Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe

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 Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 25 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 (ground with bone) provides a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health.

  2. 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.

  3. Chicken Heart is a rich source of protein, taurine, and essential nutrients for your cat's heart health and overall well-being.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Salmon Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy immune system. Salmon oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit cats with joint issues or allergies.

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

  8. Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.

  9. Butternut Squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  10. 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.

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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Tricalcium Phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function in cats.

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

  16. 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.

  17. Yeast Culture is a source of live probiotics and enzymes that help promote healthy digestion and support a strong immune system in cats.

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

  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. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  23. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

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

  25. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 12.00% is likely derived from the Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Chicken Heart. These are all high-protein ingredients, with chicken being a particularly lean source of protein. The inclusion of the organ meats (liver and heart) not only adds to the protein content but also provides a range of other nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

The Crude Fat minimum of 9.00% is likely to come from the Chicken, Salmon Oil, and Ground Flaxseed. Chicken, especially the skin and dark meat, contains a significant amount of fat. Salmon Oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that is beneficial for pets' skin, coat, and overall health. Flaxseed is a good source of healthy fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is likely derived from the Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, and Ground Flaxseed. These ingredients are all high in dietary fiber. Fiber is important for the digestive health of pets, helping to regulate bowel movements and contribute to a feeling of fullness.

The Calories of 1645.00 per kg come from all the ingredients, as all food contains some amount of energy. However, the main contributors to the calorie content are likely the Chicken, due to its protein and fat content, and the Salmon Oil and Ground Flaxseed, due to their fat content. The fruits and vegetables (Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash) also contribute to the calorie count but to a lesser extent, as they are lower in calories than the protein and fat sources.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe costs approximately $6.89 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $89.78
10 lbs $151.00
15 lbs $204.66
20 lbs $253.95
30 lbs $344.20
40 lbs $427.08
50 lbs $504.89
60 lbs $578.87
70 lbs $649.82
80 lbs $718.27
90 lbs $784.60
100 lbs $849.12

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers praise Instinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for its nutritional balance and convenience. Many found that their cats had more energy and shinier fur after switching to this food. The fact that it can be kept frozen until needed, eliminating concerns about bacterial contamination, is a significant relief for some customers. The food is also noted to smell much better than canned alternatives.

However, some cats initially refused to eat the food, and a few experienced digestive issues. Other customers found the transition from other food types to this raw food somewhat challenging. Despite this, many customers reported that their cats eventually accepted and enjoyed the food, with some noting observable health benefits.

Some customers voiced concerns about the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the recipe, as cats are obligate carnivores. However, others appreciated the variety and balance these ingredients added to the diet. The cost of the product was also a point of contention for some, with a few suggesting it could be priced more affordably.

Customers also appreciated the product's consistent quality and the convenience of the bite-sized pieces. Many found the food easy to prepare and serve, and some noted that it was comparable in price to mid-range canned food.

In conclusion, while some cats may initially refuse the food or experience digestive issues, many customers found that their cats eventually accepted and enjoyed the food, with some noting observable health benefits. The product's nutritional balance, convenience, and quality were also highly praised.