Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Review
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Review of Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken 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 Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken 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 Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken Recipe, we'll examine all 35 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.
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.
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.
Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
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.
Dried Whey Protein Concentrate is a high-quality protein source derived from milk. It is easily digestible and provides essential amino acids, which support your cat's muscle development and overall health.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
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.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
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.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
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.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.
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.
Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a source of iodine, an essential trace element that supports your cat's thyroid function and overall metabolism.
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.
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.
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.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut environment for your cat.
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.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.
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
1. Crude Protein (min) of 47.00%: This high protein content is primarily derived from the first ingredient listed, which is chicken. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for your pet's health. The dried whey protein concentrate also contributes to this protein content.
2. Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The fat content in this pet food is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is the third ingredient listed. Chicken fat is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The ground flaxseed also contributes to the fat content, providing a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.
3. Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: The fiber in this pet food probably comes from the ground flaxseed and dried tomato pomace. Fiber is important for healthy digestion in pets.
4. Calories of 4470.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is a result of the combination of all the ingredients, but primarily from the proteins and fats which are energy-dense nutrients. The chicken, chicken fat, and tapioca (a carbohydrate source) are likely the main contributors to the calorie content.
The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients provide essential nutrients for your pet's overall health, but do not significantly contribute to the protein, fat, and fiber percentages. They are, however, crucial for various bodily functions such as immune function, bone health, and metabolic processes. The freeze-dried chicken, liver, and heart are also sources of protein and fats, and they add flavor to make the food more appealing to pets. The dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in digestion.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken Recipe costs approximately $7.26 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $22.27 | $34.79 |
| 10 lbs | $37.45 | $58.51 |
| 15 lbs | $50.76 | $79.31 |
| 20 lbs | $62.98 | $98.41 |
| 30 lbs | $85.37 | $133.39 |
| 40 lbs | $105.92 | $165.51 |
| 50 lbs | $125.22 | $195.66 |
| 60 lbs | $143.57 | $224.33 |
| 70 lbs | $161.16 | $251.82 |
| 80 lbs | $178.14 | $278.35 |
| 90 lbs | $194.59 | $304.05 |
| 100 lbs | $210.59 | $329.05 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed high satisfaction with Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken Recipe, with many noting that their cats not only love the taste but also exhibit improved health benefits, such as shinier coats, fewer hairballs, and overall better digestion. One cat owner mentioned that the high protein content has been beneficial for their cat with hyperthyroidism, slowing weight loss significantly.
Several reviews highlighted the food's positive impact on skin conditions. One cat previously suffered from dry, flaking skin on a different brand, but after switching to Instinct, the issue resolved, indicating the food's quality ingredients and nutritional benefits.
While some customers raised concerns about changes in the formula, specifically the addition of tapioca and changes in kibble size and texture, the majority of reviews focused on the positive effects of the food on their pets' health and well-being. Pets with sensitive stomachs or special dietary needs, such as diabetic cats, have reportedly done well on this diet, suggesting that the food is suitable for cats with various health considerations.
Despite the higher price point, many customers feel the cost is justified by the food's high protein content and the fact that their cats seem to eat less of it due to its richness, which can help balance out the expense. Moreover, pet owners appreciate that the product is made in the USA and adheres to ethical standards, like using cage-free chicken.
In summary, while some customers have experienced issues with recent changes to the formula, the overwhelming majority of reviews for Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken Recipe are positive, with cat owners reporting that their pets are thriving on this high-protein diet.
