Instinct Original All Life Stages Dry Dog Food - Grain Free, Chicken
Dry food for dogs · All life stages · by Instinct
The label states it is complete and balanced (AAFCO).
See the full breakdown in Beagly
What to watch for
- Peas Moderate risk
Peas add plant protein, starch and fiber. The FDA has been investigating reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating diets high in peas, lentils and other legumes, often grain-free. No cause has been proven, but it is worth knowing when legumes sit near the top of the list. - Natural flavor Low risk
Flavoring from natural sources. Normally safe, but the term can hide which animal or plant it came from, which matters for allergies. - Salt Low risk
Salt supplies sodium and chloride, which dogs need. Pet foods use small amounts; high salt is mainly a concern for dogs with heart or kidney disease. - Copper sulfate Low risk
A source of copper, an essential trace mineral. Some breeds accumulate copper in the liver, and vets have raised concern that some dog foods supply more than dogs need.
What it does well
- Complete & balanced
Meets an AAFCO nutrient profile. - High protein 41.1%
30% or more on a dry-matter basis. - Named meat first
First ingredient is chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Tapioca, Herring Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Potassium Chloride, Montmorillonite Clay, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
Guaranteed analysis
| Crude protein (min) | 37% |
|---|---|
| Crude fat (min) | 20% |
| Crude fiber (max) | 2.5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calories | 4,430 kcal/kg, 520 kcal/cup |
What the label cannot tell you
- Ingredient order is by weight before cooking; fresh meat counts water.
- Mineral levels are not printed on this label.
Sizes and barcodes
- Instinct Original All Life Stages Dry Dog Food - Grain Free, Chicken UPC 769949657255
Higher-scoring dry food for dogs
- Acana Wholesome Grains Dry Food for Dogs - Sea to Stream 94/100 · Excellent
- Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Medium & Maxi 94/100 · Excellent
- Wellness CORE+ High Protein With-Grain Adult Dry Dog Food - Turkey & Chicken 93/100 · Excellent
- Wellness CORE+ High Protein With-Grain Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - Turkey 93/100 · Excellent
- Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Medium & Maxi 92/100 · Excellent
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- Instinct RawBoost Whole Grain Kibble + Freeze-Dried Raw Puppy Dry Dog Food - Chicken & Brown Rice 87/100 · Excellent
- Instinct FreshDried Meal Blends Adult Freeze-Dried Dog Food - Beef & Wild Berry 86/100 · Excellent
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Score version 2026.11.6 · Page updated 2026-11-03