Choosing the right cat food can feel like navigating a jungle of options, but Instinct Original Dry Cat Food stands out as a premium choice for pet parents prioritizing quality nutrition. Crafted by Nature’s Variety, this grain-free, high-protein kibble promises to deliver the raw-inspired nutrition cats naturally crave. With cage-free chicken as its star ingredient, it’s designed to support feline health across all life stages. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the details of Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, exploring its ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, and how it stacks up against competitors. Whether you’re a new cat owner or looking to switch your feline’s diet, this guide will help you decide if this food is the right fit for your furry friend.
What Is Instinct Original Dry Cat Food?
Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is a high-protein, grain-free kibble designed to mimic a cat’s natural diet. It’s formulated with 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils, complemented by 19% vegetables, fruits, and wholesome additions. The recipe features cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient, blended with turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, and freeze-dried pollock for a protein-packed punch. Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw ingredients, enhancing both nutrition and taste, making it appealing even to picky eaters.
This food is crafted to meet the nutritional standards set by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, from kittens to seniors. It’s free from common allergens like grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial colors, and preservatives, making it a clean option for cats with sensitivities. Additionally, it includes probiotics for digestive health, omegas for skin and coat support, and antioxidants for immune health, positioning it as a holistic choice for feline wellness.
Available in multiple flavors like chicken, duck, rabbit, and salmon, and in sizes such as 5 lb. and 11 lb. bags, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food caters to various preferences and household needs. Its commitment to raw nutrition, minimal processing, and high-quality sourcing has earned it a strong reputation among cat owners and reviewers alike.
Why Choose Instinct Original Dry Cat Food?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies thrive on meat-based diets. Instinct Original Dry Cat Food aligns with this biological need by prioritizing animal-derived protein over plant-based fillers. The raw-coated kibble concept is a standout feature, offering the benefits of raw nutrition in a convenient, shelf-stable form. This approach retains natural flavors, antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins, which are often diminished in heavily processed pet foods.
The inclusion of cage-free chicken as the first ingredient ensures a high-quality protein source, while additional meats like turkey and fish boost the protein content to 41% on an as-fed basis (45.05% on a dry matter basis). This is significantly higher than many conventional cat foods, supporting strong muscles and energy needs. The absence of grains and fillers also reduces the risk of food sensitivities, which is a common concern for cat owners.
Customer reviews on Amazon highlight the food’s palatability, with many noting that even finicky cats devour it eagerly. The high protein content and wholesome ingredients contribute to noticeable benefits, such as shinier coats, improved digestion, and increased vitality, according to pet owners. For those transitioning their cats to a new diet, Instinct recommends a gradual introduction over 5-7 days to minimize digestive upset, a tip echoed by many satisfied customers who report smooth transitions.
Key Features and Ingredients
Let’s break down the core components of Instinct Original Dry Cat Food to understand what makes it tick:
- High-Protein Formula: With 81% real animal ingredients, including cage-free chicken, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal, this food delivers 41% protein (as-fed), ideal for supporting lean muscle mass and energy.
- Raw-Coated Kibble: Each piece is tumbled with freeze-dried raw ingredients, preserving nutrients and enhancing flavor, which appeals to cats’ natural instincts.
- Grain-Free and Allergen-Free: Free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial colors, and preservatives, reducing the risk of allergies and sensitivities.
- Probiotics and Omegas: Includes dried Bacillus coagulans for digestive health and omega-rich ingredients like chicken fat and fish meal for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Nutrient-Dense Additions: Features vegetables and fruits like peas, carrots, apples, and cranberries, plus taurine for heart health and antioxidants for immune support.
- Made in the USA: Crafted with globally sourced, high-quality ingredients, ensuring safety and reliability.
The ingredient list reads like a premium recipe: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Montmorillonite Clay, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Salt, Vitamins, Minerals, Freeze-Dried Pollock, Taurine, Pumpkinseeds, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, and Rosemary Extract. This blend balances protein, fats (21% as-fed), and carbohydrates (14% as-fed), making it a nutrient-dense option for cats.
Pros and Cons of Instinct Original Dry Cat Food
Pros
- High Protein Content: With 41% protein, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food supports strong muscles and meets the dietary needs of obligate carnivores.
- Grain-Free Formula: Eliminates common allergens, making it suitable for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
- Raw-Coated Kibble: The freeze-dried raw coating enhances taste and nutrition, appealing to picky eaters and mimicking a natural diet.
- Digestive and Skin Health: Probiotics and omegas promote healthy digestion and a shiny coat, as noted in customer reviews.
- Versatile for All Life Stages: Formulated for kittens, adults, and seniors, reducing the need for multiple foods in multi-cat households.
- High Palatability: Many Amazon reviews praise its appeal to finicky cats, with some reporting improved energy and coat quality.
- Made in the USA: Uses responsibly sourced ingredients and adheres to strict manufacturing standards.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is more expensive than mainstream brands, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Tapioca Controversy: Some reviewers question the inclusion of tapioca, a high-sugar ingredient, though it’s a minor component and not known to cause allergies.
- Potential Digestive Issues: A minority of Amazon reviews mention diarrhea or vomiting in sensitive cats, suggesting the need for gradual transitioning.
- Limited Flavor Variety: While available in chicken, duck, rabbit, and salmon, the flavor range is narrower compared to some competitors.
- Carbohydrate Content: At 14% carbohydrates (as-fed), it’s higher than some ultra-low-carb raw diets, which may concern owners seeking minimal plant-based ingredients.
Comparison Table: Instinct Original vs. Competitors
To help you evaluate Instinct Original Dry Cat Food against other popular brands, here’s a comparison table based on key metrics:
| Brand | Instinct Original (Chicken) | Blue Buffalo Wilderness | Purina Pro Plan True Nature | Orijen Regional Red |
| Protein Content | 41% (as-fed) | 40% (as-fed) | 36% (as-fed) | 40% (as-fed) |
| Grain-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| First Ingredient | Cage-Free Chicken | Deboned Chicken | Chicken | Beef |
| Raw or Freeze-Dried | Raw-Coated Kibble | None | None | Freeze-Dried Inclusions |
| Probiotics Included | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price (5 lb. Bag, Approx.) | $25–$30 | $20–$25 | $15–$20 | $30–$35 |
| Life Stages | All | All | Adult | All |
| Customer Rating (Amazon) | 4.5/5 (based on thousands) | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Analysis:
- Instinct Original shines with its raw-coated kibble and high protein content, making it a premium choice for raw-inspired nutrition. Its probiotic inclusion gives it an edge for digestive health.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness is slightly cheaper and offers comparable protein but lacks the raw coating and probiotics, which may impact palatability and digestion.
- Purina Pro Plan True Nature is budget-friendly but has lower protein and no raw elements, making it less ideal for cats needing a meat-heavy diet.
- Orijen Regional Red matches Instinct’s premium quality and protein but is pricier and uses more exotic meats, which may not suit all cats’ tastes.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Amazon reviews for Instinct Original Dry Cat Food are largely positive, with a 4.5/5 rating across thousands of reviews. Customers frequently praise the food’s ability to attract picky eaters, with one reviewer noting, “My finicky cat went crazy for it and begs for more.” Many report visible improvements, such as shinier coats, better digestion, and increased energy, particularly for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The high protein content (over 40%) and absence of fillers are commonly highlighted as reasons for choosing this food.
However, some negative reviews mention digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting, particularly in cats with sensitive systems. One reviewer stated, “It caused loose stools in one of my cats, but a slow transition helped.” Others find the price steep, with a 5 lb. bag costing around $25–$30, compared to budget brands under $20. Despite these concerns, the majority of feedback underscores the food’s quality and effectiveness, with many owners willing to pay the premium for their cats’ health.
FAQs About Instinct Original Dry Cat Food
Based on Google Trends and common customer queries, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Is Instinct Original Dry Cat Food good for kittens?
Yes, it’s formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including kittens. Its high protein and nutrient-dense formula support growth and development, but consult your vet for specific feeding amounts.
2. Can this food help with cat allergies?
The grain-free formula, free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-products, is designed to minimize food sensitivities. Many reviews report reduced allergy symptoms, but individual results vary.
3. How do I transition my cat to Instinct Original Dry Cat Food?
Instinct recommends a 5-7 day transition, gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the current one to avoid digestive upset. Start with 25% Instinct and 75% old food, adjusting daily.
4. Is the raw-coated kibble safe for cats?
Yes, the freeze-dried raw coating is safe and enhances nutrition and flavor. It’s minimally processed to retain nutrients, making it a healthy addition to the kibble.
5. Is Instinct Original Dry Cat Food worth the price?
While more expensive than mainstream brands, its high-quality ingredients, raw coating, and health benefits justify the cost for many owners. Budget-conscious buyers may need to weigh the benefits against the price.
6. Where is Instinct Original Dry Cat Food made?
It’s manufactured in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
Tips for Feeding Instinct Original Dry Cat Food
- Follow Feeding Guidelines: Use the feeding chart on the bag, adjusting based on your cat’s weight, age, and activity level. For example, a 10 lb. cat typically needs ½ to ¾ cup daily.
- Provide Fresh Water: Always ensure clean water is available, especially with dry food, to support hydration.
- Monitor Weight: Check your cat’s weight regularly and adjust portions to prevent obesity, as high-protein foods can be calorie-dense.
- Store Properly: Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Combine with Wet Food: Instinct suggests pairing dry kibble with wet or raw food to boost moisture intake, especially for cats prone to urinary issues.
Is Instinct Original Dry Cat Food Right for Your Cat?
Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for cat owners seeking a high-protein, grain-free diet that mimics a cat’s natural nutritional needs. Its raw-coated kibble, cage-free chicken, and absence of fillers make it a standout for supporting muscle health, digestion, and a shiny coat. The inclusion of probiotics and omegas adds to its appeal, particularly for cats with sensitive stomachs or skin issues. However, the premium price and potential for digestive adjustments in some cats may give pause to budget-conscious owners or those with particularly sensitive pets.
Compared to competitors like Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, and Orijen, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food holds its own with its unique raw-coated formula and balanced nutrition. Its versatility for all life stages and positive customer feedback make it a reliable option for most cats, though individual preferences and sensitivities should guide your decision.
If you’re ready to invest in a premium diet for your cat, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food offers a compelling blend of quality, nutrition, and taste. Check it out on Amazon to see current pricing and availability, and give your feline the raw-inspired nutrition they deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase products through the links provided. All opinions and recommendations in this review are my own and product descriptions, customer feedback, and analysis of available information. Always check the latest reviews and product details before purchasing. Prices and product availability are subject to change, so please verify details on Amazon before purchasing. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for your cat. Thank you for supporting this blog!
Sources
- Amazon.com: Instinct Original Dry Cat Food Product Pages
- Instinct Pet Food Official Website
- Cats.com: Instinct Raw Pet Food Review
- PetSmart: Instinct Original Cat Food Product Page
