Instinct Fresh Dried Raw Meal Blends Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Puppies

Complete Raw Cage-Free Chicken Meal for Growing Puppies with Natural DHA

Product Description

Instinct FreshDried Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Puppies is a 100% complete and balanced raw meal specially formulated to meet the nutritional demands of growing puppies. Made with cage-free chicken as the #1 ingredient, combined with beef organs and wild-caught cod for a diverse protein blend, and enriched with natural DHA for brain and eye development and calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth — all freeze-dried at peak freshness and never cooked. Grain-free and free from artificial additives, it is a shelf-stable, easy-to-serve foundation for a healthy start in life.

Benefits

• Natural DHA for Brain & Eye Development: Cod and salmon oil provide natural sources of DHA to support cognitive development and healthy vision in growing puppies during their most critical developmental stage.
• Calcium & Phosphorus for Strong Bones & Teeth: Balanced levels of calcium (min. 1.2%) and phosphorus (min. 1.0%) are included to support the development of strong bones and healthy teeth in growing small and medium-breed puppies.
• 85% Cage-Free Chicken, Beef Organs & Cod: Made with responsibly sourced cage-free chicken, beef liver, beef spleen, beef kidney, and wild-caught cod — delivering 3x more real meat and organs than kibble for rich, bioavailable puppy nutrition.
• 100% Complete & Balanced for Puppy Growth: Formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth for small and medium-breed puppies — a full daily meal, not a topper or supplement.
• Pantry-Friendly & Convenient: Shelf-stable and no refrigeration required before opening — serve dry like kibble or rehydrate with warm water; made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.

Ingredients

Chicken, Beef Liver, Beef Spleen, Beef Kidney, Cod, Pumpkin Seeds, Carrots, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Lactic Acid, Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Blueberries, Spinach, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis

Caloric Content: 4,590 kcal/kg | 220 kcal/cup

How to Use

Daily Feeding Guidelines (standard 8 oz dry measuring cup):

Directions for Use

• Serve Dry or Rehydrated: Serve as-is like kibble or rehydrate by adding approximately 2 tablespoons of warm water per cup of food for a soft, moist texture ideal for young puppies or picky eaters.
• Transition Gradually: Introduce raw over 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts with your puppy's current food while decreasing the old food each day.
• Divide Into Multiple Feedings: Divide the daily recommended amount into two or more feedings per day to support your puppy's higher metabolic needs and digestive comfort.
• Refrigerate After Rehydrating: Once water has been added, any uneaten portion should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
• Store Properly: Keep the bag sealed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness and shelf stability.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Not for Large-Breed Puppies: This formula is not suitable for the growth of large-breed puppies (dogs expected to weigh 70 lbs or more as an adult); consult your veterinarian for an appropriate large-breed formula.
• For Puppies Only: This recipe is specifically formulated for puppy growth. Once your puppy reaches 12 months, transition to an adult formula appropriate for their breed and size.
• Transition Gradually: Always introduce a new food over 5–7 days to prevent digestive upset, especially for very young puppies new to raw or freeze-dried food.
• Consult Your Vet: Puppies with known health conditions, food allergies, or specific developmental needs should only be fed this diet under veterinary guidance.
• Handle with Hygiene: As with all raw pet foods, wash hands, bowls, and surfaces thoroughly after handling to prevent cross-contamination.

Possible Side Effects

• Digestive Adjustment: Some puppies may experience loose stools or mild stomach upset during the first few days of transitioning to a raw diet, which typically resolves within a week with a gradual introduction.
• Stool Changes: Stools may become smaller, firmer, and less frequent on a raw diet — a common and normal adjustment as the puppy's body absorbs more nutrients per meal.
• Increased Thirst: Puppies transitioning from dry kibble may temporarily drink more or less water as they adjust to the different moisture and nutrient composition of freeze-dried raw.
• Food Sensitivity Reaction: Puppies with known sensitivities to chicken, fish (cod), or beef organ meats may experience itching, skin irritation, or digestive discomfort; discontinue use and consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
• Appetite Variation: Growing puppies may naturally show variations in appetite; if appetite changes are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a veterinarian.

Shipping & Returns

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a complete and balanced meal for puppies?

Ans: Yes, this is a 100% complete and balanced raw meal formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth for small and medium-breed puppies. It is designed to serve as a puppy's full daily diet, not a supplement or topper.

Q2: Why does this puppy recipe include cod in addition to chicken?

Ans: Wild-caught cod is included as a natural source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and eye development in growing puppies. The multi-protein blend — cage-free chicken, beef organs, and cod — also provides a broader nutritional profile to support healthy growth.

Q3: Is this formula suitable for large-breed puppies?

Ans: No. This formula is not suitable for the growth of large-breed puppies expected to weigh 70 lbs or more as adults. A dedicated large-breed puppy formula is needed for those dogs to ensure proper bone and joint development during growth.

Q4: How much should a puppy be fed daily using this recipe?

Ans: Daily amounts vary significantly by age and weight. For example, a 2–10 lb puppy under 4 months needs 1–3¼ cups daily, while a 41–50 lb puppy at the same age needs up to 11¼ cups. The amount decreases as the puppy ages. Divide the daily total into multiple feedings per day.

Q5: When should a puppy transition from this formula to an adult recipe?

Ans: Puppies should transition to the adult version of Instinct FreshDried Raw Meals after 12 months of age. Always transition gradually over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset when changing formulas.

Q6: Can this recipe be served dry or with water added?

Ans: Yes, it can be served dry like kibble or rehydrated by adding approximately 2 tablespoons of warm water per cup of food to create a soft, moist texture — particularly helpful for very young puppies or those new to raw food.

Q7: Is this recipe grain-free and free from artificial additives?

Ans: Yes, the recipe contains no grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives, making it a clean, whole-food option suitable for puppies with sensitivities or those being raised on a natural raw diet from an early age.