Instinct Original Minced Salmon Recipe In Savory Gravy Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
29.88 + Shipping ($4.95)
$19.42 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
29.88 + Shipping ($5.95)
$23.90 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
29.88 + Shipping (By Weight)
Free Shipping On Orders $35+

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 Minced Salmon Recipe In Savory Gravy

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Original Minced Salmon Recipe In Savory Gravy is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Original Minced Salmon Recipe In Savory Gravy, we'll examine all 45 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. Salmon Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that enhances the taste and texture of your cat's food, while also providing hydration and essential nutrients.

  2. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

  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 Whites are a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for maintaining strong muscles and supporting overall health in cats.

  5. 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.

  6. Dried ground pea is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  7. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.

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

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  12. Sodium phosphate is used to balance the pH of the food and can help with the digestion process.

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

  14. 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.

  15. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.

  16. 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.

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

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

  19. 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.

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

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

  22. 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.

  23. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

  31. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  32. 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.

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

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer used in cat food to improve texture and consistency, ensuring a more palatable and enjoyable meal for your feline friend.

  37. The artichoke is a good source of fiber, promoting digestive health and can help in maintaining a healthy weight for your cat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  45. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 9.50% is likely contributed by the salmon, chicken liver, egg whites, and chicken. These ingredients are high in protein, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of muscles and other tissues in pets. Salmon, being the primary ingredient, is especially rich in high-quality protein and also provides omega-3 fatty acids.

The Crude Fat minimum of 3.00% comes from the fats present in the salmon, chicken, and to some extent, the chicken liver and ground flaxseed. These ingredients contain natural fats that are important for energy, cell function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Salmon and flaxseed are also good sources of essential fatty acids, which contribute to skin and coat health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.00% is relatively low, indicating that this is a meat-based pet food with less emphasis on plant-based fibers. However, the fiber present may be derived from ingredients such as ground dried peas, spinach, carrots, and other vegetables included in the mix. Fiber is important for digestive health, although in carnivorous pets like cats, too much fiber can be unnecessary and even counterproductive.

The calorie content of 880.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy the food can supply. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in all the ingredients, with the primary contributors being the protein and fat sources like salmon and chicken.

The remaining ingredients, such as guar gum, montmorillonite clay, and the various vitamins and minerals, are not significant contributors to the macronutrient profile (protein, fat, fiber) but serve other nutritional or functional purposes, such as thickening the gravy, providing micronutrients, or promoting overall health.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Minced Salmon Recipe In Savory Gravy costs approximately $11.25 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $273.83
10 lbs $460.53
15 lbs $624.20
20 lbs $774.51
30 lbs $1049.77
40 lbs $1302.56
50 lbs $1539.86
60 lbs $1765.50
70 lbs $1981.88
80 lbs $2190.64
90 lbs $2392.96
100 lbs $2589.73

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have praised the high quality of Instinct Original Minced Salmon Recipe, noting that their cats have enjoyed the flavors and that the food has been beneficial for cats with specific dietary needs, such as those with chicken allergies. The minced texture and savory gravy seem to be particularly appealing to some feline palates, with reports of cats eagerly anticipating their meals and being satisfied after eating.

Despite some negative experiences where cats refused the food or had adverse reactions, there are numerous instances where cats with particular tastes or dietary restrictions have thrived on this recipe. For instance, owners of picky eaters have found that their cats are crazy about the salmon flavor, and cats previously limited to lower-quality foods have transitioned well to this healthier option.

Owners of cats with health concerns, such as allergies or the need for a moisture-rich diet, have found Instinct Original to be a good choice. Some have seen improvements in their cats' conditions after switching to this food, and others appreciate the ability to enhance the moisture content by adding water to the food. The product's appeal is further enhanced by the fact that it caters to the needs of both young and senior cats, with many owners noting that all their cats, regardless of age, enjoy the various flavors offered by Instinct Original.