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Original Real Chicken Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food
Instinct

Original Real Chicken Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 23, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages Small

This is a grain-free, canned loaf-style food for small-breed dogs of all life stages, using chicken, chicken liver, and cod as its main animal protein sources. Peas, eggs, and flaxseed contribute additional protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids, while fruits and vegetables like pumpkin and blueberries add natural micronutrients. It’s formulated to provide appropriate calories and nutrients for small dogs, including puppies and adult dogs, as long as they are not large-breed puppies.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a high-quality wet option for small-breed dogs who do well with chicken-based diets. It offers multiple animal protein sources and a moderate calorie density, which can work nicely for small dogs that need good nutrition in smaller portions. It’s suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors of small breeds, as long as they don’t have sensitivities to chicken, eggs, peas, or fish.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 8.0

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.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
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.
High Energy
Suitable For
All Life Stages Small
Not Formulated For
What "not formulated for" means Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.
Excludes Large Breed Growth
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken, chicken liver, and cod provide varied, high-quality animal protein sources.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, which covers puppies, adults, and seniors of small breeds.
  • Includes flaxseed and fish sources that contribute omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
  • Added fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, blueberries, and kale can provide natural antioxidants and fiber.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, eggs, fish, and peas, which can be problem ingredients for dogs with related food allergies or sensitivities.
  • Formulated for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, so it is not appropriate for large-breed puppies.
  • Peas are a notable ingredient, so owners of breeds with heart concerns may prefer to discuss diet choices with their veterinarian.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Cod, Peas, Eggs, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley.

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.
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02
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
04
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.
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05
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
8.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
4.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1033
kcal / Kg
161
kcal / 5.5 5.5 oz can
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size Small
Texture Loaf
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Exclusions Excludes Large Breed Growth
Substantiation Formulation
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).

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.

Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nature's Variety
Parent company Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 2002
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Nebraska
Manufacturing oversight

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.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

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 recalls on record

No recall is listed for Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Original Real Chicken Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food
Instinct · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.