Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck Review
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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck
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 Duck 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 Duck, we'll examine all 43 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.
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.
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.
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.
Whitefish Meal is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.
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.
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.
Herring Meal is a highly concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, immune system, and coat health. It also provides essential nutrients for overall well-being.
Duck Meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein that supports lean muscle development and overall well-being in cats.
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.
Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
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.
Freeze Dried Duck (ground with bone) is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, minerals, and glucosamine for your cat's muscle growth, bone health, and overall well-being.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut environment for your cat.
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 40.00% is a measure of all sources of nitrogen and is primarily provided by the duck, turkey meal, chicken meal, white fish meal, herring meal, and duck meal in the ingredient list. These are all animal-based sources of protein, which are important for muscle growth and repair in pets.
The Crude Fat minimum of 23.00% is largely provided by the chicken fat, duck, and turkey meal. Fats are essential in the diet of pets for normal growth and development, and also supply energy.
The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is likely to come from the peas, dried tomato pomace, and dehydrated alfalfa meal. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal health in pets.
The Calories of 4397.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is derived from all the ingredients but predominantly from the protein and fat sources - the duck, turkey meal, chicken meal, chicken fat, white fish meal, herring meal, and duck meal.
It's also worth noting that the vitamins and minerals listed, such as Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, and Zinc Proteinate, are necessary for a variety of physiological functions, including immune function, vision, and metabolic regulation. The freeze dried duck, including freeze dried ground duck bone, provides both protein and essential nutrients like calcium. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and pumpkin seeds can provide additional fiber and nutrients. The dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in digestive health.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck costs approximately $5.00 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 | $15.59 | $24.36 |
| 10 lbs | $26.22 | $40.96 |
| 15 lbs | $35.53 | $55.52 |
| 20 lbs | $44.09 | $68.89 |
| 30 lbs | $59.76 | $93.38 |
| 40 lbs | $74.15 | $115.86 |
| 50 lbs | $87.66 | $136.97 |
| 60 lbs | $100.51 | $157.04 |
| 70 lbs | $112.83 | $176.29 |
| 80 lbs | $124.71 | $194.86 |
| 90 lbs | $136.23 | $212.86 |
| 100 lbs | $147.43 | $230.36 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers reported that their cats loved the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck cat food. They appreciated the high protein content and the fact that it's a low carb option. One customer noted that their cat's fur remained shiny after switching to this food from a freeze-dried diet, indicating a maintained level of health.
However, some customers reported that their cats did not take to the food. Some cats appeared to dislike the taste, while others experienced digestive issues such as soft stools or diarrhea. One customer suggested that the food might be too hard for older cats to digest.
A few customers expressed concern about the food potentially causing or exacerbating health issues in their cats. One noticed an increase in their cat's coughing since introducing the food, suspecting a possible food allergy. Another customer mentioned a cat having diarrhea after switching to this food from the rabbit formula.
Despite these concerns, several customers praised the food for its benefits. One customer noted that their overweight cat began losing weight after switching to this food. Another customer mentioned using the food as a healthier alternative to bagged treats, with their cats loving it.
A few customers were disappointed that their cats did not like the food. These customers mentioned their cats either ignoring the food completely or only eating it when exceptionally hungry. Despite this, one customer highlighted that their picky eater loved this food, indicating it may still be a hit with some cats.
A few customers had issues with the food's smell and color. One customer reported that their cats could smell the food through the bag, while another mentioned that the food's dark color was off-putting for their cats. Despite these minor issues, many customers were still satisfied with their purchase and would recommend the product.
