
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe
Raw-feeding advocates who want the closest thing to raw in a canned format

Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Chicken
Budget-conscious owners who need affordable wet food supplementation
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 Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Chicken
Budget-conscious owners who need affordable wet food supplementation
Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner is the most affordable wet dog food option available. It meets AAFCO standards for complete nutrition, but the ingredient quality reflects the price — by-products, unnamed proteins, and artificial additives. A functional budget choice for supplementing dry food, not a premium daily diet.
Strengths
- Lowest daily feeding cost in this comparison at ~$4/day — highly accessible
- Widely available at grocery stores, big box retailers, and online
- AAFCO-compliant complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
Limitations
- Contains meat by-products and unnamed protein sources as primary ingredients
- Added artificial colors and preservatives in the formula
- Minimal ingredient transparency — vague sourcing and protein quality

