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Our Verdict
Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw product range is made up of 10 recipes with ratings varying from 3.5 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4 stars.
Freeze-Dried Raw Longevity features various high-quality muscle and organ meats as its main ingredients, complemented by nutrient-rich items such as yellow squash, apples, and broccoli, which are abundant in vitamins A and C.
Pros
- Minimally processed to preserve nutrients
- A sustainable and environmentally responsible company
- Non-GMO fruits and vegetables
Cons
- Expensive
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Beef and Cod | 3.5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Rabbit | 3.5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Beef | 3.5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Beef 7+ | 3.5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Alaskan Pollock | 5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Alaskan Pollock 7+ | 5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken | 3 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken 7+ | 3.5 | M |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Puppies | 3.5 | G |
| Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Lamb | 3 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Alaskan Pollock was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Alaskan Pollock
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Pollock, sunflower oil, pumpkin seeds, yellow squash, apples, carrots, montmorillonite clay, ground flaxseed, ground miscanthus grass, fish oil, spinach, broccoli, blueberries, cranberries, tricalcium phosphate, yeast culture, choline chloride, vitamins (d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin a supplement), potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydriodide), salt, taurine, mixed tocopherols (for freshness), rosemary extract, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 58% | 16% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 62% | 17% | 13% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 53% | 36% | 11% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is pollock, a protein-rich whitefish native to the central and northeast coasts of the United States.
The second ingredient is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
The third ingredient is pumpkin seed. Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and, more importantly, linoleic acid – an essential omega-6 fat.
The fourth ingredient is squash. Squash is a nutritious addition high in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
The fifth ingredient is apple, a nutrient-rich fruit that’s also high in fiber.
The sixth ingredient is carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
The seventh ingredient is montmorillonite clay, a naturally occurring compound rich in many trace minerals. Montmorillonite has been approved for use in USDA Organic Certified products.
Reported benefits include the binding of certain mold-based toxins and even controlling diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The eighth ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flaxseeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The ninth ingredient is miscanthus grass, also known as elephant grass. Miscanthus is a non-GMO source of crude fiber.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This recipe has five notable exceptions.
First, fish oil. Fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.
Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.
Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
We also note yeast culture. Although yeast culture is high in B-vitamins and protein, it can also be used as a probiotic to aid in digestion.
Taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
Lastly we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Alaskan Pollock looks like an above-average freeze-dried raw product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 64.7%, a fat level of 18.5% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 4.2%.
As a group, the brand features a protein content of 45.5% and a mean fat level of 33.9%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 8.5% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 80%.
This means this Instinct product line contains above-average protein, below-average carbohydrate, and above-average fat, when compared to typical freeze-dried raw dog food.
Instinct Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Instinct through December 2025.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Nine of these recipes have a very high fat-to-protein ratio, which has led to a lower overall rating. However, Instinct uses quality ingredients and responsibly sourced meats, making this product range a very good choice.
About
Instinct is owned by Natures Variety of Lincoln, Nebraska. All Instinct recipes are made at the company’s own facilities in Lincoln.
Each Instinct dog food is formulated by the company’s on-staff professionals. This includes a veterinarian who is board-certified in both veterinary nutrition and integrative medicine.
Compare Instinct Raw Longevity Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
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A Final Word
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