Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken

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 Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken 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 Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken, we'll examine all 49 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. 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.

  3. Chickpea is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to support your cat's digestive health and maintain a healthy weight.

  4. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Sun-cured alfalfa meal is a plant-based ingredient that provides a wealth of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin and coat health. The natural preservatives mixed tocopherols and citric acid ensure the fat remains fresh and maintains its nutritional value.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

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

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

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

  26. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  37. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.

  38. 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.

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

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

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

  42. 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.

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

  44. 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.

  45. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.

  46. 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.

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

  48. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.

  49. 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 37.50%: The high protein content in this pet food is primarily contributed by the first few ingredients listed, which are high-quality protein sources. Chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal are all rich in protein. Chicken meal, in particular, is a concentrated form of animal protein because it is rendered from chicken parts, removing water and fat, leaving a dry, high-protein powder. Menhaden fish meal is another concentrated protein source. These ingredients are the main contributors to the high crude protein percentage.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The fat content is provided by ingredients such as chicken fat, which is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid to maintain its stability. Salmon meal and menhaden fish meal also contribute to the fat content, as they contain natural fish oils that are high in essential fatty acids. Additionally, salmon oil listed further down the ingredient list is another direct source of fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.50%: Fiber in this pet food likely comes from plant-based ingredients such as chickpeas, peas, suncured alfalfa meal, and dried tomato pomace. These ingredients are less digestible than animal products and contribute to the overall dietary fiber content, which is essential for digestive health. The inclusion of these high-fiber ingredients helps to control the maximum fiber level in the food.

Calories of 3709.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While protein and fat are more calorie-dense (with fat being the most calorie-dense), carbohydrates from ingredients like chickpeas, tapioca, and peas also contribute to the overall caloric content. Chicken fat and the meals (chicken, salmon, menhaden fish) are particularly energy-dense, thus significantly influencing the calorie count per kilogram of this pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken costs approximately $5.79 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $33.45
10 lbs $56.26
15 lbs $76.26
20 lbs $94.62
30 lbs $128.25
40 lbs $159.14
50 lbs $188.13
60 lbs $215.70
70 lbs $242.13
80 lbs $267.64
90 lbs $292.35
100 lbs $316.39

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found that Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken has been beneficial for their cats' weight management. One cat owner reported that their cat lost weight and experienced easier digestion after nearly two years on this food. Another highlighted that their Maine Coon mix, initially hesitant, grew to love the blend, leading to increased activity and weight loss. The freeze-dried chicken bits in particular are a hit among felines, often being the first choice to eat.

While some cats seem to be indifferent to the kibble, the addition of natural chicken broth or breaking up the freeze-dried pieces has helped increase palatability. Owners appreciate the quality ingredients and the formula's ability to maintain a healthy weight for their pets. The food's positive impact on fur condition and overall energy levels is also noted, with many cats showing improved vitality and happiness.

However, a few cats did not take to the food, with one experiencing vomiting, suggesting that a transition period is important when switching to this diet. It's also important to note that while some cats may not favor the freeze-dried chicken, others find it irresistible. A vet technician emphasized the importance of a gradual transition to new food and selecting a diet appropriate for a cat's activity level to avoid obesity.

In cases where cats were selective about eating only the freeze-dried pieces, owners found creative solutions or chose to continue the product due to the other health benefits observed. Overall, the product is recommended by many for cats who need to manage their weight, with the suggestion to introduce the food slowly and monitor the cat's response.