Instinct Be Natural Raw Coated Lamb & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food - Healthy

In this review of Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal, the bottom line is clear: this formula is for dog owners who want a natural, protein-forward dry food with added raw flavor. The reviewer found it particularly well suited to dogs that benefit from higher-quality animal protein, since grass-fed lamb is the first ingredient and kibbles are coated with crushed freeze-dried raw for improved taste. While not grain-free, the recipe avoids common fillers and artificial additives, making it a straightforward choice for owners prioritizing ingredient quality and palatability.

Key Features

• Grass-fed lamb first: Using grass-fed lamb as the first ingredient provides a high-quality animal protein source that supports muscle maintenance and natural feeding preferences.
• Raw-coated kibble: Each kibble is tumbled with crushed freeze-dried raw lamb, which boosts flavor and adds some raw nutrition without using fully raw feeding methods.
• No common fillers or artificial additives: The recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, brewers rice, by-product meals, artificial colors, or preservatives for a cleaner ingredient panel.
• Whole grains and produce: Oatmeal and other hearty whole grains plus fruits and vegetables supply energy and fiber for daily activity and digestion.
• Added vitamins and minerals: The formula is enhanced with vitamins and minerals to help support overall wellness across life stages when fed as a complete diet.

Who It's For

This food is best for dog owners who want a natural dry kibble that still includes whole grains and values real animal protein near the top of the ingredient list. It suits adult dogs of many breeds, including smaller breeds like French Bulldogs mentioned by customers, and pets that respond well to the taste and texture of raw-coated kibble.

Owners seeking a grain-free, limited-ingredient, or therapeutic elimination diet should look elsewhere; while this recipe avoids common filler grains like corn and wheat, it does include oatmeal and a broader ingredient set rather than a single-protein limited formula.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality primary ingredient with grass-fed lamb leading the list for protein-focused nutrition.
• Freeze-dried raw coating improves palatability and adds a raw element without fully raw handling.
• Clean ingredient profile free of corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Cons

• Not grain-free, so it may not suit dogs requiring a grain-free regimen.
• Some customers reported occasional bag damage or sealing issues during shipping, which can affect freshness on arrival.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Instinct Be Natural Lamb & Oatmeal is a smart pick for owners who want a natural, protein-forward dry food with enhanced flavor from a raw coating. It offers good value when ingredient quality and palatability matter, though pets needing grain-free or single-protein elimination diets should consider alternative formulas. Overall, it balances wholesome ingredients and taste for everyday feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this recipe grain-free?
No, the formula includes oatmeal and is not grain-free; it is designed as a whole-grain natural kibble.

Does the kibble contain raw meat?
The kibbles are coated with crushed freeze-dried raw lamb for added flavor and raw nutrition, but the product is a dry, cooked kibble base.

Are there common allergens like corn or soy?
The recipe specifically excludes corn, wheat, soy, brewers rice, and by-product meals to reduce common filler allergens.