Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe
Raw-feeding advocates who want the closest thing to raw in a canned format
Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe
Small dog owners who want convenient single-serve portions with high palatability
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe
Raw-feeding advocates who want the closest thing to raw in a canned format
Instinct Original is as close to raw feeding as canned food gets — 95% real animal ingredients with cage-free chicken. The minimally processed philosophy extends to their wet food with excellent ingredient quality. At ~$9/day it commands a premium, but the ingredient list justifies it for quality-focused owners.
Strengths
- Cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient with 95% real animal ingredients
- No grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, artificial colors, or preservatives
- Minimally processed formula with whole-food ingredients for maximum nutrition
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$9/day — significantly more expensive than mid-range
- Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
- 2021 recall of freeze-dried product line (not canned) is a minor safety note
When to Choose Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe
Small dog owners who want convenient single-serve portions with high palatability
Cesar trays are designed for convenience and small dog feeding. The single-serve format eliminates storage hassle and the smooth loaf texture has strong acceptance rates. However, ingredient quality is bottom-tier with by-products and unnamed proteins. Best for small dogs as a topper or treat, not as a primary diet for larger breeds.
Strengths
- Convenient single-serve tray format — no can opener needed, easy portion control
- High palatability with smooth loaf texture that picky eaters tend to accept
- Affordable per-tray pricing with frequent multi-pack deals available
Limitations
- Small 3.5 oz trays mean ~$15/day for a 50 lb dog — expensive for larger breeds
- Contains meat by-products and unnamed protein sources
- Lowest ingredient transparency in this comparison — vague sourcing
