Instinct Original Canned Real Duck Recipe Review
$32.60 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
Use Code: AFPAWDIET
$26.44 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
Use Code: AFPAWDIET
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Instinct Original Canned Real Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck Recipe, we'll examine all 35 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.
Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.
Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.
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.
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.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
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.
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.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.
Tomato is a source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants that promote overall health.
Kale is a nutrient-dense green that provides cats with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and immune function.
Cabbage is a source of fiber and antioxidants, but should be given in moderation to prevent digestive upset.
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.
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.
While cats are obligate carnivores, small amounts of vegetables like broccoli can provide additional nutrients and fiber, potentially aiding in digestion and overall health.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
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.
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.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is an essential mineral for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in cats.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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 9.00% is largely contributed by the Duck, Chicken Liver, and Egg Product in the ingredient list. These are all high-protein ingredients that provide the necessary amino acids for your pet's health.
The Crude Fat minimum of 7.00% is likely to be derived from the Duck, Chicken Liver, Egg Product, and Tuna Fish Oil. These ingredients are known to have a high fat content, which provides energy and helps with the absorption of certain vitamins.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is likely to come from the Peas, Carrots, Pumpkin, Tomato, Kale, Cabbage, Ground Flaxseed, and Broccoli. These ingredients are known sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your pet.
The Calories of 1440.00 per kg is a result of the combined caloric content of all the ingredients, with the primary contributors being the protein and fat sources (Duck, Chicken Liver, Egg Product, and Tuna Fish Oil). These ingredients are energy-dense and contribute significantly to the total caloric content of the pet food.
The other ingredients listed such as the various minerals, vitamins, and taurine are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of your pet. They support various functions including immune health, vision, heart function, and more. The exact contribution of these ingredients to the guaranteed analysis values is not specified, but they play a crucial role in providing a balanced diet for your pet.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Canned Real Duck Recipe costs approximately $9.08 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $86.50 | $135.15 |
| 10 lbs | $145.47 | $227.30 |
| 15 lbs | $197.17 | $308.08 |
| 20 lbs | $244.65 | $382.26 |
| 30 lbs | $331.60 | $518.12 |
| 40 lbs | $411.45 | $642.89 |
| 50 lbs | $486.41 | $760.01 |
| 60 lbs | $557.68 | $871.37 |
| 70 lbs | $626.03 | $978.17 |
| 80 lbs | $691.97 | $1081.21 |
| 90 lbs | $755.88 | $1181.06 |
| 100 lbs | $818.03 | $1278.18 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have mixed reviews about the Instinct Original Canned Real Duck Recipe. Some cats absolutely loved the duck flavor and the customers appreciated the high protein content and quality of the ingredients. They reported that their cats were excited to eat this food and that it helped with weight gain and resolving health issues. They also appreciated the variety it offers in their cat's diet.
However, several customers expressed disappointment in the recent change in the formula, noting that it now contains chicken, which some cats are allergic to. This change has led to some cats rejecting the food. Some customers also mentioned a change in the food's consistency, from a pate to a more liquid-like texture, which was not well-received by their cats.
There were also concerns about the addition of guar gum in the recipe and the shift in production to Thailand. Some customers reported their cats experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea after consuming the food, leading to costly vet bills. They felt uneasy continuing with the product after these experiences.
Despite these concerns, some cats still enjoyed the food and customers appreciated the brand's customer service. They also liked the fact that the food is free from unnecessary fillers and gums. However, some cats were picky and refused to eat the new formula. Hence, the reviews suggest that while some cats may enjoy this food, others may not react well to the recent changes in formula and consistency.
