Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Cats Review
$15.59 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
$35.74 First Auto-Ship Order
35% Off First Auto-Ship
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 Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Cats
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 Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Cats 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 Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Cats, we'll examine all 28 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 (ground with bone) provides a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health.
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.
Chicken Heart is a rich source of protein, taurine, and essential nutrients for your cat's heart health and overall well-being.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut environment for your cat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
Yeast Culture is a source of live probiotics and enzymes that help promote healthy digestion and support a strong immune system in cats.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and provide natural sweetness to cat food, contributing to a balanced diet.
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.
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
Crude Protein (min) of 38.00%: The high protein content in this cat food is primarily derived from the chicken, chicken liver, and chicken heart listed as the first ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health. Chicken liver and heart are particularly rich in protein and also provide essential nutrients and vitamins.
Crude Fat (min) of 34.00%: The crude fat content is quite high, which is likely due to the inclusion of chicken (which contains natural fats), chicken liver, and chicken heart, as well as the addition of salmon oil and ground flaxseed. Salmon oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, while flaxseed provides omega-6 fatty acids, both contributing to the fat content and promoting a healthy coat and skin.
Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is suitable for a carnivorous diet. The fiber in this food likely comes from the plant-based ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, and butternut squash. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to aid in digestion without exceeding the dietary needs of a cat.
Calories of 4782.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The high calorie count is reflective of the high protein and fat levels, with the primary contributors being the chicken and fats like salmon oil. This energy density ensures that cats get enough calories for their active lifestyles in a concentrated form, which is especially important for raw diets that may be less processed and thus more nutrient-dense than other types of cat food.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Cats costs approximately $24.35 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $109.10 |
| 10 lbs | $183.49 |
| 15 lbs | $248.70 |
| 20 lbs | $308.59 |
| 30 lbs | $418.26 |
| 40 lbs | $518.98 |
| 50 lbs | $613.53 |
| 60 lbs | $703.43 |
| 70 lbs | $789.65 |
| 80 lbs | $872.82 |
| 90 lbs | $953.44 |
| 100 lbs | $1031.83 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers are generally pleased with Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats, noting that their felines eagerly consume it when mixed with dry food or as treats. Many appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the positive health impacts, such as weight gain in older cats and improved digestion.
Some reviews highlight the versatility of the product, with owners using it as a food topper or rehydrating it with water or broth to increase moisture content in their cats' diets. This adaptability is appreciated, especially for cats with specific dietary needs or those recovering from health issues.
A few customers have mentioned the size of the pellets as a drawback, stating they are too large for some cats or automatic feeders. However, these concerns are often mitigated by the fact that the pellets can be broken into smaller pieces, despite this being a time-consuming process for some.
There are mentions of the product's expense, with some cat owners wishing it were more affordable to use as a primary food source. Nonetheless, even those who find it pricey continue to purchase it, indicating the perceived value in the product's quality and benefits.
While some cats have shown disinterest or adverse reactions to the food, these instances are relatively few compared to the positive feedback. In cases where cats did not favor the food, some owners found alternative uses, such as feeding it to other pets.
Overall, the consensus among customers is that Instinct Raw Meals is a healthy, high-protein option that cats enjoy, with many noting improvements in their pets' health and vitality. Despite concerns about pellet size and cost, the product is often recommended for its nutritional benefits and the positive reception from felines.
