Raw Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Food
Verified May 23, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw dry food designed specifically for growing puppies (but not large-breed puppies). It uses chicken plus beef organs and cod as rich animal protein sources, with fruits and vegetables like pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, and sweet potato for additional nutrients and fiber. The formula is grain-free and legume-free, with added DHA, omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus profile to support healthy growth.
Nutritionally, this is a very robust option for small- and medium-breed puppies whose owners want a raw-style, freeze-dried diet and are comfortable handling that type of food. It offers high levels of animal protein and fat, appropriate minerals for growth, and added DHA and omegas to support development. It is not suitable for large-breed puppies, and the very rich nutrient density means portions need to be carefully measured to avoid excess weight gain or overly rapid growth.
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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
- Very high animal-based protein (38% as-fed) and fat (29% as-fed), appropriate for active, growing puppies that tolerate rich diets well.
- Multiple quality animal protein sources (chicken, beef organs, cod) provide a broad amino acid profile and naturally dense vitamins and minerals.
- Calcium (1.2%) and phosphorus (1.0%) levels are appropriate for growth of small- and medium-breed puppies, with added DHA and omega-3/omega-6 fats to support brain, eye, skin, and coat health.
- Grain-free but also legume-free, using vegetables and fruits like sweet potato, pumpkin seeds, and blueberries rather than peas or lentils, which avoids the legume-heavy grain-free pattern that’s been associated with DCM in some dogs.
Considerations
- Specifically not formulated for large-breed puppies (adult weight 70 lb or more), so it should be avoided for those breeds during the growth phase.
- Very calorie-dense (about 220 kcal per cup), so overfeeding is easy; portions need to be carefully measured, especially for smaller puppies or less active individuals.
- Contains chicken, beef, fish, and egg-associated omega sources, which are common allergens; not a good fit for puppies with known sensitivities to any of these proteins.
- Raw-style freeze-dried foods may not be ideal for households where strict food safety or handling precautions are difficult to maintain, especially around very young, elderly, or immunocompromised people.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
03
Beef Spleen
Beef spleen is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats for dogs and cats as a nutrient-dense protein and a natural source of bioavailable iron, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support red blood cell health and palatability, but should be included as part of a balanced diet because organ meats are concentrated in certain nutrients (notably iron and purines), may be unsuitable for pets with iron-overload or urate stone issues, and should be properly processed or cooked to reduce pathogen risk.
04
Beef Kidney
Beef kidney is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and nutrient-dense inclusion that contributes B vitamins (notably B12 and riboflavin), iron, copper, selenium and attractive flavor for palatability. It can be a beneficial addition for both dogs and cats but should be included in moderation because organ meats are relatively high in minerals and purines and may need restriction for animals with kidney or urate-related conditions, and raw or improperly handled kidney can pose food-safety risks.
05
Cod
Cod is a lean white fish used in pet foods as a high-quality, easily digestible animal protein that provides essential amino acids, B vitamins (notably B12), selenium and modest amounts of omega‑3 fatty acids for skin, coat and overall health. It is palatable and low in fat, but should be properly deboned and sourced; avoid feeding raw fish without appropriate processing (some raw fish can contain enzymes that affect thiamine) and monitor for fish allergies or contaminants such as mercury.
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 Raw Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry 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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