Limited Ingredient Diet Real Rabbit Recipe Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a limited ingredient canned food for adult dogs, using rabbit as the single animal protein and chickpeas as the single vegetable source. The loaf-style recipe is relatively high in moisture with moderate protein and lower fat, and it includes added omega fatty acids and vitamins to provide complete and balanced maintenance nutrition. It’s designed for dogs who may do better on a simpler ingredient list or who need an alternative to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
Overall, this is a high-quality limited ingredient wet food for adult dogs that need a simpler formula or a novel protein like rabbit. The ingredient list is very clean, with rabbit and rabbit liver providing the main protein and no chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, grain, potato, corn, wheat, or soy. The protein and fat levels are moderate for a canned diet, which can work well for many adult dogs, especially those who don’t need a very calorie-dense food.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very simple ingredient list with rabbit and rabbit liver as the only animal proteins, which can be helpful for dogs with suspected food sensitivities to more common meats.
- Grain-free without relying heavily on multiple legumes; chickpeas are the single vegetable/carbohydrate source, which helps keep the formula limited and easier to interpret.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a primary diet rather than just a topper.
- Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and a full complement of vitamins and chelated minerals to support overall nutrition.
Considerations
- Protein level is moderate for a canned food; very active or working dogs might need more total calories or additional food volume to maintain weight.
- Chickpeas, while not among the most common allergens, are legumes; for dogs on grain-free diets, I generally recommend discussing heart health and diet choices with your veterinarian, especially in breeds with known cardiac risk.
- This formula is for adult maintenance only and is not appropriate as the sole diet for growing puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs.
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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
03
Rabbit Liver
Rabbit liver is an organ‑meat ingredient used in pet foods as a highly palatable, nutrient‑dense source of animal protein and essential micronutrients, including heme iron, B vitamins (notably B12) and fat‑soluble vitamins like vitamin A. It benefits both dogs and cats by boosting flavor and nutrient density, but should be fed in moderation because excessive liver can cause vitamin A or copper imbalances and raw liver may carry foodborne pathogens, so it should not be the sole protein source without veterinary guidance.
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
Montmorillonite Clay
Montmorillonite clay is an inert mineral additive commonly used in pet food as an anti-caking agent, pellet binder and mycotoxin or toxin adsorbent to control moisture and improve feed handling rather than as a nutrient source. It provides no nutritional value for dogs or cats and, while it can help reduce contaminants, it should be food‑grade and used at regulated levels because excessive or prolonged inclusion can bind minerals or medications and may risk contamination with heavy metals if not properly sourced.
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 Limited Ingredient Diet Real Rabbit Recipe Wet 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.