Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon Review

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Review of Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon

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 Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon, we'll examine all 33 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a source of healthy fats and essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, brain function, and overall wellness in cats.

  5. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

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

  7. Coconut Oil is a healthy fat source that provides energy and supports your cat's skin and coat health. Rich in medium-chain triglycerides, it is easily digestible and may also help support brain function in older cats.

  8. 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.

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

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

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

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

  17. 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.

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

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

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

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

  28. 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.

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

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

  31. Freeze dried cod is a protein-rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote skin and coat health and support overall wellness.

  32. 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.

  33. 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 high crude protein content of 37.50% is primarily attributed to the first ingredient, salmon meal, which is a concentrated form of protein as it is made from dried and ground salmon. The inclusion of whole salmon further adds to this protein content. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues and is a vital component of a carnivorous diet, which is appropriate for cats and dogs.

The crude fat minimum of 17.00% in this pet food likely comes from several ingredients. Canola oil, salmon, and coconut oil are all rich sources of fats. These fats are crucial for providing energy, aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Crude fiber maximum of 3.00% is relatively low, which is typical for grain-free formulas that aim to mimic a more natural carnivorous diet. The fiber present may primarily come from the peas and to a lesser extent from other plant-based ingredients. Fiber is important for digestive health, but excessive amounts are not necessary for carnivorous pets like cats and dogs.

The calorie content of 4400.00 per kg provides a measure of the energy the food provides. The caloric density is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this food, the high protein and fat levels, particularly from the salmon meal, salmon, and oils, contribute significantly to the calorie content. Tapioca, a carbohydrate source, also contributes to the overall calorie count.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon costs approximately $7.11 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $34.61
10 lbs $58.21
15 lbs $78.90
20 lbs $97.90
30 lbs $132.70
40 lbs $164.65
50 lbs $194.65
60 lbs $223.17
70 lbs $250.52
80 lbs $276.91
90 lbs $302.49
100 lbs $327.36

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers with cats that have sensitivities or allergies to common ingredients like chicken have expressed satisfaction with Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon. They have noted improvements in their cats' digestion and a reduction in adverse reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea. The inclusion of salmon as the primary protein source is praised for being effective for cats with food sensitivities.

Some cats who are described as picky eaters have taken a liking to this food, which is a relief for their owners. Additionally, pet owners have reported positive changes in their cats' coat quality and overall health after switching to this diet. The food's ability to appeal to cats with different dietary needs, including those with sensitive stomachs, is frequently highlighted.

Despite some negative comments about the smell of the food, many customers are willing to overlook this due to the health benefits it provides to their pets. The strong odor seems to be enticing to cats, even if it is less pleasant for their human companions. In cases where the texture or formula seems to have changed, leading to cats rejecting the food, it is often an isolated issue rather than a common trend among reviewers.

For multi-cat households, this food has been a successful option where it meets the dietary requirements of cats with allergies and is also enjoyed by their non-allergic feline companions. Breeders and those with specific breeds, such as Siamese and Bengals, have also found this food to be a solution for digestive issues and skin allergies, respectively.

Overall, the positive reviews focus on the benefits for cats with food sensitivities, improvements in gastrointestinal health, and the palatability of the food for finicky eaters. The few negative remarks are largely overshadowed by the numerous reports of improved health and satisfaction from both cats and their owners.