Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe Review

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Review of Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 36 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.

  3. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  4. Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.

  5. Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.

  6. Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health and well-being.

  7. Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.

  8. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  9. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.

  10. Tomato is a source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants that promote overall health.

  11. Kale is a nutrient-dense green that provides cats with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and immune function.

  12. Cabbage is a source of fiber and antioxidants, but should be given in moderation to prevent digestive upset.

  13. Ground Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which support your cat's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  14. Tuna Oil is a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's heart, brain, and joint health. This ingredient adds flavor and enhances the nutritional profile of your cat's food.

  15. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  16. While cats are obligate carnivores, small amounts of vegetables like broccoli can provide additional nutrients and fiber, potentially aiding in digestion and overall health.

  17. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  18. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

  19. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.

  20. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  21. Parsley is a natural ingredient that contains essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to your cat's overall health and well-being, as well as freshening their breath.

  22. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  23. Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.

  24. Magnesium Sulfate is an essential mineral for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in cats.

  25. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  26. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  27. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  28. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  29. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.

  30. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  31. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  32. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  33. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  34. Vitamin D Supplement is essential for your cat's bone health and calcium absorption, helping to maintain strong teeth and bones, as well as supporting immune system function.

  35. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  36. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 10.00% is primarily derived from the chicken, chicken liver, and egg product. This is because these ingredients are high in protein. Turkey also contributes to this value but to a lesser extent as it is lower on the ingredient list.

The Crude Fat minimum of 7.50% is likely to be derived from the chicken and chicken liver, as these ingredients are high in fat. The egg product and tuna fish oil also contribute to this value due to their high fat content.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is probably derived from the vegetables in the recipe, such as peas, carrots, pumpkin, kale, cabbage, and ground flaxseed. These ingredients are all high in dietary fiber.

The Calories of 1540.00 per kg are derived from the combination of all the ingredients, but primarily from those high in protein and fat, such as the chicken, chicken liver, egg product, and tuna fish oil. The vegetables also contribute to the caloric content, but to a lesser extent due to their lower calorie density compared to proteins and fats.

The minerals and vitamins listed are likely added in separately to ensure the pet food meets the necessary nutritional requirements for a balanced diet. Some of these may also be naturally occurring in the ingredients used, such as zinc in chicken and vitamin E in egg product.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe costs approximately $7.54 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKittenAdult
5 lbs $67.16$104.94
10 lbs $112.95$176.49
15 lbs $153.10$239.21
20 lbs $189.96$296.82
30 lbs $257.48$402.31
40 lbs $319.48$499.19
50 lbs $377.68$590.13
60 lbs $433.02$676.60
70 lbs $486.09$759.52
80 lbs $537.30$839.53
90 lbs $586.92$917.06
100 lbs $635.18$992.47

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed mixed reviews about the Instinct Original Canned Real Chicken Recipe cat food. Many customers have praised the product for its high-quality ingredients and positive impact on their cat's health. Some have reported that their cats, who are usually picky eaters, have taken a liking to this cat food. Others have noted that their cats have gained weight and their fur has become softer after switching to this food.

However, a significant number of customers have reported that their cats refuse to eat the food, especially following a recent recipe change. They noted differences in the smell, texture, and appearance of the food, and some mentioned that their cats experienced digestive issues after consuming it. A few customers also mentioned that the cans are difficult to open.

To address these concerns, it's worth noting that changes in a pet's diet can sometimes lead to temporary digestive issues. It may take time for cats to adjust to a new recipe. Also, the difficulty in opening the cans could be due to a batch-specific issue.

While some cats did not enjoy the food, others thrived on it. It's important to remember that every cat is unique and their food preferences can vary widely. It's always a good idea to try a smaller quantity first to see if it suits your pet.

Finally, it's worth noting that the company has been responsive to feedback about the recipe change. They are reportedly taking customer concerns into account and are working to improve the product.