Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe
Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe scores 4/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 85% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (high — 75% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe dry dog food good?
Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Legumes, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes a fair number of clearly named animal ingredients.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 39% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17% |
| Est. Carbs | 31% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 34% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 28% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (39% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (17% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
14 of 14 matched
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1 Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Ocean Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
-
3 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
4 Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
5 Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
6 Sunflower Oil
FatDescription
The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.
-
7 Natural Vegetable Flavor
OthersDescription
Natural flavors are created from substances extracted from an unknown mix of vegetables. It is added to pet food to enhance the flavor.
Why Notice?
Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
-
8 Haddock
Animal ProteinDescription
A member of the codfish family. It is a quality source of protein, vitamin A, B3, B6, and B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
9 Cod
Animal ProteinDescription
A popular white fish that is high in protein, omega 3s and low in mercury.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
10 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
-
11 Fenugreek Seed
CarbsDescription
Seeds of the fenugreek herb, used in traditional medicine for various health benefits.
-
12 Coconut Oil
FatDescription
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
-
13 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
-
14 Cod Liver Oil
FatDescription
Similar to other fish oil, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Since it is extracted from the liver, it is also high in Vitamins A and D
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Ocean Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Peas, Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Ocean Fish Meal, Natural Vegetable Flavor.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Ocean Fish Meal have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas, Lentils, Coconut Oil have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 75%
- Unnamed 25%
Strong clarity: 75% of Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 25% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 85%
- Plant 15%
Meat-forward: 85% of the weighted protein in Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (15% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe dry dog food Review
Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 75% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 39% protein, 17% fat, 31% estimated carbohydrates.
- 85% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe earns 4 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Instinct Raw Blend Wild Caught Recipe are Salmon, Herring, Haddock. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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