Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Review
The Bottom Line
Instinct Original Grain-Free is a powerhouse formula with 81% animal ingredients, cage-free chicken, and an industry-leading 43% protein content. It's one of the cleanest, most protein-dense dry cat foods available. The main concern is the grain-free debate and its high calorie density. Excellent for active cats, but portion control is essential for indoor cats.
Score Breakdown
First 5 Ingredients
The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Ideally, a named whole meat should be #1.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Cage-free chicken as first ingredient
- 81% real animal ingredients
- Highest protein content in our analysis (43%)
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial anything
CONS
- Premium price point
- Very high calorie density may cause weight gain
- Grain-free may concern some owners (DCM debate)
Nutrition Data
| NUTRIENT | VALUE | ASSESSMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 43% | Excellent |
| Crude Fat (min) | 20.5% | High |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 3.0% | Adequate |
| Calories | 519 kcal/cup | Moderate |
Where to Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe good for cats?
With a score of 4.6/5, Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is rated "Excellent" in our analysis. Instinct Original Grain-Free is a powerhouse formula with 81% animal ingredients, cage-free chicken, and an industry-leading 43% protein content.
What is the first ingredient in Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe?
The first ingredient is Chicken, which we rate as "Excellent". This is a quality protein source.
How much protein does Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe have?
Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe has a minimum crude protein content of 43%. This is a good protein level for adult cats.
Has Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe been recalled?
Instinct has a clean recall record for this product line. Visit our Recall Alerts page for the latest FDA recall information.
How much Instinct Original Grain-Free Chicken Recipe should I feed my cat?
Feeding amounts depend on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. At 519 kcal/cup, a typical 10-pound indoor cat needs about 0.5-0.7 cups per day. Use our Cat Food Calculator for a personalized recommendation.