Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken Review
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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken
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 Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken 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 Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken, we'll examine all 40 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.
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.
Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.
Turkey Meal is a high-quality protein source made from dehydrated and ground turkey meat. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.
Menhaden Meal is a high-quality protein source derived from menhaden fish. This ingredient provides essential amino acids for your cat's overall health, supports muscle growth, and contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.
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.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin and coat health. The natural preservatives mixed tocopherols and citric acid ensure the fat remains fresh and maintains its nutritional value.
Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and supports your cat's overall health. This ingredient is easily digestible, making it an excellent option for cats with food sensitivities or digestive issues.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Dried Tomato Pomace is a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and helps maintain your cat's overall health.
Montmorillonite Clay is a natural source of minerals and can help support your cat's digestive health by binding toxins and promoting regular bowel movements.
Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality 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.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a source of iodine, an essential trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
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.
Freeze Dried Chicken is a high-quality protein source that retains more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health, while offering a delicious taste and satisfying texture they will love.
Freeze dried chicken liver is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut environment for your cat.
Freeze Dried Chicken Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine for your cat's heart health and overall well-being.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The Crude Protein minimum of 41.00% is likely due to the first four ingredients listed: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, and Menhaden Fish Meal. All four of these ingredients are high in protein, which contributes to the overall protein content of the pet food. The Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, and Freeze Dried Chicken Heart also contribute to this value.
The Crude Fat minimum of 21.00% is probably due to the Chicken Fat, which is listed as the sixth ingredient. This ingredient is high in fat and would contribute significantly to the overall fat content. The chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and fish meal would also contribute to the fat content, as these ingredients contain both protein and fat.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% likely comes from the Peas, Dried Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Apples, and Cranberries. These plant-based ingredients contain dietary fiber which would contribute to the overall fiber content of the pet food.
The Calories of 4300.00 per kg is a measure of the total energy content of the pet food. This value is determined by the sum of the energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of the food. All the ingredients contribute to this value, but the main contributors would likely be the protein-rich and fat-rich ingredients like the meats and chicken fat.
The other ingredients listed, such as the vitamins, minerals, taurine, and probiotics, would not directly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values, but they are important for the overall health and wellbeing of the pet. They provide necessary nutrients and support various bodily functions. For example, Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and Bacillus coagulans is a beneficial probiotic that supports healthy digestion.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken costs approximately $4.50 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 | $14.36 | $22.44 |
| 10 lbs | $24.16 | $37.74 |
| 15 lbs | $32.74 | $51.16 |
| 20 lbs | $40.62 | $63.48 |
| 30 lbs | $55.06 | $86.03 |
| 40 lbs | $68.32 | $106.75 |
| 50 lbs | $80.77 | $126.20 |
| 60 lbs | $92.60 | $144.69 |
| 70 lbs | $103.95 | $162.43 |
| 80 lbs | $114.90 | $179.54 |
| 90 lbs | $125.52 | $196.12 |
| 100 lbs | $135.84 | $212.24 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have expressed satisfaction with Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken, highlighting its high-quality ingredients and the positive impact on their cats' health. Cats are reported to have shinier coats, more energy, and better overall well-being after switching to this food. The small kibble size is also appreciated by owners of cats with dental issues or preferences for smaller bites.
Some cats, particularly picky eaters, have shown a strong preference for this brand, with reports of bowls being emptied and cats asking for more. The variety of raw meat formulations has been particularly popular among cats who enjoy freeze-dried raw food. Customers have also noted that their cats have experienced fewer digestive issues and have maintained a healthy weight on this diet.
While there have been instances of cats not taking to the food, these are often attributed to individual tastes or sensitivities. In cases where customers noticed a change in the product, such as kibble size or texture, it was met with mixed reactions, though some cats continued to enjoy the food. The brand's commitment to grain-free, high-protein recipes is consistently praised, and many customers remain loyal to Instinct for their cats' dietary needs.
