Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
With Instinct, you can expect quality nutrition in every recipe – our #1 priority is enabling pet parents to transform the lives of pets through better nutrition. And we believe that raw provides transformative benefits. We prioritize real, whole-food ingredients with no fillers and nothing artificial. We have a variety of options across many food forms, and many options tailored specifically to your dog or cat’s life stage.
Check our explore raw page for persona based product recommendations.
All Instinct raw and kibble recipes are made in the U.S.A. using the finest ingredients from around the world. Our frozen and freeze-dried raw recipes are made in our company-owned facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our Lincoln facilities carry a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety certification as well as a SQF Quality certification. SQF certification is NOT a requirement in the pet food industry, but Instinct went the extra mile to earn SQF Food Safety and Quality certifications and instill an even higher degree of trust in our raw recipes and procedures Instinct was also awarded Lincoln Manufacturer of the Year in 2021. Our kibble recipes are made with partners in the United States and our wet recipes are made in Kansas and Thailand by reputable co-packers.
The shelf life of Instinct freeze-dried and frozen raw food varies depending on the specific product and its storage conditions. It is best to refer to the packaging for the expiration date or best-by date information. Proper storage in a cool, dry place or in the freezer can help maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of the food.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published a nutrition toolkit in 2011. It was designed to help veterinarians and pet owners discuss feeding pets. The Recommendations on Selecting Pet Foods contains of list of 8 questions that should be asked of a manufacturer to help decide if the food they make is of a quality that can be trusted with a pet’s health and well-being. At Instinct, we are proud to meet the standards set in the WSAVA Guidelines.
Raw is the pinnacle of pet nutrition. Instinct’s raw recipes are made with real ingredients you can recognize, minimally processed, and never cooked to preserve the integrity of every ingredient. Raw is more nutrient-dense and nutritionally complex than cooked pet food because beneficial nutrients and phytonutrients are lost in the cooking process. We protect those nutrients by never cooking our raw recipes so our pets can experience the transformative benefits of raw.
We’ve been crafting and perfecting our raw recipes for 20 years and we’re on a mission to put more raw in more bowls to transform the lives of pets. We provide a range of raw options to meet the needs of every pet, from our 100% raw frozen and freeze-dried recipes to freeze-dried raw toppers to kibble recipes boosted with raw nutrition.
Read more about the science-backed, life enhancing benefits of raw here.
We have a dedicated team of experts in their fields crafting and making our raw recipes—from food scientists to quality control engineers—bringing decades of experience in pet food. This team includes a DVM, DACVN, who is also is a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist – certifications held by less than 100 people in the US!
All Instinct recipes are preserved naturally. Our raw recipes are preserved by freezing, a proven preservation method, and a vitamin E supplement. Our freeze-dried raw meals and kibble is preserved with a mixture of tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary, and citric acid. For wet food, the canning process keeps these recipes preserved naturally.
Our frozen raw meals are to be kept frozen until close to mealtime. If you feed raw bites, keep them frozen until 5-15 minutes before your pet’s mealtime since they thaw in minutes. Raw Patties thaw in 4-6 hours (or overnight). If your pet doesn’t consume all the food presented within 30 minutes, discard any leftovers.
The shelf life of an unopened bag of frozen raw is up to one year in the freezer, keeping in mind to not exceed the printed expiration date.
Read more on our Feeding Raw page.
An unopened bag of kibble is good for up to 18 months, keeping in mind not to exceed the printed expiration date. After opening, our kibble will stay fresh for about 2-3 months as long as it’s resealed between feedings.
We have the certifications, procedures, and experience to prove it! Our company-owned manufacturing facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska were awarded Lincoln Manufacturer of the Year in 2021 and we hold unique certifications that demonstrate our deep commitment to food safety and quality. We also take safety steps during our raw pet food manufacturing process than not all raw pet food brands do.
Instinct carries a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety certification as well as a SQF Quality certification. SQF is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality auditing program that is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide. SQF certification is NOT a requirement in the pet food industry. Instinct went the extra mile to earn SQF Food Safety and Quality certifications and instill an even higher degree of trust in our raw recipes and procedures.
Besides meeting the high standards required for SQF certification, we uphold the strict standards set by the FDA FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). FSMA compliance shows that our food is manufactured with the same food safety standards as human food. At Instinct, we also use High Pressure Processing (HPP) to ensure our raw recipes are free of pathogens and safe for pets and pet parents, while retaining maximum nutrients (a primary benefit of raw food). Probiotics are also added to our raw chicken recipes prior to HPP as an extra layer of safety against Salmonella. In addition, all Instinct raw food is tested by an external, ISO 17025 certified lab prior to it leaving their facilities.
Add raw as often as you’d like! You don’t have to feed a full raw diet to reap the raw benefits. In fact, studies show that adding as little as 20% raw can reduce the risk of skin allergies.
Many pet parents rotate between raw and a kibble-based food, or top their pet’s kibble with either frozen or freeze-dried raw. Just remember to be cautious of overfeeding if you are topping a pet’s existing meal with raw.
To prepare freeze-dried Instinct raw bites, simply rehydrate them with water. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct water-to-bites ratio. Let the bites soak in the water for a few minutes until they have softened and expanded. Once rehydrated, you can serve the food to your pet.
Yes, you can mix freeze-dried Instinct raw bites with kibble or wet food. It can be a great way to add raw nutrition to your pet's diet or to entice picky eaters. Gradually introduce the mixture to your pet and monitor their acceptance and digestion.
The best way to rehydrate freeze-dried Instinct raw bites is by adding warm water to them. Follow the instructions on the package for the recommended water-to-bites ratio. Allow the bites to soak in the water for a few minutes until they are fully rehydrated and have a softer texture.
To thaw frozen Instinct raw patties, place them in the refrigerator for a recommended amount of time. This slow thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the raw food. Alternatively, you can thaw the patties in a sealed plastic bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing Instinct raw patties at room temperature or using a microwave.
Instinct raw food is designed to be fed raw. Microwaving or cooking the raw food may compromise its nutritional integrity and may also destroy important enzymes. It is recommended to feed Instinct raw food as intended, without microwaving or cooking it.
Rehydrated Instinct raw food should be treated like any perishable food. It is recommended to serve the food to your pet immediately after rehydration and not leave it out at room temperature for an extended period. Any uneaten portion should be discarded after 2 hours to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
We have always been dedicated to providing complete and balanced recipes that maximize our pets’ wellbeing and are safe for both pets and pet parents. We use High Pressure Processing (also known as HPP or Cold Pressure) on all of our frozen and freeze-dried raw recipes to ensure they are free from pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria. This is the same process used for human foods like cold-pressed juices and guacamole. We also extensively test every batch for safety before it leaves our facilities.
In addition, Instinct carries a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety certification as well as a SQF Quality certification. SQF is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality auditing program that is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide. SQF certification is NOT a requirement in the pet food industry. Instinct went the extra mile to earn SQF Food Safety and Quality certifications and instill an even higher degree of trust in our raw recipes and procedures.
We suggest no longer than 24 hours.
Handle our frozen raw in the same manner that you’d handle raw meat; wash hands, working surfaces, utensils, bowls and any other items that come in contact with frozen raw with hot, soapy water. Feeding tip: A tried-and-true approach is prepping your pet’s next meal and putting it in the fridge while you are feeding them! Then, you’ll always have their next meal thawed and ready to go.
Thawing:
Raw Bites take 5-15 minutes to thaw at room temperature. Many pet parents simply pour their pet’s portion and let it sit on the counter for a bit before feeding – although some pets like it straight from the freezer. Raw Patties take ~4-6 hours to thaw in the fridge.
If your pet doesn’t consume all the frozen raw food presented within 30 minutes, discard any leftovers.If you feed Instinct Raw Freeze-Dried Meals, store and serve it as you would with any dry pet food (such as kibble). If you choose to rehydrate the food, discard leftovers within two hours. If you don’t rehydrate the food, leftovers can be left out for the day.
Read more on our Feeding Raw page.
No, Instinct pet food is free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. We focus on using natural ingredients and avoid the use of artificial additives to provide a healthier and more natural diet for pets.
Although they look similar, our raw food has safety and nutritional differences that set it apart from raw meat you’d find in a grocery store. Our raw frozen and freeze-dried recipes offer complete and balanced nutrition for dogs and cats that meets AAFCO guidelines. It’s quite a challenge to make complete and balanced raw diets at home; Instinct Raw meets the needs of raw feeders looking for raw nutrition without the added step of calculating what makes a balanced diet for their pet. We also use High Pressure Processing to ensure our raw recipes are free of pathogenic bacteria and safe for pets and pet parents. As an extra safety step, we test every batch before it leaves our facilities.
Also, Instinct is SQF certified in both food safety and quality. SQF is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality audit with worldwide recognition.
Unfortunately our recipes cannot be classified by the USDA’s definition of human grade because our facilities are used to produce pet food rather than human food. That being said, all of our ingredients come from USDA-inspected facilities (or meet USDA requirements in the case of imports) and are from animals that have passed ante and post-mortem inspection.
Our raw recipes are made with non-GMO fruits and vegetables. That being said, our recipes cannot be classified as fully organic. To labeled as such, even the foods our proteins are fed must be certified organic, and we cannot 100% confirm each animal’s diet given the slight variances among suppliers.
Instinct’s raw recipes are enhanced with vitamin supplements to ensure your pet receives efficacious levels of important nutrients – nutrients that may be present in only marginal amounts if the food relied on natural ingredients alone. This may come to a surprise to some, but natural ingredients have limited levels of nutrients; supplements help provide higher, more optimal levels of beneficial nutrients. For instance, to reach the same amount of vitamin C in our Longevity recipes from whole food sources, your pet would need to eat 21 cups of blueberries!
In addition, because Instinct Raw Longevity recipes guarantee MORE nutrients than standard raw pet food, there’s less temptation to add additional vitamins to your pet’s routine – we’ve already done that for you, saving time and money!
Since our products are natural, some color or texture variation from batch-to-batch is normal.
If your pet shows signs of allergies during the transition, such as itching, rashes, or gastrointestinal issues, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian. Allergies can be complex, and your veterinarian can help determine the cause and guide you on the appropriate course of action. In some cases, switching to a different formula or consulting a veterinary nutritionist may be necessary.
When transitioning to Instinct pet food, it is important to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. The recommended transition process involves mixing a small amount of Instinct pet food with your pet's current food, gradually increasing the proportion of Instinct food over a period of 7-10 days until your pet is fully transitioned.
Transitioning your pet from another brand of food to Instinct should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of Instinct food with your pet's current food, gradually increasing the proportion of Instinct food while decreasing the previous brand. This gradual transition helps prevent digestive upset and allows your pet to adjust to the new food.
During the transition period, it is generally recommended to start with a ratio of 75% old food and 25% Instinct food for the first few days. You can gradually increase the proportion of Instinct food while decreasing the amount of the old food over the course of the transition.
During the transition, it's important to observe your pet for any signs of digestive upset or adverse reactions. Some common signs to watch for include changes in appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas, or changes in behavior. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it may be necessary to adjust the transition pace or consult your veterinarian for guidance.
While it is generally recommended to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes for your pet, it may be particularly important if your pet has specific health conditions or dietary restrictions. Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your pet's individual needs.
If your pet experiences digestive upset during the transition, such as diarrhea or vomiting, it's advisable to slow down the transition process. You can revert back to the previous ratio of old food to Instinct food that didn't cause any issues and give your pet's digestive system more time to adjust. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it's recommended to consult your veterinarian.
It is generally recommended to transition gradually, even when switching from kibble to freeze-dried or frozen Instinct food. The different forms and compositions of the foods may require some adjustment for your pet's digestive system. Following the gradual transition process helps minimize the chances of digestive upset.
We always recommend that pets gradually transition to any new food. Adjustment is key because dogs eat the same food day in and day out, so a rapid, full diet change would be more likely to upset their system. During the first week, mix raw with your dog’s existing food, increasing the amount of raw each day. Depending on your pet, you may need more or less time to transition.
When transitioning, your pup may temporarily have loose stools or digestive upset. Also, since frozen raw is so different from kibble, the texture and temperature change may take a little getting used to. This is all normal and expected, but if you have any questions, feel free to check in with our Consumer Engagement team!
Check the specific product page for detailed feeding instructions.
Yes, Instinct offers formulas that cater to pets with allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef. These formulas often use alternative protein sources, such as lamb, fish, venison, or rabbit, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. They provide options for pets with protein-specific allergies.
Yes, Instinct pet food offers formulas that are formulated to be gentle on sensitive stomachs and support digestive health. These formulas often contain easily digestible ingredients and may include added probiotics or digestive enzymes to promote optimal digestion and minimize gastrointestinal upset. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
Yes, Instinct offers formulas specifically designed to support pets with weight management needs. These formulas are often lower in fat and calories while still providing balanced nutrition. They can help pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight, with portion control and regular exercise. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
Yes, Instinct provides formulas that contain ingredients to support joint health and mobility in pets. These formulas often include added glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote joint health and reduce inflammation. They can be beneficial for pets with joint issues or those prone to mobility concerns. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
Instinct offers formulas that cater to pets with specific dietary restrictions. For pets with grain intolerance, there are grain-free options available. Similarly, for pets with poultry intolerance, there are formulas made with alternative protein sources like fish, venison, or lamb. These options allow you to find a suitable formula for your pet's specific dietary needs. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
Yes, Instinct pet food includes formulas that promote healthy skin and coat. These formulas often contain essential vitamins such as biotin along with fish oils and other essential ingredients which can support skin health, reduce inflammation, and improve the condition of the coat. They can be beneficial for pets with skin allergies or dull coats. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
As of now, we do not offer products for urinary tract health problems.
While we do not offer specific formulas designed for pets with diabetes, some of our formulas may be suitable for diabetic pets. These formulas generally have a low glycemic index and are grain-free, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a suitable feeding plan for your diabetic pet. Navigate the shop section on our website to find the suitable food for your pet's needs.
Instinct typically uses a combination of packaging materials for their products, which may include various types of plastic, paper, and/or metal components. The specific materials used can vary depending on the product and packaging format.
Currently, our cans are recyclable as well as select Raw Longevity frozen product packaging. However, by the end of 2025 ALL Instinct packaging will be recyclable. We’ve committed to the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s Packaging Pledge.
In the meantime, to recycle our Raw Longevity frozen bags, simply drop off the cleaned package at a store that accepts plastic bag/wrap drop-offs. These are the bins you often see at grocery stores or big box stores.
Yes, Instinct is committed to sustainability and often implements eco-friendly practices. They may engage in initiatives such as reducing their carbon footprint, implementing recycling programs, supporting conservation efforts, or partnering with organizations focused on environmental sustainability. Specific details about their sustainability initiatives can be found on their website or in their sustainability reports.
Instinct's packaging can often be repurposed for other uses, depending on the specific design and materials used. The packaging may be suitable for storage, organization, or other creative purposes. Feel free to explore different ways to repurpose the packaging while considering its structural integrity and cleanliness.
Yes, all of our packaging are BPA-free!
Yes, all of our cans are BPA-free
