Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a high-protein, high-fat freeze-dried raw-style dry food for adult dogs, built around wild-caught pollock and beef with a variety of organ meats. It uses vegetables, fruits, and seeds like pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, and flaxseed for added fiber and phytonutrients, and includes salmon oil to supply omega-3 fatty acids. The formula is grain-free and legume-free and is formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance.
Nutritionally, this is a very rich, meat-heavy freeze-dried diet that should suit healthy, active adult dogs who tolerate higher protein and fat well. The use of whole fish, multiple beef organs, and added salmon oil provides highly concentrated protein and essential fatty acids, while the plant ingredients contribute fiber and some micronutrients. Because it is calorie-dense and higher in fat, it’s best for dogs at a healthy weight with good pancreatitic health, and portions need to be measured carefully.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (39% min) and fat (33% min) from named animal sources, including pollock and a range of nutrient-dense beef organs, which support a strong amino acid profile.
- Includes salmon oil and ground flaxseed, with guaranteed omega-3 and omega-6 levels, which can support skin, coat, and overall inflammatory balance.
- Grain-free and legume-free formulation that may work well for dogs who don’t tolerate grains or peas/lentils, while still using whole-food vegetables and fruits for fiber and antioxidants.
- AAFCO-formulated as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for adult dogs, so it can be used as a sole diet rather than just a topper if desired.
Considerations
- Very high calorie density (about 236 kcal per cup) and fat content may not be appropriate for dogs prone to weight gain, pancreatitis, or those needing a lower-fat diet; careful portion control is important.
- Contains multiple common animal proteins (pollock/fish and beef), so it would not be suitable for dogs with known fish or beef allergies.
- Freeze-dried raw-style diets are less processed than traditional kibble but still require safe handling and storage, and may not be ideal for severely immunocompromised households or dogs without veterinary guidance.
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
Pollock
Pollock is a lean white fish commonly used in pet foods as an easily digestible animal protein that boosts palatability and supplies essential amino acids. It provides some omega‑3 fatty acids and is generally low in contaminants compared with larger predatory fish, but can be an allergen for sensitive animals and must be properly processed and balanced (e.g., for taurine in cat diets) and preserved to prevent rancidity.
02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
03
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.
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
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.
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 Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock 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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