Instinct vs Wellness Cat Food (2026)
Quick Verdict
| Category | Instinct | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | Premium | Very Good |
| Price | ~$35–$45/5 lb | ~$20–$35/11 lb |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Raw-infused maximum protein, prey diet | Clean ingredients, LID, better value |
Overview
Instinct cat food delivers 43% protein with raw-coated kibble. Wellness CORE grain-free cat food offers 38% protein with clean whole-food ingredients at a lower price point.
Ingredient Comparison
Instinct: Cage-free chicken first, chicken meal, turkey meal. Raw-coated. 43% protein, 20% fat. No grain, corn, wheat, soy.
Wellness: Turkey and turkey meal first. 38% protein, 16% fat. Chelated minerals. Fruits and vegetables.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Instinct | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 43% | 38% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 20% | 16% |
Pros and Cons
Instinct
Pros
- 43% protein—highest of the two
- Raw-coated kibble
- No grain, corn, wheat, soy, by-products
- Excellent for active cats
Cons
- Expensive
- Very calorie-dense
Wellness
Pros
- More affordable
- 38% protein still excellent
- Simple LID for allergy cats
- Minimal recalls
Cons
- Lower protein than Instinct
Best For
Choose Instinct if: Maximum protein raw-infused feeding for active or performance cats.
Choose Wellness if: High-protein clean ingredients at a more accessible price.
Alternatives
- [Instinct vs Blue Buffalo Cat](/compare/instinct-vs-blue-buffalo-cat)
- [Wellness vs Purina Pro Plan Cat](/compare/wellness-vs-purina-pro-plan-cat)
FAQ
Is 43% protein too much for cats?
No. Cats are obligate carnivores with high protein needs. 43% is excellent for healthy adult cats. Cats with CKD may need reduced protein.
Which is better for indoor cats?
Wellness CORE Indoor has slightly fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Instinct can cause weight gain in sedentary cats due to high caloric density.
Does Wellness have raw options?
Yes—Wellness CORE RawRev adds freeze-dried raw pieces to kibble, similar to Instinct’s approach.
Is Instinct cat food expensive?
Yes—$35–$45 per 5 lb bag is premium pricing. Wellness offers comparable nutrition at lower cost per pound.
Which is better for kittens?
Instinct Kitten at 43% protein is excellent. Wellness Complete Health Kitten is more affordable and AAFCO-approved.
*Disclosure: GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve independently evaluated.*