Original Real Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
A high-protein, grain-free dry dog food featuring rabbit, fish meals, and freeze-dried raw rabbit pieces as key animal protein sources. It’s designed for dogs of all ages (except growing large-breed puppies) who do well on a richer, meat-focused diet, with added probiotics and omega fatty acids. Chickpeas, peas, and tapioca provide the carbohydrate portion, while fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals round out the formula for complete nutrition.
This is a high-protein, relatively high-fat grain-free kibble with added freeze-dried raw rabbit, making it a very meat-forward option for most puppies, adults, and small to medium seniors. The nutrient profile is robust, with good omega-3 and omega-6 levels, added taurine, and probiotics, which can be helpful for skin, coat, and digestive support. It’s not appropriate for large-breed puppies, and because its main carbohydrates are pulses (chickpeas and peas), it falls into the group of grain-free diets where DCM risk has been under investigation, so I’d use it with some caution in breeds prone to heart disease.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Rabbit and multiple named fish meals provide high-quality, varied animal protein, with a strong overall protein level of 36.5%.
- Grain-free formula that avoids wheat, corn, soy, and artificial colors or preservatives, which can suit dogs needing those exclusions.
- Includes probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and added taurine, supporting digestion, skin/coat, and overall heart and immune health from a nutrient standpoint.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it can cover most dogs in a household if it suits them individually.
Considerations
- Carbohydrates come largely from chickpeas and peas, and the diet is grain-free; pulse-heavy, grain-free diets have been associated with some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, so this is worth discussing with your vet, especially for at-risk breeds.
- The protein and fat levels are on the higher side, which may be too rich for some dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who need a lower-calorie or lower-fat diet.
- Contains multiple animal proteins (rabbit, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, white fish meal), so it is not a good choice if you are trying to do a very strict limited-ingredient or single-protein trial.
- Formulated for all life stages except large-breed puppies, so it should not be used as the main diet for growing dogs expected to reach 70 lb or more as adults.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Rabbit
Rabbit is used in pet foods as a novel or alternative animal protein source for dogs and cats, prized for lean, highly digestible muscle protein and often selected for pets with food sensitivities. It supplies essential amino acids and low fat, but owners should choose complete, balanced formulations (cats especially need adequate taurine), be mindful of mineral imbalances if bone-in/whole‑prey ingredients are included, and avoid improperly handled raw rabbit due to food‑safety risks.
02
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
04
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
05
Canola Oil
Canola oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer that supplies energy and essential fatty acids—mainly omega‑6 (linoleic acid) and some omega‑3 (ALA)—and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins. It can support skin and coat condition when balanced with animal fats or supplemental omega‑3s, but is calorie‑dense so must be portioned to avoid weight gain, does not provide species‑specific fats such as arachidonic acid for cats, and must be kept fresh to prevent oxidation.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Instinct is Nature’s Variety’s flagship brand dedicated to raw and minimally processed pet nutrition. It positions itself in the premium and super-premium segment, focusing on high-protein, grain-free, and raw-inspired diets. Instinct offers frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, kibble with raw coatings, and canned foods aimed at health-conscious pet owners who value a biologically appropriate diet.
Visit InstinctManufacturer
Nature's Variety manages manufacturing quality and safety in accordance with FDA and AAFCO guidelines. Their manufacturing facilities adhere to stringent quality control protocols and HACCP food safety programs to ensure the integrity of their frozen and freeze-dried raw products.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Instinct ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Instinct. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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