Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Kittens Review

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Review of Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Kittens, we'll examine all 31 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 (ground with bone) provides a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health.

  2. Beef Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly high in vitamin A, which supports vision, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism.

  3. Beef Spleen is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides your cat with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B12, and selenium. It supports your cat's overall health and well-being.

  4. Beef kidney is a nutrient-dense organ meat, providing a rich source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals for your cat.

  5. Cod is a lean source of protein and also provides omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

  6. Ground Miscanthus Grass is a natural, fiber-rich ingredient that can support healthy digestion and promote regular bowel movements in cats. It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option for pet food production.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

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

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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. Chicory root is a prebiotic fiber that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora and supports optimal digestion in cats.

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

  19. 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.

  20. Yeast Culture is a source of live probiotics and enzymes that help promote healthy digestion and support a strong immune system in cats.

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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

The Crude Protein minimum of 39.00% in the Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Kittens is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, chicken, which is a high-quality source of protein essential for kitten growth and muscle development. The inclusion of beef liver, beef spleen, beef kidney, and cod further enhances the protein content. These organ meats and fish are not only rich in protein but also provide a variety of essential nutrients and vitamins.

The Crude Fat minimum of 28.00% is likely to come from the chicken, which has natural fats, as well as the beef liver and other organ meats. Additionally, salmon oil and ground flaxseed contribute to the fat content with their high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a kitten's skin and coat health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is relatively low, which is typical for carnivorous diets that focus on meat-based ingredients. The fiber present in this food likely comes from ingredients like ground miscanthus grass, carrots, apples, and butternut squash. These plant-based ingredients provide necessary fiber to aid in digestion without excessively increasing the fiber content, which could be less suitable for a kitten's digestive system.

The calorie content of 4627.00 per kg is a result of the combined energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet. The high protein and fat levels, especially from the chicken and beef ingredients, are calorie-dense, contributing to the overall energy content of the food. Carbohydrates from ingredients like apples and butternut squash also add to the caloric value, although to a lesser extent compared to the fats and proteins.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe For Kittens costs approximately $27.97 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKitten
5 lbs $82.90
10 lbs $139.42
15 lbs $188.97
20 lbs $234.47
30 lbs $317.81
40 lbs $394.34
50 lbs $466.18
60 lbs $534.49
70 lbs $599.99
80 lbs $663.19
90 lbs $724.44
100 lbs $784.01

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers generally seem to be pleased with the health benefits and quality of the Instinct Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Kittens. Many kittens have taken well to the food, showing a preference for it over other brands and enjoying it as a treat when sprinkled on top of other food. The portion sizes are described as perfect, and the food is credited with contributing to kittens' good health, energy levels, and coat condition.

Some cats are reported to love the taste and ingredients, with owners appreciating the accessible price point and availability in stores. The food is also noted for being easy to prepare, and some have found it to be an effective way to introduce a raw diet to their kittens' feeding routine.

While there are a few concerns about the size of the pellets and the packaging during shipping, the positive reviews highlight the product's suitability for maintaining weight and providing a nutritious diet. Even picky eaters have been won over, with the food being the only raw option some cats will accept. Owners have found creative solutions, such as breaking the pieces into smaller bits, to accommodate their kittens' needs.