Nature’s Variety Dog Food Reviews

Nature’s Variety is an independent pet food company located in St. Louis, Missouri and Lincoln, Nebraska. The company makes two brands of food: Instinct®, raw pet food; and Prairie®, a holistic line of food. Within these two brands the company makes a wide range of foods for both dogs and cats. Instinct includes Instinct Raw frozen diets, kibble, cans, biscuits, freeze dried raw, and frozen bones. It is the market leader in raw frozen pet food. Prairie is available in kibble and canned foods in chicken, beef, lamb, duck, venison, and salmon. The company says they are passionate about providing natural and holistic nutrition for dogs and cats. Their foods are 100 percent free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors and flavors. Some of their foods are grain free, gluten-free, and/or limited ingredient.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which will direct you to our partner sites. If you purchase the pet foods we recommend through those links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you.

Who Manufactures Nature’s Variety Dog Food?

In 2007 the company’s foods were being made by M.I. Industries in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Nature’s Variety is headquartered. Pied Piper Pet & Wildlife, Inc., was also making foods for the company in 2007. They are located in Hamlin, Texas. The Whole Dog Journal identified Pied Piper as still making foods for the company in 2010. Menu Foods, which makes canned foods, has also made pet food for Nature’s Variety. Nature’s Variety has in the past stated that they make foods, at least their raw foods, at their own facility in Lincoln, Nebraska:

“Company-Owned Manufacturing Facility
Our company-owned manufacturing facility is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our facility adheres to these specific quality measures:
Our ingredients are sourced from USDA inspected facilities and facilities regulated by the FDA
We adhere to state and federal regulations regarding product safety
Our manufacturing facility is regularly monitored by third party auditors
Our manufacturing facility is a USDA Certified Organic Processing Facility and adheres to USDA and EU standards”

However, we do not currently see this statement on their web site. Nature’s Variety no longer seems to carry any organic foods, so that may be why this statement about their facility was removed.

The Truth About Pet Food lists CJ Foods as the manufacturer of Nature’s Variety’s dry foods, with plants in Kansas and Nebraska, but this list is dated June 2012 and it doesn’t look like it’s been updated in a while. They also list Simmons as the manufacturer of Nature’s Variety’s canned foods.

Our best guess is that Nature’s Variety makes their own raw foods and they use CJ Foods for their kibbles and Simmons for their canned foods. We will update if we find out more current information.

Nature’s Variety Recalls

The company has had several recalls in the last few years starting with a nationwide voluntary recall of their Raw Frozen Chicken Diets in 2010 due to Salmonella. As a result, the company stated that they added a “test and hold” period to their raw frozen products before releasing them for sale.

In 2012 the company issued a voluntary recall for their Prairie Beef Meal and Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs. There was concern that the product was not staying fresh for its shelf life and that an “off odor” might develop over time.

In February 2013 the company issued a voluntary recall for one batch of Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Dogs and Cats because pieces of clear plastic were found in some bags which posed a choking risk. This recall was later expanded. We do not find any Nature’s Variety recalls since 2013.

Nature’s Variety Coupons

Check the Nature’s Variety web site for coupons. You can find coupon offers on different foods throughout the site. You can also subscribe to the company’s news and promotions.

Nature’s Variety Dog Food Overview

Nature’s Variety has an almost exhaustive lineup of dog foods for a company that only carries two brands. These products are grain-free foods, mixes, and treats. They do not contain any corn, wheat, soy, chemicals, artificial colors, or preservatives. Instinct dog foods include raw foods, frozen/freeze-dried foods, kibbles that contain added freeze-dried raw food, canned foods, mixes, and treats using freeze-dried raw ingredients.

Freeze-drying or dehydrating raw food makes it more concentrated so the guaranteed analysis figures for foods that contain freeze-dried raw ingredients will be higher than normal for most kibbles.

Instinct Raw, Kibble, and Cans

Instinct Raw Food For Dogs (comes in Raw Bites, Medallions and Patties; chicken and beef come in Chubs; organic chicken patties are available)
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck
Venison
Rabbit

Example: Instinct Raw Bites for Dogs Chicken
95% chicken, turkey, organs and bone
Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Yeast Culture, Pumpkinseeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Apples, Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Salt, Cod Liver Oil, Dried Kelp, Carrots, Spinach, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 15.0%
Crude Fat (min): 9.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 2.0%
Moisture (max): 67.0%
Dry matter basis: 45.5 percent protein; 27.3 percent fat; 6 percent fiber; 12 percent carbs

AAFCO statement?
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Chicken Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.

This is one of the most tortured nutritional adequacy statements we have come across, but, in fact, it is one of the acceptable ways to gain AAFCO approval – make your food like another food that’s already been approved (in this case through feeding trials).

Calorie Content (Calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
190 kcal/cup
1739 kcal/kg

Instinct Raw Boost Kibble for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck
Venison
Small Breed Chicken
Small Breed Duck
Toy Breed Chicken

Example: Instinct Raw Boost Lamb & Salmon Meal Formula
Ingredients: Lamb, Salmon Meal, White Fish Meal (Pacific Whiting, Pacific Sole, Pacific Rockfish), Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Tapioca, Lamb Meal, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Tomato Pomace, Freeze Dried Lamb, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Chickpeas, Montmorillonite Clay, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Salt, Apples, Freeze Dried Lamb Liver, Freeze Dried Lamb Kidney, Pumpkinseeds, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Butternut Squash, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 34.5%
Crude Fat (min): 17.5%
Crude Fiber (max): 5.0%
Moisture (max): 8.0%

Dry Matter Basis: 37.5 percent protein, 19 percent fat, 5.4 percent fiber, and 29.3 percent carbs

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Lamb & Salmon Meal Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for all life stages.

Calorie Content (Calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
441 kcal/cup
3842 kcal/kg

Instinct Raw Boost Kibble for Puppies
Puppy
Large Breed Puppy

Instinct Raw Boost Kibble for Senior Dogs age 7+
Chicken

Instinct Ultimate Protein Kibble for Dogs
Chicken
Duck

Example: Instinct Ultimate Protein Duck Formula
95% of protein from real duck, chicken & eggs
No rendered meats, duck meal, chicken meal or by-product meal
Ingredients: Duck, Chicken, Eggs, Tapioca, Ground Flaxseed, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Montmorillonite Clay, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Freeze Dried Turkey, Freeze Dried Duck (including Freeze Dried Ground Duck Bone), Freeze Dried Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Carrots, Apples, Rosemary Extract, Butternut Squash, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 47.0%
Crude Fat (min): 17.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 3.0%
Moisture (max): 10.0%

Dry matter basis: 52.2 percent protein, 18.9 percent fat, 3.33 percent fiber, and 16.7 percent carbs

Nature’s Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Duck Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Calorie Content (Calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
438 kcal/cup
3850 kcal/kg

Instinct Kibble for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Duck
Rabbit
Salmon

Instinct Limited Ingredient Kibble for Dogs (limited ingredient foods come in kibble, cans, and treats)
Turkey
Lamb
Duck
Rabbit

Example: Instinct Limited Ingredient Rabbit Meal Formula
Made with one animal protein source
No grain gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no chicken, no beef, no fish
Ingredients: Rabbit Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Rabbit, Natural Flavor, Montmorillonite Clay, Coconut Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 25.0%
Crude Fat (min): 16.5%
Crude Fiber (max): 4.0%
Moisture (max): 10.0%

Dry matter basis: 27.8 percent protein, 18.33 percent fat, 4.4 percent fiber, 40.6 percent carbs

Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Meal Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Calorie Content (Calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
432 kcal/cup
3796 kcal/kg

Instinct Limited Ingredient Kibble with Raw Boost for Dogs
Lamb
Small Breed Turkey

Instinct Healthy Weight Kibble for Dogs
Chicken
Salmon

Instinct Cans for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck
Venison
Rabbit
Salmon
Pork
Small Breed Chicken
Small Breed Salmon

Example: Instinct Canned Venison Formula
95% Venison and Pork Liver
Grain free and gluten-free
Ingredients: Venison, Pork Liver, Water, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Peas, Carrots, Lecithin, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Salt, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 11.0%
Crude Fat (min): 6.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 3.0%
Moisture (max): 78.0%

Dry matter basis: 50 percent protein, 27.3 percent fat, 13.6 percent fiber, and (estimated) 9 percent carbs

Nature’s Variety Instinct Venison Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Calorie Content (calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
1,320 kcal/kg
228 kcal/can – 5.5 oz
546 kcal/can – 13.2 oz can
41 calories per ounce

Instinct Limited Ingredient Cans for Dogs
Turkey
Lamb
Duck
Rabbit
Pork

Instinct Healthy Weight Cans for Dogs
Chicken

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Turkey
Lamb

Example: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Turkey Formula
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Turkey Heart, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Mixed Tocopherols, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Rosemary Extract, Blueberries, Dried Chicory Root

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 36.0%
Crude Fat (min): 26.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 15.0%
Moisture (max): 6.0%

Dry matter basis: 38.3 percent protein, 27.7 percent fat, 16 percent fiber, 14.9 percent carbs

This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Calorie Content (Calculated)
Metabolizable Energy
1.5 kcal/piece
4160 kcal/kg

Instinct Raw Daily Boost for Dogs and Cats
Chicken
Beef

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb

Instinct Originals Biscuit Treats
Chicken
Lamb
Duck
Rabbit

Instinct Raw Boost Treats for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb

Instinct Raw Boost Munchies Treats for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb

Instinct Raw Boost Minis Treats for Dogs
Chicken
Duck

Instinct Limited Ingredient Treats for Dogs
Turkey
Lamb

Instinct Raw Frozen Bones
Chicken Backs
Beef Bones
Turkey Necks
Lamb Bone
Ham Bone

Prairie dog foods are not grain free but they are free of corn, wheat, and soy. They use meat, poultry, and fish as protein. They include vegetables and fruit in their ingredients.

Prairie Kibble for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck
Venison
Salmon

Example: Prairie Kibble Beef and Barley Recipe
Ingredients: Beef, Turkey Meal, Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Menhaden Fish Meal, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Montmorillonite Clay, Carrots, Salt, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract, Freeze Dried Beef, Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Freeze Dried Beef Kidney, Pumpkinseeds, Rosemary Extract, Butternut Squash, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Chicory Root

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 23.5%
Crude Fat (min): 14.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 6.0%
Moisture (max): 10.0%

Dry matter basis: 26.1 percent protein, 15.6 percent fat, 6.7 percent fiber, and 42.8 percent carbs

Nature’s Variety® Prairie® Beef & Barley Recipe for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Calories
432 per cup

Prairie Kibble for Puppies
Puppy
Large Breed Puppy

Prairie Cans for Dogs
Chicken
Beef

Homestyle by Prairie Canned Foods for Dogs
Chicken Stew
Beef Stew
Lamb Stew
Salmon Stew
Turkey & Duck Stew
Beef & Bison Stew
Pork & Sweet Potato Stew

Example: Prairie Homestyle Pork & Sweet Potato Stew
Chunky stew in gravy
Ingredients: Pork Broth, Pork, Pork Liver, Beef, Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Carrots, Apples, Bacon, Oats, Ground Flaxseed, Tricalcium Phosphate, Spinach, Montmorillonite Clay, Guar Gum, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Menhaden Fish Oil, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Parsley, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Flaxseed Oil, Garlic, Salt, L-Ascorbyl-2- Polyphosphate, Cinnamon, Thyme, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min): 8.0%
Crude Fat (min): 4.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 1.0%
Moisture (max): 80.0%

Dry matter basis: protein, fat, fiber, and carbs

Complete & Balanced for Puppies and Adults
Nature’s Variety® Homestyle by Prairie® Pork & Sweet Potato Stew for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and maintenance.

Calories
342 per 13.2 oz can
26 calories per ounce

Prairie Raw Bites for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck

Prairie Raw Patties for Dogs
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Duck

Example: Prairie Raw Patties for Dogs Beef Recipe with Carrots
70% beef and organs (grass-fed beef)
Grain free and gluten-free
Minimally processed — High Pressure Processing (HPP)
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Heart, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Apples, Peas, Kale, Dicalcium Phosphate, Montmorillonite Clay, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min): 10.0%
Crude Fat (min): 8.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 3.0%
Moisture (max): 70.0%

Dry matter basis: 33.3 percent protein, 26.7 percent fat, 10 percent fiber, 20 percent carbs (estimated)

Nature’s Variety® Prairie® Raw Beef Recipe for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Calories

1,451 kcal/kg
320 kcal per patty

Prairie Biscuits
Pumpkin & Cranberries
Peanut Butter & Bananas
Chicken & Cheddar Cheese
Bacon & Apples

As you can see, Nature’s Variety has a staggering array of foods in their Instinct and Prairie brands. We’ve chosen just a few sample foods to give you an idea of the ingredients and other facts about the foods. You can choose from kibbles, canned foods, raw foods, treats, and all kinds of kibble/raw/freeze-dried combinations. They also have lots of animal protein choices. The ingredients look like they are good quality. We also like the fact that even most of the grain free formulas don’t pack the foods with a lot of peas and lentils. You do need to always be careful to read the descriptions and feeding instructions for the foods since some of them are mixes instead of complete diets. Mixes need to be supplemented with things you add to your dog’s diet and are not complete meals. If you are interested in trying a (minimally processed) raw or freeze-dried food, or a kibble with some raw/freeze-dried elements, Nature’s Variety would be a good way to go.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Meal Formula Dog Food Review

Nature’s Variety has so many foods in their Instinct and Prairie brands that it’s hard to choose one to review. We finally chose a food that might be of interest to people if their dogs have food allergies. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Meal Formula has one animal protein and many dogs have never eaten rabbit, so this food might be one you are considering if your dog has food allergies.

Along with having one animal protein, the food is grain free and gluten-free. The company also claims that it is easy to digest. One thing we often notice about dog foods that claim to be “limited ingredient diets” is that they contain lots and lots of ingredients. It’s often hard to tell them apart from regular dog foods. However, Instinct’s limited ingredient diets actually do have fewer ingredients than most foods:

Rabbit Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Rabbit, Natural Flavor, Montmorillonite Clay, Coconut Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract

Most of those ingredients are vitamins and minerals.

The first five ingredients in this food are rabbit meal, peas, tapioca, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), and rabbit. So, that’s rabbit meal and rabbit in the first five ingredients. Rabbit is a novel protein for many dogs. Rabbit is 81 percent protein, 18 percent fat, and 1 percent carbohydrates. They are a good source of Niacin, Iron, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of protein and Vitamin B12. It includes small amounts of many other vitamins and minerals. The rabbit meal would have most of the moisture removed so it would be a concentrated source of protein and other nutrients.

The second ingredient in the food is peas. We have reviewed some of Nature’s Variety’s foods in the past when they did not contain as much pea content. As the second ingredient in the food, you can expect them to make up a lot of the food. They are a plant source of protein often used in place of grains like corn and wheat in dog foods now. In many cases dog food companies have stopped using corn and wheat because of complaints from pet owners who have the perception that corn and wheat are filler ingredients or who believe that dogs can’t digest them, or who think that a vast majority of dogs are allergic to these ingredients. All of these beliefs are debatable or even inaccurate in some cases. Peas (and lentils and legumes) have replaced corn and many other grains in dog foods, but they can be problematic. Peas are phytoestrogens which means they mimic the hormone estrogen – they can interfere with the body’s hormonal activity and upset the endocrine system. Some dogs also have trouble digesting peas.

At any rate, peas (usually field peas or split peas) have about 22 percent protein, 76 percent carbs, and 2 percent fat. They are a good source of Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin and Manganese. If your dog can eat peas without experiencing any stomach problems, well and good.

The third ingredient in the food is tapioca. It probably provides most of the carbohydrates in the food. Tapioca supplies little nutrition but it’s a gluten-free edible starch. Kibbles do require some starch in order to be processed and to hold a texture.

The fourth ingredient in the food is canola oil. Canola oil is widely used in dog foods and in human foods. It’s 100 percent fat. It has loads of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are good for your dog’s heart, skin and coat, as well as other body functions.

This is a limited ingredient food so it doesn’t contain a lot of ingredients but there are a few others of interest. We note that the food contains “natural flavor.” The FDA is not very precise about the meaning of “natural flavor”:

(3) The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. Natural flavors, include the natural essence or extractives obtained from plants listed in subpart A of part 582 of this chapter, and the substances listed in 172.510 of this chapter.

In other words, “natural flavor” can be just about anything from something that is or was (at one time) “natural.” There is no way to know what “natural flavor” means in this food. It’s usually best if a pet food does not include added flavors.

The food also includes Montmorillonite Clay. This is an actual clay that Nature’s Variety’s glossary describes as “a natural clay that we source from deposits in southern Utah that is approved by AAFCO for use as an anticaking processing aid. We have used this same natural source for many years.”

Most of the remaining ingredients in the food are vitamins and minerals. Nature’s Variety uses chelated or proteinated minerals. This means that the minerals have been bonded to proteins so they are easier for your dog to digest them. The food also includes green tea extract and rosemary extract. These ingredients are often included in dog foods today as antioxidants/preservatives. If your dog is prone to seizures you may want to be careful about dog foods that include rosemary – but it is hard to find foods that do not use it.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Meal Formula is an all life stages dog food.

Calorie Content: Metabolizable Energy 432 kcal/cup, 3796 kcal/kg

Nutrition Statement
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Meal Formula for dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Guaranteed Analysis

The dry matter basis figures for this food are: 27.8 percent protein; 18.33 percent fat; 4.4 percent fiber; and 39.4 percent carbohydrates.

This food has a moderately high percentage of protein compared to other super premium pet foods. The fat percentage is above average. The fiber percentage is average. The carbohydrates are higher than most people probably want, but they are in the moderate range.

Where can you buy Nature’s Variety dog food?

You can buy Nature’s Variety from Chewy.com, Wag.com, Petfooddirect.com, and Amazon.com. You can also find their foods for sale at most pet food retailers such as Petco and Petsmart. You can look for stores in your area here. Nature’s Variety is widely available.

Final Thoughts

Overall we like Nature’s Variety’s Instinct and Prairie very much. We like some foods better than others. If these diets interest you, we think these are good foods. Be sure to read the labels to make sure the food is right for your dog.