Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety  24 lb. Bag

Common questions

Is Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag healthy?

Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains high-quality protein sources like lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal, which provide essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

How processed is Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag?

Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Lamb, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal count in its favor; Natural Flavor is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature s Variety 24 lb. Bag

65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains high-quality protein sources like lamb, chicken meal, and turkey meal, which provide essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. It also includes beneficial whole grains such as oatmeal and barley, which support digestive health. However, the presence of 'natural flavor' as an ingredient raises concerns due to its lack of transparency, and the product's processing level limits its score potential.

Key ingredients 13

Lamb
Very Good

Lamb is a high-quality source of protein and essential amino acids. It provides necessary nutrients for muscle maintenance and energy. Grass-fed lamb is often richer in omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits

Rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting muscle health and energy levels.

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Chicken Meal
Good

Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein and nutrients. It is made by rendering chicken to remove moisture and fat, resulting in a nutrient-dense ingredient. Provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

Benefits

Provides a concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients for muscle maintenance.

Oatmeal
Good

Oatmeal is a whole grain that provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients. It supports digestive health and provides a slow-release energy source. Oats are minimally processed, retaining their nutritional value.

Benefits

Supports digestive health and provides a steady energy source due to its fiber content.

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Barley
Good

Barley is a whole grain rich in fiber and essential nutrients. It aids in digestion and provides a steady energy source. Barley is minimally processed, preserving its nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Rich in fiber, supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy.

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Brown Rice
Good

Brown rice is a whole grain that provides fiber and essential nutrients. It supports digestive health and provides a steady energy source. Brown rice is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Supports digestive health and provides sustained energy due to its fiber content.

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Turkey Meal
Good

Turkey meal is a concentrated source of protein and nutrients. It is made by rendering turkey to remove moisture and fat, resulting in a nutrient-dense ingredient. Provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

Benefits

Provides a concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients for muscle maintenance.

Fish Meal
Good

Fish meal is a concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It supports muscle maintenance and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Fish meal is made by rendering fish to remove moisture and fat.

Benefits

Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting muscle health and reducing inflammation.

Ground Flaxseeds
Good

Ground flaxseeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. They support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Flaxseeds are minimally processed, retaining their nutritional value.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.

Sorghum
Neutral

Sorghum is a gluten-free grain that provides carbohydrates and some nutrients. It is less processed than refined grains, retaining more nutritional value. Sorghum is a good alternative for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Chicken Fat
Neutral

Chicken fat is a source of energy and essential fatty acids. It is preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural antioxidant. Provides palatability and supports skin and coat health.

Benefits

Provides essential fatty acids and energy, supporting skin and coat health.

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Millet
Neutral

Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides carbohydrates and some nutrients. It is less processed than refined grains, retaining more nutritional value. Millet is a good alternative for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates and is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a necessary mineral for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, but it is essential in moderation.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension and other health issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in moderation.

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Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. It lacks transparency and can include a variety of substances. The processing and source of these flavors are often unclear.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities due to unknown components.

See more about Natural Flavor →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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