Instinct (Cat) Cat Food Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
Quick Verdict: 8.8/10 — Raw-coated kibble at 43% protein—the best raw-adjacent dry cat food for active and indoor cats alike.
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Company Overview
Founded: 2002 | Parent Company: Nature’s Variety | Price Range: ~$35–$45 per 5 lb bag
Instinct cat food mirrors the dog line’s philosophy—raw-coated kibble with high animal protein and no grains, corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. Original Cat features cage-free chicken at 43% protein and 20% fat, closely approximating the protein content of whole prey (roughly 40–50% DM protein). Raw Boost adds additional freeze-dried raw pieces.
Product Lineup
| Product | Size | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Chicken (5 lb) | 5 lb | ~$38 |
| Original Rabbit (4 lb) | 4 lb | ~$40 |
| Raw Boost Chicken (5 lb) | 5 lb | ~$42 |
| Wet Pâté Chicken (5.5 oz) | 24-pack | ~$55 |
| Kitten Chicken (5 lb) | 5 lb | ~$38 |
Ingredient Analysis
Primary Ingredients (Original Chicken): Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, canola oil, tapioca starch, chicken fat, freeze-dried raw chicken. Cage-free chicken first. No grain, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, potato. Raw coating with freeze-dried pieces.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 43% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 20% |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 4% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calories (kcal/cup) | ~475 |
Pros
- 43% protein—matches natural prey diet for cats
- Raw-coated with freeze-dried pieces
- No grain, corn, wheat, soy, by-products
- Available at Petco and Chewy
Cons
- Very expensive (~$38/5 lb)
- Very calorie-dense—careful portioning
- Grain-free DCM advisory (minor concern for cats)
Best For
Active cats, overweight cats needing lean muscle support, and owners who want the closest thing to raw nutrition in a dry format.
Alternatives
- [Instinct vs Blue Buffalo Cat](/compare/instinct-vs-blue-buffalo-cat)
- [Instinct vs Wellness Cat](/compare/instinct-vs-wellness-cat)
- [Tiki Cat Review](/reviews/review-tiki-cat)
FAQ
Is 43% protein too much for cats?
No—cats are obligate carnivores. Prey animals contain 40–50%+ protein on dry matter basis. 43% is appropriate for healthy adult cats. Cats with CKD may need reduced protein.
Is Instinct good for indoor cats?
Yes, but the high caloric density (475 kcal/cup) requires careful portioning for less active cats.
Is Instinct raw-coated?
Yes—the kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw pieces after extrusion.
Has Instinct cat food been recalled?
Nature’s Variety had a 2015 recall of raw frozen cat food for Listeria. Dry kibble was not affected.
Does Instinct have a grain-free and grain option?
All Instinct formulas are grain-free. No grain-inclusive option in the cat line.
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