Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw-style dry food for adult dogs, built around grass-fed lamb plus beef organs for concentrated animal protein and nutrients. It uses a mix of vegetables and fruits like pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes for added fiber and phytonutrients, with salmon oil and flaxseed contributing beneficial fats. The recipe is grain-free and AAFCO-formulated for adult maintenance, and is meant to be fed as a complete meal rather than just a topper.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-heavy freeze-dried option for healthy adult dogs who do well on higher protein and fat. The use of lamb and beef organs provides dense nutrition, and the overall formula is thoughtfully put together with supportive ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed, and mixed fruits and vegetables. It is calorie-dense and very rich, so portion control is important, and it may not be ideal for dogs that need lower-fat diets or have sensitivities to lamb or beef.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high animal-based protein and fat (36% protein, 29% fat as-fed) from lamb and nutrient-rich beef organs, which supports lean body mass in active adult dogs.
- Freeze-dried processing helps preserve nutrients and offers a texture many dogs find palatable, while still being convenient to serve as a dry food.
- Includes beneficial ingredients like salmon oil and ground flaxseed for omega fatty acids, plus fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and spinach for added fiber and micronutrients.
- AAFCO-complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult dogs rather than only as a supplement or topper.
Considerations
- Very calorie-dense (about 218 kcal per cup), so overfeeding is easy; portions need to be carefully measured, especially for smaller or less active dogs.
- High fat content may not suit dogs with pancreatitis history, certain GI issues, or those who require a lower-fat, weight-control diet.
- Contains lamb and beef, which are common protein allergens for some dogs; not a good match if your dog is known to react to these proteins.
- Grain-free and legume-free, but still a rich, meat-forward diet; dogs used to conventional kibble may need a gradual, careful transition to avoid digestive upset.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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 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.
04
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.
05
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seed is used in pet foods and supplements as a source of fiber, plant protein, healthy fats and micronutrients (such as magnesium, zinc and iron), plus antioxidants that can support digestion, skin/coat condition and overall nutrient balance in dogs and cats. They contain cucurbitin, a compound traditionally associated with parasite control and can help firm stools and support urinary/prostate health, but are calorie‑dense and may cause gastrointestinal upset or contribute to pancreatitis in susceptible pets, so seeds should be unsalted, properly processed, and never substituted for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
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 Meals Grass-Fed Lamb 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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