Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens Review

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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens, we'll examine all 44 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 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.

  2. Turkey Meal is a high-quality protein source made from dehydrated and ground turkey meat. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  3. Menhaden Meal is a high-quality protein source derived from menhaden fish. This ingredient provides essential amino acids for your cat's overall health, supports muscle growth, and contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.

  4. 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.

  5. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.

  6. Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.

  7. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.

  8. Whitefish Meal is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.

  9. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and supports your cat's overall health. This ingredient is easily digestible, making it an excellent option for cats with food sensitivities or digestive issues.

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

  11. Lamb meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that has had most of the moisture removed. It provides essential amino acids for your cat.

  12. Dried Tomato Pomace is a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and helps maintain your cat's overall health.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

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

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

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

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

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

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

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

  28. 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.

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

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a source of iodine, an essential trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. Freeze Dried Chicken is a high-quality protein source that retains more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health, while offering a delicious taste and satisfying texture they will love.

  40. Freeze dried chicken liver is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  41. Pumpkin seeds are a source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut environment for your cat.

  42. Freeze Dried Chicken Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine for your cat's heart health and overall well-being.

  43. The Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in digestive health and boost the immune system of your cat.

  44. 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 42.50%: The high crude protein content in this kitten food is primarily derived from animal-based ingredients such as chicken, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, chicken meal, white fish meal, and lamb meal. These ingredients are rich in protein, which is essential for the growth and development of kittens. The egg product also contributes to the protein content, as eggs are an excellent source of highly digestible protein.

Crude Fat (min) of 22.50%: The crude fat content is likely coming from the chicken fat, which is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids in pet foods. The menhaden fish meal and other meat meals also contribute to the fat content, as they can contain a significant amount of animal fats. Fats are crucial for kitten development, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The crude fiber in the diet is relatively low, which is typical for carnivorous animals like cats that require a diet high in protein and fat but low in fiber. Ingredients such as peas and dried tomato pomace contribute to the fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in controlled amounts for cats to avoid interfering with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Calories of 4456.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. High-calorie content is often due to the high levels of protein and fat, as both are energy-dense nutrients. The chicken, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, and chicken fat are the primary contributors to the calorie content, ensuring that the food meets the energy requirements of growing kittens. Additionally, carbohydrates from ingredients like peas and tapioca also contribute to the overall caloric content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens costs approximately $6.66 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKitten
5 lbs $20.51
10 lbs $34.49
15 lbs $46.75
20 lbs $58.00
30 lbs $78.62
40 lbs $97.55
50 lbs $115.32
60 lbs $132.22
70 lbs $148.42
80 lbs $164.06
90 lbs $179.21
100 lbs $193.94

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers are thrilled with the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens, noting that their kittens love the taste and that the food promotes healthy growth and weight gain. Owners appreciate the quality ingredients and grain-free formula, which aligns with a kitten's natural dietary needs.

While some kittens have experienced digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation, which may be attributed to the inclusion of Montmorillonite clay in the ingredients, it's important to note that individual responses can vary. For some kittens, this ingredient may actually aid in controlling soft stools.

There are reports of kittens preferring this food over others, even to the point of ignoring their previous brands until the Instinct food is gone. The food has also been praised for its positive effects on coat health and overall well-being, with some noticing their kittens' coats becoming shinier and softer after switching to this food.

Despite a few instances where kittens did not take to the food, the positive reviews suggest that many kittens find the food palatable and benefit from its high-protein content. Owners of picky eaters have successfully introduced this food by mixing it with other favorites or transitioning gradually.

While the kibble size has been a concern for some, particularly for younger kittens or specific breeds like Maine Coons, the general consensus is that the food is well-received by kittens. Some owners have also noted improvements in their kittens' health issues, such as digestive problems or skin conditions, after switching to Instinct.

A few reviewers have commented on the strong smell of the food, which seems to be an attractant for some kittens but may be off-putting for others. The packaging quality has been criticized in some cases, with reports of broken zip locks, but this does not reflect the quality of the food itself.

Overall, the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken For Kittens has garnered a lot of positive feedback for its ingredient quality and the health benefits it provides to growing kittens. While not every kitten may take to it, the majority of reviews suggest that it is a highly recommended choice for kitten nutrition.