Instinct Original Canned Real Venison Recipe Review

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Review of Instinct Original Canned Real Venison Recipe

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 Canned Real Venison Recipe 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 Canned Real Venison Recipe, we'll examine all 40 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. Venison is a novel protein source that's great for cats with allergies to more common proteins. It's also lean and packed with essential nutrients.

  2. Pork Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, and vitamin A, which are vital for your cat's overall health, immune system, and vision.

  3. Pork broth is used for moisture and flavor, making the food more palatable for your cat. It also provides some essential minerals.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your cat's skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  7. 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.

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

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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.

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

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

  14. 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.

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

  30. Magnesium Sulfate is an essential mineral for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in cats.

  31. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  40. 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 11.00% is primarily contributed by the venison and pork liver ingredients. These are the first two ingredients listed, indicating they are the most plentiful. Proteins are essential for pets for growth, maintenance, and energy.

The Crude Fat minimum of 7.00% is most likely contributed by the venison, pork liver, and menhaden fish oil. Fat is important in the diet of pets for the absorption of vitamins and for providing essential fatty acids among other functions.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% is likely contributed by the ground flaxseed, peas, and carrots. Fiber is important for the digestive health of pets and can help with weight management by making pets feel fuller.

The Calories of 1095.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients but mainly from the protein and fat content which are energy-dense. The venison and pork liver would be the main contributors to the caloric content due to their high protein and fat content.

The minerals and vitamins listed are likely added as supplements to ensure a balanced diet. Ingredients like montmorillonite clay are often added for their mineral content. The fruits and vegetables included (i.e., artichokes, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kale, parsley) also contribute to the overall vitamin and mineral content, though they are less significant contributors due to their lower placement on the ingredient list.

Overall, this pet food product appears to be high in quality protein and balanced in terms of necessary nutrients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Canned Real Venison Recipe costs approximately $8.82 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKittenAdult
5 lbs $94.63$147.86
10 lbs $159.15$248.67
15 lbs $215.71$337.05
20 lbs $267.66$418.22
30 lbs $362.79$566.86
40 lbs $450.15$703.36
50 lbs $532.16$831.49
60 lbs $610.13$953.33
70 lbs $684.91$1070.18
80 lbs $757.06$1182.90
90 lbs $826.98$1292.15
100 lbs $894.98$1398.40

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers are pleased with the Instinct Original Canned Real Venison Recipe, noting that it contains high-quality ingredients and that their cats seem to enjoy the taste. Some customers have found this product beneficial for their cats with food allergies, as it offers a different protein source. A few have mentioned that the food appears a bit dry, but adding a little water seems to solve this issue.

However, there are also customers whose cats did not take to this food. Some have noted that their cats, although they usually enjoy venison, did not like this particular brand. A few customers have pointed out that the food is quite dry and needs to be softened with warm water.

Despite some cats not liking the food, others have shown improved health and activity levels after switching to this product. Some customers have also praised the fact that the food is made in the USA, adding a level of trust in the product's quality.

A few customers have mentioned that the food appears to be of high quality but was not enjoyed by their cats. However, some cats with food allergies have shown improvement after switching to this food.

Overall, the Instinct Original Canned Real Venison Recipe seems to be a hit or miss product. While some cats love it and show health improvements, others do not enjoy the taste or texture. Despite the mixed reviews, many customers still recommend giving this food a try due to its high-quality ingredients and potential health benefits.