When it comes to the well-being of our feline companions, the choice of their diet is a paramount concern that reflects directly on their health and longevity. The Instinct cat food review is a comprehensive analysis intended to inform and guide you through the myriad benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating Instinct’s product offerings into your cat’s nutritional regimen. Known for its emphasis on high-quality, raw ingredients, Instinct aims to cater to the primal dietary needs of cats, a factor that has sparked widespread interest among cat owners seeking the best for their pets.
This article will delve into the brand’s overview, including the variety of formulations available such as Instinct raw boost cat food and Instinct wet cat food, as well as Instinct dry cat food options. A thorough examination of the ingredients and quality, sourcing and manufacturing practices, Instinct cat food recalls history, and Instinct reviews from customers will provide a holistic view of the brand’s value and reliability. A pricing analysis will also be included to help you assess the cost-benefit ratio of integrating Instinct’s offerings into your cat’s diet. Whether you’re a long-time purchaser or considering a switch, this review aims to offer a well-rounded perspective on Instinct’s cat food lineup.
Brand Overview
History and Background
Instinct® began its journey with a bold mission to transform pet nutrition. Initially inspired by the dietary needs of big cats at the Lincoln zoo, Instinct evolved from a small initiative in 2001 into a pioneering force in the pet food industry. With facilities based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Instinct has been committed to providing raw, minimally processed nutrition to both dogs and cats, aiming to mirror their ancestral diets.
Mission and Philosophy
Instinct operates under a clear and passionate philosophy: “Empowering People to Transform the Lives of Pets.” This is exemplified by their dedication to producing high-quality, raw-based foods. Their products are designed to offer pure, less processed meals with no fillers, by-products, soy, corn, or artificial ingredients. Instinct’s commitment to natural, wholesome pet nutrition is further highlighted by their membership in the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) since 2020, with a goal to achieve all-recyclable packaging by 2025.
Instinct’s formulations include a variety of raw-infused products, from 100% raw frozen and freeze-dried recipes to kibble boosted with raw nutrition. This approach not only caters to the primal dietary needs but also promotes better health outcomes for pets, as observed by many pet parents who report improvements in digestion, energy levels, and overall vitality after switching to Instinct’s raw diets.
Moreover, the brand’s dedication to safety and quality is evident in their achievement of the SQF’s highest level of certification for food safety and quality. This commitment extends to every aspect of their operation, from sourcing premium ingredients globally to implementing rigorous safety measures in manufacturing, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of pet food safety.
By adhering to these core values and continuously striving to innovate within the raw pet food space, Instinct not only enhances the lives of pets but also fosters a positive impact on the environment and communities involved in their comprehensive supply chain.
Formulations Available
Dry Food
Instinct offers a variety of dry food options that are designed to cater to the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages. The Instinct raw boost cat food combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, providing a nutrient-rich meal that is closer to what cats would eat in the wild. This formulation is crafted to support healthy digestion, lean muscles, strong bones, vibrant skin and coat, and overall energy and vitality. The dry food is minimally processed, made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, or preservatives, ensuring a pure and balanced meal.
Wet Food
In addition to dry formulations, Instinct wet cat food offers meals that are high in moisture and packed with real meat and nutrient-rich organs. This line includes options that are three times more meaty compared to traditional kibble, making them an exciting choice for mealtime. The wet food varieties are also 100% complete and balanced, providing all the essential nutrients your cat needs with every bite. They are minimally processed and free from artificial ingredients, promoting better nutrient absorption and digestion.
Raw and Freeze-Dried Food
For those looking to incorporate even more raw nutrition into their cat’s diet, Instinct provides several options in raw and freeze-dried formats. The Instinct raw boost cat food includes products like frozen raw meals and freeze-dried raw meals, which are convenient and easy to serve. These meals are never cooked to preserve the integrity of their nutrients, offering a diet that is rich in natural flavors, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The freeze-dried raw meals are particularly user-friendly, as they can be stored on your pantry shelf and prepared by simply scooping and serving like kibble, or adding water for added moisture.
Table: Overview of Instinct Cat Food Formulations
| Formulation Type | Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Food | High-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bits | Supports overall health, mimics natural diet |
| Wet Food | High moisture, rich in real meat and organs | Enhances hydration, packed with essential nutrients |
| Raw and Freeze-Dried | Never cooked, minimally processed | Preserves natural nutrients, improves digestion and vitality |
By offering these varied formulations, Instinct cat food allows you to tailor your pet’s diet to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition at every meal.
Ingredients and Quality
Source of Ingredients
Instinct cat food prioritizes high-quality sourcing for its ingredients, ensuring that your pet receives the best nutrition possible. The company sources its ingredients primarily from the United States, but also imports specific proteins from New Zealand, Australia, France, and Italy, known for their superior quality. Notably, Instinct ensures that no meat or poultry ingredients are sourced from China, maintaining a high standard of safety and quality. The selection process for these ingredients is stringent, focusing on both nutritional value and safety, establishing strong relationships with vendors to maintain this high standard.
Ingredient Transparency
Instinct is transparent about the sourcing and composition of their ingredients. While their facilities are dedicated to pet food production and do not meet the USDA’s definition of human-grade, all ingredients still come from USDA-inspected facilities or meet USDA requirements for imports. This level of transparency extends to their communication with consumers; for any inquiries about ingredient sourcing, Instinct encourages direct contact through their customer service.
Table: Ingredient Sourcing and Quality Standards
| Ingredient Type | Source Locations | Quality Assurance |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | USA, New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy | USDA-inspected or equivalent |
| Non-GMO Fruits and Vegetables | USA | Verified non-GMO |
| All Ingredients | Global | From facilities meeting USDA requirements |
Nutritional Value
Instinct cat foods are designed to provide high nutritional value, enhancing your cat’s health and vitality. The brand’s commitment to nutrition is evident in their use of real meat as the first ingredient, supplemented by non-GMO fruits and vegetables. These ingredients are combined to create balanced recipes that meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. Furthermore, Instinct enhances their raw recipes with vitamin supplements to ensure pets receive optimal levels of essential nutrients, which might only be present in marginal amounts in natural ingredients alone.
Bullet Points on Nutritional Enhancements in Instinct Cat Food:
- Real animal protein is always the first ingredient, providing essential amino acids.
- Recipes are enhanced with vitamins like Vitamin E and C to ensure optimal nutrient levels.
- Free from fillers, by-products, soy, corn, and artificial ingredients, supporting overall pet health and addressing food sensitivities.
By focusing on high-quality ingredients, transparent sourcing, and enriched nutritional values, Instinct cat food stands out as a superior choice for pet owners seeking the best for their cats.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Sourcing Practices
Instinct® Pet Food emphasizes stringent sourcing protocols to ensure the highest quality ingredients for your cat’s food. The company prioritizes relationships with trusted vendors globally, ensuring that each ingredient meets their rigorous standards for safety and nutritional value. For any specific inquiries about their sourcing practices, Instinct encourages direct communication through their customer service.
Table: Ingredient Sourcing Standards
| Ingredient Type | Source Locations | Quality Assurance |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | USA, New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy | USDA-inspected or equivalent |
| Non-GMO Fruits and Vegetables | USA | Verified non-GMO |
| All Ingredients | Global | From facilities meeting USDA requirements |
Manufacturing Locations
Instinct operates its manufacturing processes with a keen focus on sustainability and quality. The construction of their new Center of Excellence in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a testament to this commitment. This state-of-the-art facility, valued at $200 million, is designed to be LEED certified, aiming for a net zero carbon footprint. The facility will centralize all aspects of raw manufacturing, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. It is expected to more than double the total volume output while significantly reducing the environmental impact and streamlining the production cycle.
Bullet Points on Manufacturing Enhancements:
- The Center of Excellence will consolidate raw processing and manufacturing, reducing travel by 47 miles and eliminating 20 touchpoints and 25 days in the current cycle.
- Scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2026, this facility will set new industry standards in food quality and safety.
- Instinct’s manufacturing facilities, including those in Lincoln, Nebraska, and partnerships in Kansas and Thailand, uphold the highest certifications, such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety and Quality certifications.
By integrating these advanced manufacturing practices and rigorous sourcing standards, Instinct Cat Food ensures that every product not only meets but exceeds industry standards, providing your pet with safe, nutritious, and high-quality food.
Recall History
Past Recalls
Instinct Cat Food and its associated brands have experienced a few recalls over the years, impacting various products due to different issues. Notable recalls include:
- 2019 Tuberculosis Outbreak: A voluntary recall was issued for the Natural Instinct Wild Venison product after reports surfaced of cats contracting Tuberculosis. The affected products had best before dates ranging from March 2019 to August 2019. This recall was significant as it involved a health risk to both pets and humans, with several cats and two owners contracting the disease.
- Salmonella Concerns: In 2016, Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs was recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. Although no illnesses were reported, the recall included multiple product sizes and forms to ensure consumer safety.
- Manufacturing Defects: Earlier, in 2015, Nature’s Variety faced a recall for several chicken-based foods due to salmonella risks and another recall due to plastic pieces found in their products. Similarly, in 2012, a recall was issued due to an off-odor detected in four sizes of kibble, although no contamination was found.
Table: Summary of Notable Instinct Cat Food Recalls
| Year | Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Natural Instinct Wild Venison | Tuberculosis risk |
| 2016 | Instinct Raw Chicken Formula | Salmonella risk |
| 2015 | Various chicken-based foods | Salmonella risk and plastic contamination |
| 2012 | Several kibble sizes | Off-odor detected |
Impact of Recalls on Brand Reputation
Recalls, especially those involving health risks, can significantly affect a brand’s reputation. However, Instinct Cat Food has managed to maintain a relatively positive image despite these setbacks. Here’s how these recalls have impacted their reputation:
- Transparency and Responsiveness: Instinct has been proactive in communicating recalls and safety concerns to consumers, often initiating voluntary recalls as a precautionary measure. This transparency has helped maintain customer trust.
- Safety Measures: Following recalls, Instinct has implemented stringent safety measures and quality checks to prevent future incidents. These actions demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, reinforcing consumer confidence.
- Customer Support: The brand has consistently provided clear instructions for affected consumers, including how to handle recalled products and contact points for concerns or queries. This level of support ensures that customers feel valued and cared for, even in challenging situations.
Bullet Points on Brand Response to Recalls:
- Proactive recall announcements and transparency with consumers.
- Enhanced safety protocols and quality assurance measures post-recall.
- Comprehensive customer support and communication during recall events.
By addressing recalls head-on and focusing on continuous improvement, Instinct Cat Food continues to uphold its reputation as a reliable and responsible brand in the pet food industry.
Read more cat foods review here.
Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Instinct cat food has garnered considerable praise for its quality and effectiveness, especially from pet owners with specific dietary needs for their cats. Here are some highlights:
- “Nature’s Variety foods are well-loved by customers.” – This general sentiment reflects the overall satisfaction among consumers.
- “The Instinct Original canned cat food looks and smells good enough for human consumption! My cats are loving it.” – Suze, reviewing Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe.
- “I have taken painful measures to find a food with no chicken or egg… Was very happy to find this brand and all my feline friends who are indoor pets seem to love it.” – SmokeysMom, reviewing Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Real Rabbit Recipe.
- “Good choice for IBD cats (and other cats like it too!)” – Sneaky Burrito, highlighting the benefits for cats with inflammatory bowel disease.
Negative Reviews
Despite the positive feedback, some customers have expressed concerns and dissatisfaction, particularly after certain changes in the product:
- “The amount or inclusion at all of bone meal in pet food is another debate for another time but this is ridiculous… For the amount of money they’re charging I expect more than a potential surprise visit to the emergency vet.” – Beep, expressing frustration over unannounced recipe changes.
- “It was lit, Nature’s Variety. After running out of cans, I ran to my local Petco… The numerous times I’ve had my kitty get sick from bad batches has made me lose my trust in this brand.” – Chorizo in the fantasy, discussing issues with product consistency.
- “I’ve done tons of research of which canned food is good for my cats… I have two reservations about it: my cats are not super interested in it; above all, I saw giant peas in it.” – Eleni, critiquing the inclusion of unnecessary ingredients.
Common Complaints
A recurring theme in customer feedback involves complaints about changes to the formulations and irregularities in the food:
- “However, since the company changed its wet food manufacturing locations and started reformulating many of its recipes, it’s started to receive many complaints about irregularities in the food.” – This excerpt suggests that changes in manufacturing processes have not been well-received.
- “WARNING: Contains VOLCANIC ASH, recognized carcinogen… If this substance is unsafe for human consumption, then this substance is more unsafe for dogs and still less safe cats than even their beautiful siblings.” – A serious allegation regarding ingredient safety, highlighting concerns about the inclusion of potentially harmful substances.
Table: Summary of Customer Feedback on Instinct Cat Food
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | High-quality ingredients, beneficial for specific health conditions | Issues with consistency and ingredient safety |
| Taste | Cats generally enjoy the taste | Some cats are not interested, possibly due to recipe changes |
| Ingredient Safety | Praised for no chicken or egg in specific formulas | Concerns about the inclusion of volcanic ash and bone meal |
By examining the varied experiences of customers, you can better understand the strengths and potential areas for improvement in Instinct cat food products.
Pricing Analysis
Price Range
When evaluating the cost of feeding your cat with Instinct cat food, it’s essential to consider the variety of options available. For a 10 lb cat, following the recommended feeding guidelines, the daily cost can vary significantly based on the type of food chosen:
- Instinct wet cat food ranges between $2.28 and $3.36 per day.
- Instinct dry cat food is more economical, costing approximately $0.42 per day.
- Instinct raw food options are priced similarly to the wet food, ranging from $2.30 to $3.35 per day.
Table: Daily Feeding Cost Comparison
| Food Type | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|
| Wet Cat Food | $2.28 – $3.36 |
| Dry Cat Food | $0.42 |
| Raw Cat Food | $2.30 – $3.35 |
Comparative Pricing
Instinct cat food is positioned comparably to other premium brands like Wellness CORE, especially in terms of quality. However, Instinct offers a broader selection of raw food options, which may justify the higher price point for some pet owners. Here’s how the pricing stacks up:
- One-time purchase for a specific product is $44.99, which breaks down to $0.26 per Fl Oz.
- Subscribe & Save option reduces the price to $42.74 or even $40.49, providing a more cost-effective solution over time.
Table: Comparative Pricing
| Purchase Type | Price | Price per Fl Oz |
|---|---|---|
| One-time Purchase | $44.99 | $0.26 |
| Subscribe & Save | $42.74 – $40.49 | $0.26 |
Value for Money
Despite the premium pricing, many users find Instinct cat food to be a worthwhile investment due to the high quality and nutritional benefits it offers. Particularly, the ability to feed less while maintaining fulfillment is a significant advantage, making the higher cost a valuable trade-off for the health benefits provided.
- Customers appreciate the ease of delivery and the savings from not having to physically buy the product from stores.
- The Subscribe & Save option not only offers a lower price but also adds convenience, which is highly valued by many cat owners.
Bullet Points on Value Propositions:
- High-quality ingredients that cater to specific health needs.
- Cost-effectiveness over time with subscription services.
- Convenience of home delivery, saving time and effort.
By understanding these aspects, you can make a more informed decision about whether Instinct cat food aligns with your budget and your pet’s nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve delved into the intricacies of Instinct Cat Food, embarking on a detailed journey from the philosophical foundations and nutritional aspirations of the brand to the tangible impact on feline health and satisfaction. Instinct’s commitment to quality, mirrored in its selection of raw, high-quality ingredients, and its dedication to catering to the primal dietary needs of cats, not only showcases its devotion to pet nutrition but also underscores the potential health benefits such as enhanced digestion and vitality that pet owners may observe. This comprehensive exploration, enriched by perspectives from both brand analyses and consumer testimonials, has underscored the integral role of diet in fostering the well-being of our feline companions.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Instinct Cat Food’s meticulous attention to nutritional value, safety measures, and environmental sustainability not only sets a precedent in the pet food industry but also galvanizes pet owners to critically evaluate their choices in pet nutrition. While the occasional recalls and customer feedback highlight areas for ongoing improvement and vigilance, the overall positive reception and the brand’s proactive stance on quality assurance and transparency contribute to a nuanced understanding. As we consider the future of pet nutrition, the insights gained from this review suggest a trajectory towards more informed, health-centric dietary selections, encouraging further research and discussion among pet owners, nutritionists, and industry innovators.
FAQs
1. How safe is Instinct cat food for my pet?
Instinct cat food adheres to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), ensuring it meets the same safety standards as human food. Additionally, Instinct employs High Pressure Processing (HPP) to eliminate pathogens in its raw recipes while preserving the nutrients, making it a safe choice for both pets and their owners.
2. Has there ever been a recall on Instinct cat food?
Yes, Instinct cat food experienced a recall in 2015. This recall involved several chicken-based recipes due to salmonella contamination detected during FDA testing.
3. Would you consider Instinct a reliable brand for cat food?
Indeed, Instinct is considered a reliable brand, particularly for those interested in a raw diet for pets with allergies or sensitivities. They offer a variety of formulations including grain-free, grain-inclusive, and limited-ingredient recipes.
4. What distinguishes Instinct Ultimate Protein from Instinct Raw Boost?
Instinct Ultimate Protein products, available in both wet and dry forms, contain at least 90% animal-derived proteins and up to three times more chicken or duck compared to other natural brands. On the other hand, Instinct Raw Boost combines kibble with pieces of freeze-dried raw meat, offering a different nutritional approach.
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