Dogs in the Kitchen vs Instinct
Dogs in the Kitchen is made by Weruva International, Inc., and Instinct by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.). On KibbleLab, Instinct averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Dogs in the Kitchen. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Dogs in the Kitchen is not.
Dogs in the Kitchen and Instinct compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Weruva International, Inc. | Nature's Variety |
| Parent company | Independent | Agrolimen S.A. |
| Founded | 2006 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Natick, Massachusetts, USA | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Products listed | 7 | 108 |
| Serves | Dogs | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | Yes |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
8.1 (avg of 7) | 8.4 (avg of 108) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Dogs in the Kitchen vs Instinct: how they compare
Scores
Instinct scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 8.1 across 7 for Dogs in the Kitchen. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
Dogs in the Kitchen is made by Weruva International, Inc., an independent maker, based in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, founded in 2006. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, owned by Agrolimen S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2002.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Dogs in the Kitchen is not. KibbleLab lists 7 Dogs in the Kitchen foods and 108 Instinct foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Dogs in the Kitchen or Instinct?
Instinct scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 8.1 for Dogs in the Kitchen. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Dogs in the Kitchen and Instinct?
Dogs in the Kitchen is made by Weruva International, Inc. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which is owned by Agrolimen S.A.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Instinct has 108 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 7 for Dogs in the Kitchen.
Where is each brand based?
Dogs in the Kitchen is based in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Are Dogs in the Kitchen or Instinct PSC Accredited?
Instinct is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.
Have Dogs in the Kitchen or Instinct been recalled?
Neither Dogs in the Kitchen nor Instinct has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
See the full profiles: Dogs in the Kitchen and Instinct .
More comparisons
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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.