic daily standards. The mix of dry kibble and raw bits provides a unique six-in-one health boost.

It supports heart health, good digestion, and immune function. The food is packed with natural vitamins from real food sources. It does not rely purely on synthetic vitamin powders.

I noticed my dog has much steadier energy now. He does not crash after a big meal. The balanced nutrition keeps him active all day long.

Health Goal	How Instinct Helps	Result I Saw
Digestion	Adds natural probiotics	Solid and regular bathroom trips outside.
Immunity	Antioxidant-rich	Lots of daily energy and playfulness.
Joints	Natural calcium sources	He runs up the stairs with total ease.

Protein Content: Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

Dogs absolutely need protein to thrive. This food delivers a massive amount of it. Because they use real animal sources, the protein is very high quality.

The RawBoost line takes it a step further. It adds freeze-dried raw meat directly on top of the protein-rich kibble. This mimics a more natural, wild diet for dogs.

Strong muscles require good fuel. The combination of beef and chicken meals provides a rich amino acid profile. It helps keep my dog lean, strong, and healthy.

Protein Source	Benefit	Note
USA Beef	Core energy source	The primary ingredient in the bag.
Chicken Meal	Concentrated protein	Adds extra rich flavor to the dry kibble.
Freeze-Dried Raw	Pure raw nutrition	The absolute best part of the meal for my dog.

Digestibility: Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

A big concern for me was always stomach upset. Switching foods can be very risky for sensitive dogs. But this brand uses natural probiotics to help with daily digestion.

The lack of grain and gluten makes it very easy on the stomach. They also include a special natural clay that helps bind bad toxins in the gut.

I saw the results in the yard. His bathroom habits are much more regular now. We have almost zero days with upset stomachs or bad gas.

Factor	Purpose	Real-World Impact
Probiotics	Supports daily gut health	No bad gas or bloating after his meals.
Natural Clay	Binds stomach toxins	Keeps his sensitive stomach settled daily.
Grain-Free	Avoids cheap allergens	Perfect for his sensitive digestive system.

Flavor Appeal: Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

Taste is the ultimate test. It does not matter how healthy a food is if your dog will not eat it. The raw bits add a huge flavor boost to the bowl.

Even picky eaters seem to love the smell and the crunch. The freeze-drying process locks in the natural raw meat flavor perfectly.

Mealtime is no longer a struggle at my house. He hears the bag open and comes running right away. That alone makes the higher price tag worth it for me.

Meal Aspect	Dog Reaction	My Takeaway
Smell	Sniffs bowl right away	Smells like real food, not plain cardboard.
Texture	Crunches the dry kibble	The mix of soft raw food and hard kibble works.
Bowl empty	Eats every single bite	No more wasted expensive food in the trash.

Final Thoughts

So, is Instinct a good dog food overall? Based on my daily experience, yes. The high protein levels and real raw bits make a massive difference. I saw real improvements in his energy and his coat health.

It is definitely a pricey option. But the quality ingredients make it completely worth the cost. If you want a clean, raw-boosted diet without the mess of frozen meat, this is a top choice.

FAQs for Is Instinct a Good Dog Food

Are the raw bits safe for my dog?

Yes, they are very safe. The freeze-drying process removes moisture and locks in nutrients. It safely kills bad bacteria while keeping the raw health benefits.

Do I need to add water to the kibble?

You do not have to. But adding a splash of warm water or bone broth is great. It helps hydrate the raw bits and adds extra healthy moisture to their daily diet.

Is Instinct a good dog food for allergies?

Yes, it works well for dogs with grain allergies. They offer limited ingredient diets and grain-free options. These recipes easily avoid common triggers like corn and wheat.

Why is this food more expensive?

You pay for real, USA-raised meat and freeze-dried raw chunks. There are no cheap corn or wheat fillers. The premium natural ingredients drive up the overall price.

How should I switch to this brand?

Go slow to avoid any stomach upset. Mix a little bit of the new food with the old food. Increase the new amount over five to seven days until you are fully switched.