Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 17, 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.
Jump to ingredientsAffiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Strong Choice
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.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.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.
View ingredient
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
Manufacturer
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.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Nature's Variety is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Instinct Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
Sign up for the full picture
Ingredient Check
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.
Similar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Instinct ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Instinct. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook