Instinct cat food contains high amounts of fresh meat and nutrients cats need. It has no fillers or artificial ingredients. Many vets and cat owners recommend Instinct as a natural, quality cat food. The brand offers grain-free and high-protein recipes for good health.
Is Instinct Good Cat Food? Instinct aims to mirror a cat’s natural diet. With fresh meat as the first ingredient and added vitamins, it provides complete nutrition. But is it better than other high-end cat foods? Let’s explore what makes it stand out.
Instinct cat food comes in various formulas for kittens to seniors. It is a bit pricier than grocery store brands but contains more meat protein. Instinct minimizes carbs and uses recognizable ingredients. Many cats enjoy the taste too. It can suit various dietary needs.
An Overview of Instinct Cat Food
Instinct is a premium brand of natural cat food made by Nebraska-based Nature’s Variety. Founded in 2002, their philosophy is that pets thrive on diets resembling what their ancestors ate in the wild. To achieve this, Instinct uses lots of animal ingredients like chicken, salmon, venison, and duck combined with nutritious fruits, vegetables, and supplements.
The brand offers both dry and wet cat food in three main product lines:
- Original – Grain-free recipes with meat or fish as the first ingredient
- Ultimate Protein – High animal protein options, like 95% chicken or duck
- Limited Ingredient Diets – For cats with food sensitivities
Within these lines, there are formulas tailored for kittens, adults, seniors, indoor cats, and more. The selection gives cat owners many nutritious options to choose from.
The Pros of Feeding Instinct
So what makes Instinct stand out as a potential good choice? There are several beneficial things about this brand:
Quality Ingredients
All Instinct recipes start with real, whole-food ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables. There are no by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. This leads to excellent nutritional quality.
According to reviews, most cats love the taste too!
Nutrient-Dense Recipes
In addition to natural ingredients, Instinct enhances its recipes with a guaranteed amount of live probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, chelated minerals, and omega fatty acids for full and balanced nutrition.
Specialized Formulas
Instinct offers formulas tailored to different life stages, activity levels, and dietary needs. For example, the Sensitive Skin and Stomach recipe or the Hairball Control recipe. This diversity makes it easy to choose an appropriate formula.
Veterinarian Recommended
Many vets applaud and recommend Instinct cat food for its natural, protein-rich nutrition. The brand meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Are There Any Downsides to Instinct?
The main disadvantages of Instinct cat food come down to personal preference:
Cost
As a premium natural brand with no fillers, Instinct costs significantly more than grocery store cat foods. The increased price may not suit every budget.
Limited Availability
Because it’s not carried in big supermarkets, finding Instinct locally can be tricky. Many pet owners need to purchase it online or make special trips to pet stores.
Strong Smell and Taste
Some finicky felines dislike the strong smell and flavor since it’s very different from mass-market brands. There’s also a higher natural fiber content.
Still, most cats adjust quickly. Doing a gradual transition when switching foods helps.
Feeding Guidelines and Tips
To get the most out of feeding Instinct, follow these tips from veterinarians:
Gradually Transition Foods
When changing to any new cat food, mix a little into your cat’s current food, then slowly adjust the proportions over 7-10 days. This gives their digestive system time to adapt.
Provide Plenty of Clean Water
Cats have a low thirst drive, so be diligent in providing fresh water daily to support hydration and kidney health.
Follow Feeding Guidelines
Check package guidelines for how much to feed based on your cat’s weight and activity level. Their caloric needs differ between life stages too. Monitor their condition and adjust as needed. When considering if Authority Cat Food Good for your feline, consult your veterinarian especially if your cat has any health conditions.
Supplement as Recommended
If your vet advises any vitamin, joint, or probiotic supplements, make sure to add them to your cat’s diet for additional support.
| Instinct Original | Instinct Ultimate Protein | Instinct Limited Ingredient |
| Grain-free recipes | 95% chicken, duck, or salmon | Limited ingredients for food sensitivities |
| Meat or fish first ingredient | The highest possible animal protein | Novel proteins like rabbit, venison, herring |
| Fruits and vegetables | Supports lean muscle | Simple recipes |
| Antioxidants | Made for all life stages | Great for digestion |
The Verdict: A Quality Choice for Most Cats
So, is Instinct good cat food? Overall, Instinct receives extremely positive reviews and feedback from veterinary professionals, cat owners, and the cats themselves.
Made of natural whole food ingredients with added supplements, Instinct delivers balanced, protein-packed nutrition to support great health and longevity. There’s significant variety between recipes too.
While premium brands come at a higher cost, Instinct removes the guesswork of trying to balance homemade cat foods. For owners wanting convenient, natural nutrition, Instinct earns its reputation as a quality cat food brand.
Of course, individual results may vary based on your cat’s unique dietary needs. But for most cats, Instinct can be an excellent choice! Consult your vet if you have any concerns.
FAQ’s:
What are the main ingredients in Instinct cat food?
Instinct contains fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
Does Instinct offer recipes for different life stages?
Yes, Instinct has formulas specifically for kittens, adults, and senior cats.
Is all Instinct cat food grain-free?
No, some recipes contain wholesome grains like oats and barley.
Is Instinct easy to find in stores?
No, Instinct is a premium brand sold mainly in pet stores or online.
Is Instinct more expensive than other cat foods?
Yes, as a natural brand with no fillers, Instinct costs more than grocery store brands.
Conclusion:
Instinct offers a range of high-quality, protein-packed cat food options made of wholesome ingredients. Its recipes mirror a cat’s natural diet by focusing on real meats, supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The brand also has stand-out features like probiotics, special formulas, and veterinarian backing.
For owners seeking nutrient-dense cat food mirroring feline ancestral diets, Instinct is a great choice. It meets most cats’ dietary needs and has the added endorsement of many vets. While Instinct comes at a premium price, for most cat owners, the benefits of natural, well-balanced nutritional profiles make it well worth the higher cost. Is Instinct Good Cat Food? For most cats, Instinct lives up to the claim of being a quality, nature-inspired cat food.
