TLDR Review: Instinct Original Dog Food, Beef
Verdict
While the Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food is praised for its high-quality ingredients, appealing to picky eaters under certain conditions, and competitive pricing, it is crucial for potential buyers to be aware of the notable scent issues and some alarming health-related reports. Consider pairing it with canned or fresh options to increase palatability or explore other alternatives if health concerns persist.
- Top pro:
- Many dogs showed immediate excitement and interest before the food was even opened, indicating appealing scent or packaging.
- Top con:
- Several reviews mention a distinct, strong fishy odor even in the beef variant, which was unappealing to both owners and dogs.
Pros
- •Many dogs showed immediate excitement and interest before the food was even opened, indicating appealing scent or packaging.
- •Successfully used as a snack between meals, showing versatility in feeding routines.
- •Both dogs, including a picky eater, really enjoyed the kibble when mixed appropriately.
- •Owners report a notable decrease in rashes, itching, and excessive licking after switching to this food.
- •Ingredients are perceived to be of good quality, contributing to the dogs' well-being.
- •Praised for its good taste by various dogs, increasing consumption without issue.
- •Recognized for competitive pricing compared to other premium dry dog foods.
Cons
- •Several reviews mention a distinct, strong fishy odor even in the beef variant, which was unappealing to both owners and dogs.
- •Some dogs outright refused to eat the food, even with incentives like cooked turkey.
- •There were reports of severe health issues, including paralysis in one dog, which was potentially linked to the food.
- •Despite high ratings from sources like 'Dog Food Advisor,' some users were disappointed with the disconnect between their expectations and reality.
- •Owners experienced a contradiction with perceived quality due to potential contamination concerns.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Oct 4, 2026.
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