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? This rating is determined by comparing the food’s nutritional content to AAFCO standards and other foods in our database. Nutrient Value 70%
? Each recipe is evaluated based on a 5-point ingredient rating system that measures ingredients’ nutritional value, safety, and more. Quality of Ingredients 73%
? We scan the FDA’s database and rate each brand by the number of recalls in its history. Brands with fewer recalls receive higher ratings. Recall History 100%
? By comparing the prices of foods in our database, we determine if a food is above or below market average price. Lower-priced foods receive higher ratings. Price 54%
? This metric is based on customer ratings from various retailers. Customer Experience 74%
? Our rating system evaluates each food’s manufacturing method, assigning higher ratings to manufacturing processes that promote higher nutritional value. Manufacturing Method 49%
To our knowledge, Instinct has never had a product recall
Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
Some recipes contain plant-based protein
Lower than average protein content
Price is above market average
Brand Overview
Instinct is a Nature’s Variety brand that focuses on providing pets with simple, real, raw meals. The raw ingredients in Nature’s Variety are freeze-dried for convenience. The company offers food for dogs and cats alike, including grain-free and limited ingredient diets.
How Much Does Instinct Cat Food Cost
We’ve compared Instinct cat food price to the other 197 cat food brands in our database.
Instinct Dry Cat Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per lb
$6.79
$4.82
+41%
Price per 100 kcal
$0.35
$0.39
-10%
Price per day
$0.21
$0.24
-13%
Instinct Dry Cat Food is priced below the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Wet Kitten Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per oz
$0.55
$0.50
+10%
Price per 100 kcal
$1.60
$1.68
-5%
Price per day
$0.96
$1.01
-5%
Instinct Wet Kitten Food is priced below the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Wet Frozen Cat Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per lb
$7.33
$8.75
-16%
Price per 100 kcal
$0.98
$1.27
-23%
Price per day
$0.59
$0.76
-22%
Instinct Wet Frozen Cat Food is priced below the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Wet Cat Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per oz
$0.68
$0.57
+19%
Price per 100 kcal
$2.34
$2.41
-3%
Price per day
$1.41
$1.44
-2%
Instinct Wet Cat Food is priced below the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Freeze-Dried Cat Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per oz
$3.15
$3.13
+1%
Price per 100 kcal
$2.56
$2.34
+9%
Price per day
$1.54
$1.41
+9%
Instinct Freeze-Dried Cat Food is priced above the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Dry Kitten Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per lb
$6.66
$5.06
+32%
Price per 100 kcal
$0.33
$0.29
+14%
Price per day
$0.20
$0.17
+18%
Instinct Dry Kitten Food is priced above the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Freeze-Dried Kitten Food is priced within the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Wet Frozen Kitten Food Price Comparison
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
Price per lb
$6.39
$6.39
0%
Price per 100 kcal
$0.86
$0.86
0%
Price per day
$0.52
$0.52
0%
Instinct Wet Frozen Kitten Food is priced within the average market price for cat food.
Instinct Nutrient Profile Comparison
We’ve compared Instinct cat food recipes nutrient profile to the other 197 cat food brands in our database.
Dry Cat Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
44.22%
38.63%
+14%
DM Fat
20.43%
16.64%
+23%
DM Fiber
4.11%
5.22%
-21%
DM Carb
31.25%
38.21%
-18%
Wet Kitten Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
54.55%
50.77%
+7%
DM Fat
27.27%
24.53%
+11%
DM Fiber
4.55%
6.79%
-33%
DM Carb
13.64%
10.56%
+29%
Wet Frozen Cat Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
40.00%
51.40%
-22%
DM Fat
30.00%
26.02%
+15%
DM Fiber
10.00%
2.95%
+239%
DM Carb
20.00%
16.70%
+20%
Wet Cat Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
47.42%
53.21%
-11%
DM Fat
23.13%
17.63%
+31%
DM Fiber
9.32%
6.56%
+42%
DM Carb
20.14%
14.04%
+43%
Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
39.01%
48.66%
-20%
DM Fat
29.79%
26.93%
+11%
DM Fiber
11.70%
5.52%
+112%
DM Carb
19.50%
18.57%
+5%
Dry Kitten Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
46.70%
40.93%
+14%
DM Fat
24.73%
20.41%
+21%
DM Fiber
3.30%
4.05%
-19%
DM Carb
25.27%
32.98%
-23%
Freeze-Dried Kitten Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
41.49%
41.49%
0%
DM Fat
29.79%
29.79%
0%
DM Fiber
4.26%
4.26%
0%
DM Carb
24.47%
24.47%
0%
Wet Frozen Kitten Food
Brand Avg
Market Avg
% From the Avg
DM Protein
46.67%
46.67%
0%
DM Fat
26.67%
26.67%
0%
DM Fiber
10.00%
10.00%
0%
DM Carb
16.67%
16.67%
0%
All of Instinct cat food recipes meets AAFCO's minimum requirements.
Recall History
The following list (if present) shows all cat food recalls related to Instinct Cat Food Review since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.
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The Instinct cannes cat food with the “made in the USA” stamp is a wonderful recipe. But now it is made in Thailand and it’s terrible. Coagulated globules on the top of grey food. The inside of the can is not lined. No pieces of carrots or peas in the recipe. Switching brands.
The Instinct cannes cat food with the “made in the USA” stamp is a wonderful recipe. But now it is made in Thailand and it’s terrible. Coagulated globules on the top of grey food. The inside of the can is not lined. No pieces of carrots or peas in the recipe. Switching brands.