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Raw Longevity Frozen Cage-Free Chicken Patties Dog Food
Instinct

Raw Longevity Frozen Cage-Free Chicken Patties Dog Food

Verified Jun 14, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a frozen raw chicken-based dog food formulated for adult maintenance, made mostly from chicken meat, organs, and bone with a smaller portion of fruits and vegetables. It provides moderate protein and fat for an adult dog, along with added omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics. It’s designed for owners who want a complete and balanced raw diet rather than a kibble or canned food.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

A high-quality, complete raw diet for adult dogs that relies heavily on chicken, including nutrient-rich organs and bone, with a modest amount of fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals. The nutrient profile is appropriate for adult maintenance, with added taurine, omega fatty acids, and probiotics to support general health. It’s a strong option for healthy adult dogs whose owners are comfortable handling frozen raw food and who do not have chicken or fish allergies.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
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 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Heart Care Digestive Health Skin Coat Health Immune Support Probiotic Support
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High animal content (88% chicken, organs, and bone) provides good-quality, highly bioavailable protein and naturally sourced minerals.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it’s intended to be a complete and balanced diet rather than just a topper.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can support skin and coat, and added taurine, which supports heart and overall health in dogs.
  • Contains a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) and fiber sources like miscanthus grass and vegetables that may support digestive health.

Considerations

  • Chicken is the primary protein, so this food is not suitable for dogs with chicken sensitivities or allergies; it also contains fish oil, which matters for dogs with fish allergies.
  • As a raw frozen diet, it must be handled and stored carefully to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination for both pets and people in the household.
  • The moderate fat level may be too rich for some dogs with a history of fat-sensitive digestive issues, so monitoring stool quality and body condition is important when switching.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Yellow Squash, Apples, Carrots, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Fish Oil, Spinach, Broccoli, Blueberries, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Yeast Culture, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product.

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.
02
Ground Chicken Bone
Ground chicken bone is used primarily as a mineral source in pet foods, supplying highly bioavailable calcium and phosphorus along with trace minerals and some collagenous protein from bone. When properly processed and formulated it supports skeletal health, but it requires careful quality control and balancing to avoid calcium‑to‑phosphorus imbalances, high ash content or contaminants, and may be unsuitable for pets with kidney disease or chicken sensitivities.
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
Chicken Heart
Chicken heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable animal protein source, providing taurine, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and coenzyme Q10. It supports lean muscle and, for cats, provides essential taurine, but should be included as part of a balanced formulation and properly sourced/processed to reduce bacterial risk, since excessive organ intake can unbalance nutrients or be a concern for pets with specific metabolic or urate-stone issues.
05
Yellow Squash
Yellow squash is commonly used in pet foods and home-prepared meals as a low-calorie vegetable ingredient that provides moisture, dietary fiber and micronutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and beta‑carotene. It can support hydration, digestive regularity and offer antioxidant benefits when fed in moderation, but should be served plain and cooked to improve digestibility—particularly for cats, which are obligate carnivores and derive little essential nutrition from vegetables—and large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or add unnecessary carbohydrates.

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)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
70.00%
Low High
1620
kcal / Kg
368
kcal / Patty
High
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Frozen
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 Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Instinct(R) Raw Longevity(TM) Raw Frozen Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Instinct

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 Instinct
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.

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

Instinct Raw Longevity Frozen Cage-Free Chicken Patties Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Raw Longevity Frozen Cage-Free Chicken Patties 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 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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.