Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe
Raw-feeding advocates who want the closest thing to raw in a canned format
Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate
Quality-focused owners who want high-protein grain-free pate with clean ingredients
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 Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate
Quality-focused owners who want high-protein grain-free pate with clean ingredients
Wellness CORE wet food matches its dry counterpart — high protein, grain-free, no artificial anything. Turkey and chicken liver provide excellent amino acid profiles. The smooth pate format is nutrient-dense and easy to mix with kibble. At ~$9/day it's premium-priced, and the grain-free DCM question remains the main caveat.
Strengths
- High-protein grain-free pate with turkey and chicken liver as top ingredients
- No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial additives
- Clean safety record with no recalls in 5+ years for wet food lines
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$9/day — one of the more expensive canned options
- Grain-free formula falls under FDA DCM investigation umbrella
- Smooth pate texture may not appeal to dogs who prefer chunks or stew
