DESCRIPTION
Guided by our belief in raw, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken unlocks your cat’s potential to thrive. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. Always introduce a new food over a period of 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts of Instinct with the current food each day. Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep package sealed to maintain freshness. All Instinct products are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you or your pet are not completely satisfied with this or any Instinct product, simply return the unused portion, along with the original sales receipt, to the retailer for a complete refund or replacement.
Key Benefits:
Brand: Instinct
Food Type: Dry
Breed Size: All
Life Stage: All
Nutritional Option: Grain Free, Natural, Gluten Free
Health Consideration: General Health, Muscle Tone, Digestive Care, Skin & Coat, Immune System, Shiny Coat
Flavor: Chicken
Weight: Available Sizes: 5 lb., 20 cups/bag, 11 lb., 44 cups/bag
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Ingredients:
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 (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Freeze Dried Pollock, Taurine, Pumpkinseeds, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min): 41.0%, Crude Fat (min): 21.0%, Crude Fiber (max): 3.0%, Moisture (max): 9.0%, Vitamin E (min): 100 IU/kg, *Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (min): 85 mg/kg, *Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min): 0.45%, *Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min): 3.0%, *Bacillus coagulans (min): 60,000,000 CFU/lb, *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
Caloric Content: 4300 kcal/kg, 505 kcal/cup
Ideal feeding amounts will vary by age, weight, and activity level so the guide below should be used as an initial recommendation. Divide the cups per day by the number of feedings per day. Be sure to always provide clean, fresh water. Along with dry food, we recommend feeding raw or wet food to help increase the amount of water in your pet’s diet.
Daily Feeding Guidelines (standard 8 oz dry measuring cup):
Adult Maintenance (cups per day): 5 lb: 3/8 cup; 10 lb: 1/2 cup; 15 lb: 3/4 cup
Weight Loss (cups per day): 5 lb: 1/4 cup; 10 lb: 3/8 cup; 15 lb: 1/2 cup
Kittens: Feed up to twice the adult maintenance amount.
Pregnant/Nursing Females: Feed up to three times the adult maintenance amount shown above.
Transitioning to Instinct:
Always introduce a new foodover a period of 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts of Instinct with the current food each day.
blueannie (verified owner) –
There are very few kibbles brands that I allow my cat to eat. Instinct is at the top
of the list! I love that she can get raw and kibble together. Thanks for making a great
product!
Megan (verified owner) –
When I first decided to switch my cats off junk food, I knew with one of them it would be a struggle as she is fussy and picky. So, as a first step I was inclined to switch their dry food first. I started out mixing about 20% of the Instinct kibble with their current food. No problems at all. Over 10 days, I worked it up to 100% and the cats seemed to enjoy this kibble even more than their old stuff.
Mollymeem (verified owner) –
I have tried various other grain free kibble for my cats, but they just love Nature’s Variety! I use it to supplement their mostly wet food diet. I call the kibble “sprinkles” and I put it on top of their wet food or “snacky” for a midday treat, lol. Whenever they hear me shake the container that holds the kibble and say the word sprinkles or snacky they come running! =^..^=
JulieL (verified owner) –
My cats love this food, in all flavors! Seems to help with our oldest one’s energy level too. She spends more time playing now and less time being grumpy! The dog even loves when he can sneak a bit, cat flavor must be different… And we love supporting a Lincoln, Nebraska business. Keep up the good work!
Natalie C (verified owner) –
Even if your cat doesn’t have a sensitivity like mine, no cats should ever be consuming any ocean fish. I don’t know how I missed that’s there’s fish meal in here, when it’s the fourth ingredient. Considering how I mixed this dry food with other food, diluting it greatly, and he’s still had an allergic reaction (dermatitis and bloody scabs on his neck and scalp), and the fish meal is the FOURTH ingredient. There’s so reason for it to be in this whatsoever. It is a cheap filler. My cat also doesn’t even want to eat his food anymore, which is unlike him. He keeps trying to eat my roommates cat’s food instead, and it has to be because this food is making him feel sick. It’s bizarre to me that this could ever be considered a good brand, because in what world does it make sense to feed an animal something they were never evolved or exposed to consume in nature.
Jim666 (verified owner) –
The new freeze dried raw coating has introduced additional mess. This stuff dusts off the kibble and goes everywhere. My cats don’t notice the difference but I certainly do (but not in a good way) with all the powdery stuff that now comes with this product.
Clarinet (verified owner) –
I switched to all canned food on my vet’s recommendation, but Cody, whose prior “parents” had him on kibble for his first 3 years, didn’t eat much and was losing weight, so the vet agreed we could add some kibble to his diet. I bought this yesterday and I can NOT keep Cody off the counter while I fix the cats’ meals. I’m mixing it with the wet and he’s diving into and devouring it! Lucifer also eats it, but then he’ll eat anything!
Irish bride (verified owner) –
Looking for something a bit different. My cats are getting older and they can’t eat the freeze dried bits in the food we normally buy. This had a smaller kibble, and it’s easier for them to swallow. I wish there was a soft kibble for elderly cats.
Jess88 (verified owner) –
I started feeding my overweight cat instinct variety kibble as well as the raw frozen food and have really seen the difference! He has lost weight and absolutely loves this stuff, I throw pieces around and he chases after them like crazy so he gets some exercise out of it. He has even learned to catch them in his paws when I toss a piece to him!
Rustymercury (verified owner) –
I bought this for about 2 years and my cats were very healthy even my ferret was healthy I would recommend this to any one with pets even a ferret I wish I could still get this but for we had lost jobs and can’t afford it any more now my cats are not as healthy and my ferret has lost weight I’m so scared of losing him so most definitely this food is the best in the world just can’t wait to get jobs again so I can get it again before it’s to late for my ferret. To anyone with pets this is a must in your pets diet.
OhWoe (verified owner) –
My cat has been eating Instinct for 2 years. Just bought a new bag; she won’t touch it. I see that other comments confirm what suspect – new formula. I need to transition her to a new food now, but changing food without integrating slowly causes indigestion problems, and I have none of the old left. What to do, what to do…
Meezer Family (verified owner) –
We have been feeding Instinct Original to our cats for about ten years with excellent results.
Mariacc05 (verified owner) –
This the only brand that cat likes and mix with their wet food
rachel8272 (verified owner) –
I was originally using this as a supplemental food to the Instinct Raw just to keep the cats from waking me up at 4am LOL but now they like this better than the raw diet!
NataliaO (verified owner) –
My cat was a couple of pounds overweight and had a lot of visible dander and a dull coat. Within a month of eating this grain-free kibble, the dander was gone and the sheen returned. 6 months later, I believe she is slowly and healthfully shedding some of the extra weight. She is feistier than ever, at 9 years old!
jfuzzys1983 (verified owner) –
i bought this food for my 7 ferrets who are carnivores in the wild but as domesticated ferrets they have to eat dry kibble that usually has vegetables and fillers amd can do.more harm than good even the food that are specifically for ferrets it is not so with this natures variety instinct ..it has worked wonders on my ferrets they eat it instead of wasting it by digging. their coats are shiny and fuller and they have more energy than before!
charmed4ever (verified owner) –
I had adopted a new kitty from the shelter and was trying to slowly switcher her over from the cat chow they had been feeding to Instinct. After the first day she started to turn her nose up to the mixed food and I was worried that she didn’t like Instinct, until I found her at my other cat’s food bowl eating! She didn’t want to wait the ten day transition period, she wanted it right away1
AgnesM (verified owner) –
I love what this kibble does for my cat. She will only eat kibble, and she tends to have a sensitive stomach. But the chicken in this kibble agrees with her, no yacking up, her elimination is regular, her coat is amazing. For a cat that won’t even eat tuna out of a can, it’s really something to see her beg for dry food.
kittykittykitty (verified owner) –
For several years, one of my (3) cats had an allergy…I changed their litter thinking it was that and I told my vet about it…She suggested changing the cat food to non-grain, thinking that was the culprit….I changed to Nature Variety Instinct…I believe this was the “medicine” in curing my cat’s allergy…All (3) cats love this food and as an extra treat, I give them the Raw Boost treats…Everyone is healthy and that makes me happy!…Thank you!
peachgoddess (verified owner) –
I originally started my cats on this as I had a geriatric cat with a history of chronic cystitis. I also had an adult cat who had some previous colitis and stomach issues so was looking for something with high nutritional value and would also be gentle on their systems. This food was everything I had hoped for and more. My cats thrived on this diet.
ForrealMe2 (verified owner) –
I have tried a few different varieties of Cat food but none hold up to this brand i will continue to buy from them…my Cat is healthier with a shinier coat and this helps to maintain his weight with the can food.
crzycatperson (verified owner) –
I look for the highest protein cat food for my cats and this product has a high protein percentage.
TAU1 (verified owner) –
I’m on my third bag of Instinct. My cat likes this feed and doesn’t turn his nose up at it. He looks forward to this food every day.
The packaging is good too but I would recommend that the closure adhere to the bag a little better as the zip lock comes away from the bag.
dewy03 (verified owner) –
I bought this a few weeks ago after I noticed my cats would throw up after eating a different brand, I did some research and learned that Instinct was a good choice, so I decided to try it. So far, they have eaten with no issues!! I will buy it again and recommend it!
ferretrescue (verified owner) –
After years of research, I had found your Instinct Chicken to be a great kibble for my ferrets. This says a great deal, as ferrets are obligate carnivores, and need very high amounts of meat, no grain and garbage. I swear by this food, and recommend to many ferret owners across the country. All the sudden, I cannot find it! If I have to switch my ferrets, I will be very upset, as they have highly sensitive GI systems! Please fix any problems, and let’s get up and running again!
FischersMom (verified owner) –
A friend recommended this food for our cats and they love it. I feel good that they are getting healthy food without the byproducts added to their food.
hrdoran (verified owner) –
Now and again I switch up my cat’s food, just to introduce a little variety, and this is a brand I would go back to again.
Deedeebbbb (verified owner) –
The clay in the food caused my 4 year old cat struvite stones. No longer gonna be a customer.
Petlady23 (verified owner) –
It’s great and the only kind my pet will eat and worth price
courtney (verified owner) –
When I first got my first cat: Spock the Bengal kitten, all I knew about nutrition was that I was going to feed him the best that I could afford. His previous owner had him on a food of equal quality that is also just about the most expensive food on the market. Spock ate it okay, but since I am also on a budget, I decided to shop around for foods with a more reasonable price range of the same high quality. I tried a couple different brands and ended with Instinct. Spock LOVES it. I had an almost full bag of his old, more expensive stuff that I just mixed half and half in with the Instinct after he had transitioned over… well we are having picky eating problems…. because he will take the time to move around every piece of the other brand of kibble, eat the Instinct first, and will only eat the other stuff when he’s sure we aren’t going to put more Instinct in the bowl. He is definitely a cat that knows what he likes, and we found a food that all three of us (me, my cat, and my wallet) can agree on!
dlreyes (verified owner) –
I have been searching for a long time for a healthy, grain free food that would satisfy all 5 of my cats in different life stages and was happy to find this one. My 19 year old senior, 2 cats that are 7 years and 2 kittens 6 months of age will all eat this food! Amazing! So glad to see the kitties kick the cereal habit and know that they are eating a food that is so much better for them and was approved by my veterinarian.
blackcatbart (verified owner) –
Our five cats have eaten Instinct grain-free kibble for years since a vet recommended it for one of the cats experiencing skin rashes. Not only did the rash clear up, the all the cats are healthy and love the food.
OKcorral (verified owner) –
I have been buying this food for nearly 5 years. It is great and my cats love it. Their favorite is the rabbit formula, but the stores in our area have stopped carrying it. The chicken formula is great, but with the rabbit, my cats’ skin and fur seem even more healthy. I rated this food with only 4 stars because of the packaging. The new bags are really hard to close due to the location of the zipper. People with smaller hands have trouble zipping the bag closed. Since this is an organic food, it would be nice if the company could move away from the plastic bag and use something that is biodegradable and earth friendly. Those are my thoughts; great food, bad packaging.
Erik68 (verified owner) –
Normally we get the Instinct 95, but our store was out, so we got this one in a pinch. Cats still ate it, but we will stock up on the higher grade so we dont run out.
KatW (verified owner) –
My two 11 year old cats have been eating the Instinct chicken kibble for a few years now. When I first had them on this food, I noticed nearly immediately that their energy level increased. They also lost about 5-7 lbs of unwanted weight as well within the 1st year of switching to this food. Nacho & Lloyd have very smooth and silky coats and have excellent digestion due to this food!
Toria (verified owner) –
My cat likes it, her coat is shiny and plush – I get compliments from the vet! – and I’m happy that it’s grain free. It’s a bit pricey, but in the world of pet food you really do get what you pay for.
ElJay (verified owner) –
I fed my cats the old chicken meal formula with the freeze dried nuggets for years. Yesterday I opened a bag of the new formula with the raw coating and they aren’t eating it at all. My male cat tries, spits it out and then mews plaintively. The female, normally a voracious eater, manages to eat a few morsels at a time and then gives up. Tomorrow I’ll have to make a special 25 mile round trip to the feed store to find another brand.
Kalla (verified owner) –
Every time I tried to change food I couldn’t because my cats either didn’t like them, or they threw up, or they would eat for for a week and then not eating it at all. This is the first food they all liked without buts!
Erica1979 (verified owner) –
My cats have been eating instinct chicken kibble for over 3 years. Sometime last year, two of my cats started throwing up the food and having….digestive issues…in the litter box. The other cat started losing weight. Now we are in February and the problems persist. Two of my cats have lost weight and two continue to throw it up. The vet says to switch foods, although I started feeding it to them because it stopped the throwing up of the previous food. The smell of the food is not something I want all over my house either, it is very pungent. I may have to switch back to raw…if they haven’t changed that one too. 🙁
Sweet fur ball (verified owner) –
We bought this food after our cat was 6 months old, she has now moved on to the adult, we love this brands and feel it works great for her paired with their healthy cravings niblets. Her coat and health are great!
Priss (verified owner) –
I have noticed that the bags are getting smaller and smaller with the price staying the same or going up. One bag of dry cat food used to last my two cats two months, now it is shy of the two months by a few weeks. If they get any smaller, I will learn how to make my own dry cat food. It seems everyone is in on the Shrinking packages these days. I would rather pay a little more and have the bigger bag. My cats do eat Instincts dry, so I continue to buy it.
angelamae (verified owner) –
I started feeding my kitties this food a couple of years ago- I meddled in the LID at first but ultimately switched them all to Chicken Meal and I have seen their weight go down to the weight they were back 5 years ago! Their skin is shiny and fur is very healthy and I am so happy that I can feed them all the same food without issue. 🙂
NicoleO (verified owner) –
I switched from the traditional cat food filled with all the bad things cats don’t or can’t have in their diet because my cats were having some throwing up issues. It seems to help most of the problems. I still have a few that continue to do their same as before on the other food. But over all, its a great natural food for your cats.
asat (verified owner) –
Kitten really like this food, I got her to try it since it’s a food for all life stage and she can eat this even when she is an adult / senior cat 🙂
katpenn (verified owner) –
About a year ago I decided to feed my cats a grain-free product. Several of my “cat buddies” used Instinct so I thought I would give it a try. After they had been eating it for a while, their health improved dramatically! I am soooo glad I tried it!
mutts4me (verified owner) –
All of my cats love this food, and it seems to keep their coats nicer than anything else I have tried.
Lynn the cat lover (verified owner) –
I have been feeding my cat this dry food for about one year. It is good and does not have any meat by-products or grains. My cat is prone to weight gain, so, I do not free feed but rather give her small portions a few times per day.
crOB (verified owner) –
My cat was very sick. Found out he has IBS and he was put on a grain-free diet. He has been healthy ever since. He loves the taste of the Instinct chicken kibbles. We have tried other brands but, he will not touch it.
CassT (verified owner) –
I was skeptical about this food as it is a freeze-dried product. When I set the bag on the counter before putting it away, 3 of my 4 cats were circling the bag smelling it. Like all cat owners know, cats can be very picky about food, but I was amazed that all 4 of my cats love this food. They come running every afternoon when I open the bag to feed them. My oldest cat gets very chatty just knowing he is getting it.
KimberlyB (verified owner) –
I really like this dry kibble. My 7 year old Maine Coon really loves it. It’s great for his coat and loves it!
DJ Cat Daddy (verified owner) –
Well, according to Cats.com Instincts is one of the best kibble-type foods for cats. My kiddos eat it. They are the best ones to review!
Djc6851 (verified owner) –
Purrrrrr (verified owner) –
I researched cat food for weeks before I finally made a decision on Instinct Cat Food specifically because it’s grain free, and cats and dogs should not be eating grains, they are just fillers and not good for their digestive systems. They not only have more energy, I’m a firm believer that their lives will be extended due to this choice. I live in the woods and have adopted many wild cats and even feed them this food especially since they normally eat rodents, birds and bugs, this is the closest thing I could find to fit their wild food habits. My indoor cats I also treat them with the can/wet food twice a week.
PatriciaD (verified owner) –
My cats and I are all very happy with Instinct Kibble. I have two somewhat finicky girls and two boys who are basically chowhounds and they all do well on Instinct.
duckyduck4444 (verified owner) –
At the shelter where we adopted our kittens, they were hooked on horrible commercial pet food – basically the equivalent of junk food for cats, from what we can see on the ingredients list. It is hard to change their food from what they were used to, especially when there are environmental changes – getting used to a new place, etc – but they liked this kibble immediately. We tried a few other brands but it didn’t take. I think that the coating on this appealed to them or something, since they had no problem switching to this in one try!
Tufftao (verified owner) –
Changed to Instinct months ago and he loves it!!!
After only a few days , he was looking so healthy and energized!
Definitely the best cat food i ever bought!!!
Apollo (verified owner) –
We have two cats that were happily eating the chicken Instinct kibble. But the product has changed with the “freeze dried raw coating”. The kibble bits are now smaller, and the taste must be different as our cats won’t touch the new stuff. I’m found a small bag of the old kibble and our cats will pick these out of a bowl of the new stuff. But I’m running out of the old and don’t see it on your web site. Please don’t tell me you have discontinued this once great product.
Lubbockjoshua (verified owner) –
We have 3 cat they enjoy the chicken. They are not a fan of the salmon.
carcnz (verified owner) –
My cat has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and I have been searching for YEARS for a food that doesn’t irritate her. I tried the “alphabet” diet recommended by my vet – it worked for a while. Then my cat started vomiting blood again. Since she has been on this food – she has been healthy! :))
Catherine1 (verified owner) –
My cats are now enjoying Instinct Grain-Free Chicken but every time I buy them any Natures Variety products, they eat without fussing. They are happy campers and I know they are eating quality meals free from allergens.
Brittk (verified owner) –
I have three cats one of which has severe skin allergies and the other has digestion issues. We had to keep switching foods constantly to find the one that didn’t cause a bad reaction or one that they actually liked! When we stumbled upon Instinct we were so happy! This food never gets recalled (which is important to me) and its helped my cats in more ways then one!
JennaO89 (verified owner) –
All 5 of our furry friends love this kibble, even our pickiest cat who doesn’t seem interested in many foods we have tried. 10 paws up!
Freaky Boy (verified owner) –
My 12 yr old cat had a cancerous tumor on his right hind leg. Vet said 6 mos to live. I switched from regular grocery store cat kibble to Nature’s Variety, along with some immune system boosting herbs. My cat is now 15 yrs old and after an amputation of that leg, He is healthier than ever! Thank you, so glad I followed My “Instinct”…s.
LWRK (verified owner) –
Why change a good thing? My cat has been puking since I bought a new bag of kibble. I mixed in with my old bag of chicken to make it easier. He has puked every night. I am going to have to find another brand. I’m so disappointed.
BrendaL (verified owner) –
I have fed this food to my cats since adopting them in 2011 at about 10 weeks old. The ingredients make me feel like I am doing all I can to provide them with a diet that is appropriate to their needs. They are now both very happy, healthy adults who still enjoy their Instinct.
Peppercat (verified owner) –
Wish it hadn’t disappeared in our area. petsupplycanada carries it, but only has expired bags of the dry cat food left. Now I have to find a new brand.
Pattie Crazy Cat Lady (verified owner) –
I really love this food, since my cats started eating this their coats are so shiny and smooth. They are extremely healthy and so full of vitality. All 11 of my cats eat it and they absolutely love it. I will never use any other food.
Gazelle (verified owner) –
I bought this a week ago and I changed my baby’s food gradually. Despite that she got sick and she was vomiting all night. I’m not sure yet if she’s got any inflammation or no since I’m waiting for the rest result, but just be nice to your furry family member and don’t feed them something to make them sick.
Sherimy (verified owner) –
This is the only cat food my cat has eaten since I got him almost a year ago. I compared many brands looking for high protein content. Instinct is grain free and 41% crude protein. Fat, fiber and other nutrients are the content I was looking for. He likes the taste of Instinct, refusing to eat the one other product I tried to introduce. We love it!
Candy (verified owner) –
I love this cat food for my cats! My shynx had horrible diarrhea when I got him. I tried tons of different foods for him and nothing worked, took him to the vet and they couldn’t find anything wrong with him. I read reviews on this product and decided to give it a try. I will never give my cats any other type of food!
Delphinebea (verified owner) –
I feed my 2 kitties with instinct wet and dry food. They have an amazing fur. I greatly recommend the brand
Reece387 (verified owner) –
Every time we take our cats to the vet the love how soft our cats die is and every time I mention this high protein cat food and they instantly say well that makes sense. Plus the cats love it !!
Tinks (verified owner) –
My cat has eosinophilia granuloma and Instinct is the only food that doesn’t cause rash breakouts. He loves it, too.
kendraw101 (verified owner) –
Switching over from another grain free dry food that was recently recalled SEVERAL times, Nature’s Variety was an excellent change. I figured my 3 cats would get sick the first few days because of the change, but they didn’t. Their bowel movements don’t smell NEARLY as much as they used to, and not once have they gotten sick. Nature’s Variety is something I’ve referred to my family, friends and even strangers at the store!
kittymom4 (verified owner) –
I agree with the previous commenter. Great food, lousy packaging. I’m referring to the large size bag. The zipper at the top was great – why change it? Where it’s located now makes it very difficult to zip up. Must be our small hands. I believe an airtight bag is super important so please change it back! I’m sure we aren’t the only ones having this issue.
Fostemom (verified owner) –
I have 3 cats and they absolutely love this food and the other flavors I also foster cats and they all have loved it too! Been my everyday cat food for 2+ years
elleg (verified owner) –
This is a great product. Our cats love the food and their coats are so soft and silky. We have bought the small and the big bags and it is ridiculous how hard it is to close (hard to keep fresh that way. THey need to fix that otherwise it is a greta product.
Pinkfins_214 (verified owner) –
I have 3 cats and usually they finish the cat food right away. I bought this cat food and it lasts longer, they also love it. Not to mention it’s healthier then most cat foods.
lovemycat (verified owner) –
Have been feeding Nature’s Variety Instinct to my cat for about 9 months since her previous favorite food was repeatedly recalled. She took right to it, and eagerly eats twice a day. So glad my vet recommended it for it’s high protein and no grain content.
bennies (verified owner) –
I have been mixing this cat food with other cat foods like CoreRawRev and PowerFood, and highly recommend to do so as well, as it is been providing the optimal energy levels and nutrition to meet my bengal cat’s high demands, which I find all other foods leave my bengal lethargic and apparent malnourished.
harryc77 (verified owner) –
All I could ask for. Cats love it and they seem to do well on it!
Glinda (verified owner) –
My senior cat has really bad food allergies, every time I put her on a food, she becomes allergic to it. She was having issues with a high tier food and I moved her to this, it has done absolute wonders, and she loves it!
Catastic (verified owner) –
I tried various dry food brands for my cat to eat. This is the only brand that she eats.
Copeland1992 (verified owner) –
Just bought a bag and it’s full of bugs. I had picked up another bag of the rabbit and there were webs all over the bag. So I got the chicken thinking it would be okay.
christinegube (verified owner) –
I have 3 cats: Manny, who is going to be 8; Chessie who is going to be 7 and Chloe, who is now 1 1/2. They all love their Instinct Chicken and Turkey Meal, also. They are super healthy with bright shiny coats. Keeps them up and running!
kgirl (verified owner) –
My two rescue kitties, two brothers from a litter of 5, love the taste of this product. I can see the difference in their coats and energy levels versus the cheap stuff. They eat less and litter box clean-up is better too, if you know what I mean !
Lolypa (verified owner) –
The ingredient change has made my cat itch, scratch and chew her hair off. My vet kept asking me what has changed in my cat’s life. Nothing has changed. The main question that I’ve been asked over and over is “Have you changed her food and what else are you feeding her?” No and nothing else. Then the vet suggested that find out if the formula and ingredients have changed in the food that she has been eating for the past 6 years. Well yes it has. This really upsets me as I was totally unaware that the ingredients changed-a long time ago….the same time my poor little kitty-cat started having problems. My other cat is not affected by the change.
HappyButtons1 (verified owner) –
Our little female cat, Buttons, is about 2 years old. She is a tiny black, short-haired cat with a fussy tummy, which results in blood in her stool. We have tried a lot of grain-free, limited ingredient kibbles around the same price range, but ONLY the Instinct Raw Kibbles (chicken or duck) have cleared up the bloody poops. If you’re wondering, we’ve had her stool checked, de-wormed, had her fixed….she just has a fussy tummy and this kibble has been our saving grace.
MichelleB (verified owner) –
All four of my cats are very picky. I myself eat a plant based diet so I am also very picky with what they eat. They all love the kibble as well as the cans. I give them the kibble as a treat. There fur is shiny and soft. Very rarely do they have fur ball anymore. And have the energy of little kittens. There ages are 11 years, 7 years, 3 years and 8 months. Love your products.
R2Cats (verified owner) –
NV Instinct is the perfect kibble .. Our cats are crazy about it .. I think some wet food in the diet is very important . Since the only canned our two picky cats will eat is Fancy Feast Classics I wanted to find very good kibble to make up the difference . NV Instinct is it .. Our cats are looking great and they love every bite ..
sonaramary (verified owner) –
Fabulous! I have two cats that have been eating this exclusively for 3 years. Both cats look forward to their feedings and enjoy this flavor. Over this 3 year period, neither cat has become disinterested in their food. AND it is $5.00 less per bag than the food I was previously feeding (that is a $60.00 savings per year for us). A great find!
patrasch (verified owner) –
I have two kitties and they both love Instinct. They have both reached a healthier weight and are happy, healthy cats. I like being able to switch between the different formulas without a break-in.
semer (verified owner) –
I have tried many high quality foods for my cat Smokey. He was a stray we cat-napped hanging around my mother’s house and have had him about 14 years now, so I know he’s getting up there in age. He is also a picky eater. When I tried Instinct, it’s as if he can’t get enough he loves it so much. We also tried the one with the raw bits, but he only ate around the raw pieces. He is still a healthy, frisky, loving boy that is spoiled to the max and I believe his food has a lot to do with it.
Emmy22684 (verified owner) –
I buy this food regularly for my cats. It’s pretty expensive. Most of the time the quality appears good and my cats like the food and are healthy. Occasionally I get a bag where the food appears darker in color and seems to look and smell like it’s been burned. My most recent purchase was like this. Very disappointing for the money. Seems there is a quality control issue.
lisag1166 (verified owner) –
NV Instinct is a great cat food, I even use it for my ferrets, which says a great deal. It has great ingredients, and I recommend it to cat and ferret owners, all the time.
Mewlittle (verified owner) –
This catfood saved 4 of my cats 3 i still have of them currently Blanket was 14 yrs old when i tried this food on her she was going down hill vomiting loosing hair loosing weight URI issues after i switched her no more issues her coat is better more energy she is now 16 going on 17 and Brandon lost 70% of his hair puking bad diarrhea dehydrated went from 16lbs to 6lbs UTIs there was more then that wrong with him i thought he was going to die after i switched him to this i saw a big change now he is healthy no issues he was 7 at the time now he is going on 10 Marty was 7 mos old around there he started to show signs of brandons issues after i switched him he is allot better now he is over 2 yrs old now and poor little Mewlittle she was around 2 when she was having issues like brandon she also had breast cancer tumer after i switched her to this no more issues either i think it extended her life her tumer growth slowed down but she lost the fight on july 6 2013 and when one of my cats was pregnant i feed her this durring her pregnancy all 5 of her kittens came out healthy there big for there age now doing great it also benifited all the other cats i feed it to thank you for making a great food and the dog version of this saved my dachshunds life they was having issues also anyway all healthy now 🙂 thank you for making this food it saves lifes
MoniM (verified owner) –
My cats flat out never liked healthy food so every time I tried to feed them the healthy stuff, they’d barely touch it so I was a little nervous when I bought this. Well, as soon as I opened the bag.. strong aroma and my cats came running Lol they are on their 3rd day and are loving it. Finally found a winner!! Thank you for making such an excellent product!!
janette (verified owner) –
I have a 8 year old cat who has always been a chow-hound and struggled with her weight. She goes crazy for her new kibble (she can smell it when I bring the new bag home!) and loves it. Since switching her to this kibble she has slimmed down and looks the best she ever has. Her coat is healthy and she has been more active than ever. I was a little nervous about the price but when I did the math and calculated the unit price it was a better deal than some of the other high-end brands. My dog also eats NV raw so I am a big fan of this brand!
nicki418 (verified owner) –
I adopted my cat over a year ago and have been feeding him the chicken instinct almost the whole time. He seems to love it.
Lisa08 (verified owner) –
This is the only food my cat will eat! We found out he is highly sensitive to certain cat foods and the Vet said that he needs to eat “Grain Free” cat food. In the beginning we had to find a cat food he would eat. We tried other ” Grain Free” brands, but he would not eat them. When we came across instinct, we were so excited to find out that he absolutely loved it. We are so pleased with your product. It was like a picky child who refused to eat until we found you. Thanks Natures Variety!!!
Dee21 (verified owner) –
My cats love this brand! This is one of the few brands I keep buying. My 2 black cats gobble it up quickly.
EKipper (verified owner) –
My cats have been eating this food for years and they love it! After having a cat prior with diabetes, I really pay attention to healthy ingredients.
92688Mom (verified owner) –
I recently switched from a regular kibble to this raw-coated kibble to add a little additional nutrition to their diets. I foster kittens and have 2 cats of my own and they all love this food. You can see the coating on the kibble, so I feel like there really is a decent amount of raw coating, given their lustrous coats.
Baldylocks (verified owner) –
I have been feeding my fussy eater cat Instinct Original chicken cat food for along time she will eat other instinct cat foods but she LOVES. Instinct Original .
LoBotomy (verified owner) –
I’m really picky about what I give my pets. I want them to get the healthiest food available to them. I am living on a budget and can’t afford to feed my cats raw meat–but this food in addition to the canned food is a great alternative! It’s healthy and they really love it! 🙂
RosemaryB (verified owner) –
I have 7 ferrets and they all have beautiful coats and have gained weight since they started eating this great food. It’s much better for them than most foods made for ferrets.
Carole (verified owner) –
My five kitties are very happy with their new food. My gang ranges in age from 1 1/2 – 9. One kitty is very picky and he loves the Instinct Grain-Free Chicken Kibble. My oldest has a very sensitive stomach and the Instinct has not bothered her one bit. With 5 cats it’s always nice to be able to have one food choice that works for all of them!
Goose1968 (verified owner) –
Changed to Instinct recently and the cats (all 5 of them) love it.
Freakye76 (verified owner) –
To start our cat is the most finicky cat we have ever had. She has also always had a very sensitive stomach. We have tried several different brands and she would get board of them quickly. Once she was done with them she would switch to the local wildlife like rabbits, rats, birds and lizards. This would cause her to get sick and would cost us a trip the the vet a few times and we would change her diet. This is the first food that she loves and for months now she has not brought home any critters. Her coat and overall health has improved dramatically. She is a new cat with lots of energy and looks great. I can’t even tell you how many different brands I tried, and this is hands down the best one, thanks Instinct.
Claire50 (verified owner) –
My kitty cat Holly loves this product for dry food. She has been eating this food for almost 3 years. Holly’s favorite’s are the chicken and salmon Nature Variety Instinct.
Brandee1979 (verified owner) –
I found the Instinct after looking for something a little closer to a diet that wild cat in the wild would eat. When I started this diet I saw several improvements from less stink to more energy. Karma, my little girl, likes to eat anything but not everything will stay down, with the chicken formula I never have any problems. I hope to keep my cats on this diet for the rest of their lives!
clke (verified owner) –
I started feeding Nature’s Variety almost six months ago, and my cat loves it! He is notoriously picky, and this is the only brand of “premium” food I’ve tried that he actually enjoys.
Lolly (verified owner) –
I agree with other reviews that the new ziplock placement is terrible and difficult to get closed! But been feeding this to my cats for about 4 yrs. One of my cats developed chin acne and I switched to this food and it cleared up in <2 weeks and never returned. I also free feed and they do not over eat and are the perfect weight.
Dragct (verified owner) –
I was excited about this product after the research I did; however, our 3 cats do not like this food. They will only eat it if they are really really hungry. I bought the dry and the wet and they really do NOT like the wet instinct chicken. Also, we have noticed that their feces smells horrible – so much worse than before. We will have to switch to another product. There goes money down the drain…
Jasper (verified owner) –
I bought this on suggestion of my Vetrenarian that my cat may have a food allergy. What a difference!!!!!!!!!! Since I’ve switched to this food she vomits very seldom and looks and acts much healthier. She used to vomit on a dailey basis. Her fur is much better and she has put on much needed weight, but not too much. The food is more expensive but my 2 cats each much less of it.
Taffy3 (verified owner) –
I have 3 older kitty boys and they’re liking this food. I’m trying to feed them as much raw, high-quality, grain-free food as possible. Nature’s Variety appears to be an excellent brand.
Mainecoonmomma (verified owner) –
My cat is eating it, but not with as much gusto as before. The ingredients were a lot more attractive before the changes. I have found from reading cat message boards that people get upset and never return once a company changes formulas and loses the trust of the customer. If kitty isn’t happy then the one who lays the cash down for their food isn’t happy……I will look for new food now because I’m leery of future changes and the deaf ear the company has toward past loyal customers.
SadHungryCats (verified owner) –
Cats have been eating instinct for years and loved it, but they flat out refuse to eat the new formula. I have been trying to get both to eat it for several weeks but they just sit and stare, both starting to lose weight from not eating properly, I am sadly on the hunt for a new brand.
Wille (verified owner) –
My 4 year old cat LOVES Instinct Grain Free Kibble! His energy level is over the top, almost obnoxious at times. He just can’t help himself, he feels great! And his coat is thick and luxuriant. I’m so pleased to have this super premium food for my beloved Jelly Bean.
CatsWontEatItAnymore (verified owner) –
We have been buying NV Instinct Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula for several years after doing a great deal of nutrition research and taste testing with our cats. Now you have quietly snuck in a change in the formula and a “raw” coating. Cats won’t eat it and we won’t buy it anymore. We start new product search.
Natures (verified owner) –
There are times when I run out of Natures Variety Instinct Chicken Kibble food.Those times when I run out I will give my cats Natures Variety Prairie Chicken Dog food till I get to the store.In the mean time my 7 cats cry like babies non stop.During a test one time when I ran out.I took a few sample bags of another cat food.My cat’s still cried like babies till I gave them Natures Variety Instinct Chicken cat food.The way my cats cry for Natures Variety tells me how much they love the food.
MaryPuppins (verified owner) –
I have changed my cat’s dry kibble a year ago to Instinct. She just loves it. Her coat is softer and she has maintained her proper weight. Instinct keeps her satisfied other brands did not.
PhilG (verified owner) –
We have some very finicky cats in our household. After trying several different high end cat food brands, this came out as our cats’ favorite. It makes their fur soft and shiny, and just overall makes then healthier.
ShannonM (verified owner) –
Our two kittens absolutely adore their food. We feed them twice a day and if we’re running a little late, they definitely remind us by pushing their bowls into the living room to let us know that they are still empty. They start crying when I get their food out and race me to their dishes – purring the whole way. And then commence to eat while they are purring! And besides them just absolutely loving it, it also is making them so healthy looking – they’re exactly where they should be for their age and their vet thinks they look great!
Happycats (verified owner) –
I had been feeding all four of my cats premium cat food, yet three were underweight and one was 26 pounds. (Even a prescription diet didn’t help.) Hairballs plagued us, coats were lack luster and no one seemed very happy. I switched to grain free chicken over two years ago and in short order the underweight cats filled in nicely and my obese boy began thinning out. They all are content and healthy, with shiny coats. I daresay they radiate wellbeing. We mix in the rabbit kibble and crumble the freeze dried raw on top. Sadly, since this turnabout I lost my massive Dixie Bear, but his “sister”, Sally Mae, is about 15. I got her when she was 5. She has always had seizures, though the cause is unknown. It has now been over a year since she has seized. There”s no telling why this is, or if it will continue. I am just grateful that I was able to remove the stress of a poor diet for my angels.
Isabelle27 (verified owner) –
I started my cat on this food about 3 months ago, and nothing else has changed and she’s recently begun vomiting. I have about 2 12lb bags left of this food and my Vet is telling me to change diets. This food is pretty expensive to let 2 bags go without being returned, but because I have no receipt I am stuck. I am not sure what other protein would be a good option to switch to – any ideas?
Katie99 (verified owner) –
We switched our brand new kittens from purina kitten to Instinct Original Chicken and they love it. We tried Acana cat food and they both refused it. Instinct was the way to go for them. The only thing I don’t like is the ingredient Tapioca because it is a starch that turns to sugar. I hope this ingredient is removed in the future and replaced with something better to hold the kibble together.
Anita (verified owner) –
I have been feeding my cat this limited ingredient Rabbit food for over a year with no issue. I just purchased her a new bag and the kibble is smaller and now she is vomiting with loose stools.
Puckster02 (verified owner) –
I’ve been feeding my two cats this for the past 6 months or so and they love it.
Then today, for the first time I purchased the large 11lb bag. The kibble in this bag was distinctly different from the past smaller bags I have been purchasing. It was not the small round disc shape, but rather had a smaller “grapenuts” like texture. And also, while the kibble previously had a “fishy” smell, the new kibble is almost odorless.
I will see if my cats are as interested in this new formula, and if not, will have to return and move on to other food.
StephanieMc (verified owner) –
I have a tuxedo cat that is a tad overweight & I recently switched her food as a friend highly recommended Natures Instinct. She took to the food right away and I has tons of energy! My other cat was recently diagnosed with kidney issues and is on a special diet but gets into this food as well. Within 2 weeks her blood work has come back better & her energy level is back to normal! My vet agreed it’s ok for her to continue eating this food since she’s improving so much! Win-win for both my girls!
Leo5 (verified owner) –
Been buying this food for a while!!
My cats love it,
Heitzler2 (verified owner) –
My cat, Charlie, tends to have issues with digestion. I have tried many foods, and each time he’ll smell the bag and then walk away. He will eat pretty much any food, but wasn’t enthusiastic about any of them. Until I got him Instinct! Now, they both (him and his sister, Daphne) will try to bite through the bag. Not only that, but he throws up a lot less and his weight is equalizing! Thank you, for this food. Love, love, love it!
SimbaAndChewie (verified owner) –
I have fed this kibble to my cats for about 3 years now. One of my cats is 19, the other 3, and they both have the most shiny, amazing coats. I think it is because of their diet of this food and the Instinct canned food (they get two small meals of canned, and one of kibble). They like their canned food – but they LOVE their kibble! It is their mid-day treat!
CarlyBee (verified owner) –
I have been buying this for my cat for over a year with no issues. I bought a new bag and it gave my cat diarrhea for 3 days straight. Finally decided to take him off of it, switched to a store brand food and he’s fine. Looked it up and NV has had recalls for salmonella so I probably won’t buy this brand again. Such a shame as my cat really seemed to enjoy it previously. Cannot take the chance on his tummy though. I will be returning the bag.
SamanthaM (verified owner) –
Most of the time, all seven of my cats will eat this food without a problem. However there are occasional times where the kibble is visibly different and the cats don’t eat it as well as they usually do. It doesn’t happen very often, but it had happened on more than one occasion.
Beanie (verified owner) –
My cat who is now just over a year old has been on this food since I got her. She loves it and she free eats as I just put a half cup in her dish as it gets empty. I also only feed her dry food and no table scraps. The only other thing she eats are any bugs that get into the house as she is an indoor cat. Her weight and health is on point and I would not change her food unless a dramatic reason were to raise it’s head.
Messe du over (verified owner) –
On the web for pets mart they show 5 lb bags and another price increase,also the weight at the store was4.5 wit same price increase
Lilah D (verified owner) –
First quality food all my cats like without causing stomach issues
Shelby (verified owner) –
I started feeding my cat Instinct about 8 months ago. She has never looked healthier. Her coat is so so soft, and she doesn’t have bad gas like she did when she was eating cheap grocery store cat food. I really am amazed at the difference.
NorbieB (verified owner) –
I have been feeding my 10 year old cat Instinct cat food for over a year because she had allergies to other foods. This was a good change for her, this food helped her stomach issues, if anything she was a little constipated. I bought a new bag and now she has runny stool. How long ago did you change the formula, if this keeps up I will have to change foods. I was very satisfied with the old formula and I understand that you sometimes have to change things. It’s no reflection on your product, I need to do what is best for my cat.
JacSho (verified owner) –
My ragdoll loves the chicken and salmon from this brand. Its got some freeze dried pellets which is lovely addition to the packet.
Siberian cat lover (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this for for my Siberian Forest cats for several years now. It’s grain free so an appropriate diet for them and unlike the other grain free brands I’ve tried, they actually live it. Highly recommend this food.
Magaw0226 (verified owner) –
Our rescue kitty is very picky and has a very sensitive tummy. It has been a real struggle to find a food that doesn’t upset her insides but she will eat. Instincts Original is the best we have found that solves both issues.
Chrissy3012 (verified owner) –
Through odd circumstances, I wound up taking in a senior cat with diabetes. Within 1 month of changing his food and with only 2 weeks of supportive insulin treatment, he no longer is diabetic. I attribute his succes in large part to wholesome nutrition provided by Instinct. He immediately took to the food and enjoys the chicken variety. Better food and better care may give him additional time he otherwise wouldn’t have had.
michael17 (verified owner) –
once my cat started eating this i saw a big change in her fur. her fur became like silk
BernadetteM (verified owner) –
My 11 year old cat was diagnosed one year ago with inflammatory bowel disease and our vet recommended Instinct grain free cat food along with a steroid to help stop her vomiting and calm her intestinal tract. She loves the taste and comes running when I open the bag! She still vomits once in a while when she steals too much people-food, but overall she’s doing much better. She gained back two pounds shortly after switching foods, and her health is much better.
Amanda C (verified owner) –
I used this food for many years but am not thrilled that they added peas to the ingredients. I’m currently looking for a new food to use. I wish they’d go back to their old formula.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This is the only food my cats will eat. Their coats are nice and shiny, and they seem happy and healthy with this food.
Hankins219 (verified owner) –
I work for a small rescue group. After switching my own cats to instinct, we decided to switch the rescue cats as well. All took to the food very quickly. All cats are thriving on the dry/canned diets!
Jammies (verified owner) –
I’ve been feeding my 15 year old Maine Coon this formula for YEARS with success because he forms urinary crystals, and a low carb diet (PH specific) is a must. I’m very disappointed to see the carb content increase. On a side, note, the new formula STINKS UP THE KITCHEN!!!!! At least the old one smelled like food; this one smells like … McDonalds? EEW EEEW EEW.
hleights (verified owner) –
I have an older cat that is a picky eater and prefers a dry food. I wanted one that was low in carbohydrates that she would actually eat. Almost impossible to find. I discovered an exact match with the Instinct Grain- Free-Chicken. Not only does my older cat love it but my 2 other cats do as well. I had given up hope of finding a truly low carbohydrate dry food.
NoCitykitty (verified owner) –
Cats all seem to like it and are healthier for it!
LindaCat (verified owner) –
Rascal, my 12lb Maine Coon was on her kibble food recipe (by a prominent manufacturer). She wasn’t eating well, her previously shiny coat became dull, and her weight started dropping. Her perky personality also became somewhat listless. I went to my store and told them what was happening. They recommended Instinct. She dug in and started gaining weight, her coat regained its shine, and she now runs the house again. Thank you for Instinct.
SaraDee (verified owner) –
About 6 months ago, we transitioned our 8 year-old tortie from being and indoor/outdoor cat to only indoors. I was concerned about her nutrition as an indoor cat as she was no longer able to hunt, kill, and eat live prey (she left us many presents on our doorstep). I wanted a more biologically appropriate diet — a diet with more emphasis on quality protein and less carbohydrates and filler. I did plenty of research and found that Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free Kibble had the highest protein content of dry cat food compared to most brands of all price ranges. We tried the chicken variety, and it was an instant hit! We feed her an amount to maintain her weight and she always finishes her meals with gusto. Since starting her on this diet, we’ve noticed her softer, shinier coat and increased energy level. Best of all, her feces have less odor and she has stopped scooting her bum on the carpet, which is sometimes indicative of constipation. We’re certain these positive changes are due to her better diet. Thank you Nature’s Variety for keeping our mature cat happy and healthy!
Webster (verified owner) –
I switched to this brand of dry food based on a recommendation from our vet and a friend. Both of my cats love it. It was easy to transition them to it. I feel better feeding them this dry food. My more agile cat tries to jump up to the closet shelf to get to the bag of it!
laurame78 (verified owner) –
My cats have been eating the kibble for over a year. Now this new formula has caused major digestive upset! And what’s with all the crumbs in the bag? Not happy at all!
SnakeManBates (verified owner) –
This is the only product I will feed my cat!! Well balance with healthy ingredients.after working in a pet store for 10 years, this is what I pick to give to my cat plus she loves it!!
Magaw0226 (verified owner) –
And we feel good giving it to them, since all the ingredients are natural and US made.
JulianneH (verified owner) –
Catherine and Isabelle keep our winery and vineyard rodent free, but between their self-caught live meals, they need a high protein, nutrient rich food and Instinct is the best!
JR77 (verified owner) –
My Beautiful cat was eating regular food and he was getting sick from it. I didn’t know what to feed him and I researched his symptoms and I saw a review of Nature’s Variety and how a woman’s cat was benefiting from his new diet. The next day I purchased the Nature’s Variety kibble and literally overnight my kitty was getting better since i started feeding him the kibble his coat and eyes are shinier and he acts like a kitten! thank you for helping my precious boy!
Kalea (verified owner) –
My Cat is allergic to all types of fish. Switching to this brand was my intention as it is a bit more nutritious compared to SD. I only fed my cats natural ingredient food and this seemed perfect, until I realized that they added fish to their chicken formula?! My cat who is allergic to fish had her allergies flare up because of this. Why wouldn’t you make it pure chicken for a chicken meal.
Steve_H (verified owner) –
My cat mainly eats wet food, but I give her some Instinct dry overnight because it is a higher protein content dry food. She likes it as much has her treats too.
Kristy4125 (verified owner) –
My 2 cats absolutely love this food. Their coats are super shiny and they have tons energy and are very healthy. I definitely would recommend this food if your trying to feed your fur babies the best.
Lolo123 (verified owner) –
My cats are very picky when it comes to their food but they love the taste of this kibble and eat it right up. Its also good for them so I love buying it 🙂
Caroussel87 (verified owner) –
My cats are 2.5 years old, this food, same size was almost $12 cheaper 2 years ago. How can something go up in price this quickly and this much!!! It’s mind blowing.
JessicaS (verified owner) –
We have 3 very spoiled cats at our house Starla [10], Malakhi[7], and Loki[2], and two of them gradually developed allergies. Malakhi doesn’t tolerate food coloring [which caused him to vomit], and Starla was a mystery. After two ear infections and 4 trips to the vet with no results, her allergies had gotten so bad, she had pulled out any fur she could reach, and was constantly twitching and scratching herself raw. After weeks of research we decided to use Natures Instinct.Two and a half months later, all three cats have thicker, shinier coats, a better disposition, and a less ‘icky’ litter box. But the most amazing part was Starla’s complete recovery without the use of the steroids usually used for allergy treatments! Thanks Instinct Raw, you were literally a life saver!
HueysMom (verified owner) –
I agree with the previous comments about the new formulation from summer 2014. It looks like the company has heeded the remarks and re-formulated again, this time back to the uncoated version. I’m wondering how the new “Pride” formula compares to the original Instinct kibble. ??? Can anyone provide a comparison? One thing I can notice is that Pride does not contain probiotics.
bengalbob (verified owner) –
I rotate flavors frequently but he seems to love the chicken one the most I think. As always, I love all the ingredients and am so happy with how affordable it’s been to keep him on a grain free diet.
Michelle1234 (verified owner) –
I have a newly adopted cat, and after my senior cat developed cystitis from low-grade cat foods, I knew I wanted a brand that was healthier and higher quality for Sunny. She loves this stuff, and the price is great too. I’ve tried other grain-free brands but Sunny definitely prefers Nature’s Variety.
Corey (verified owner) –
My kitties are super soft. Energized, healthy, and they don’t seem to need to eat as much compared to a cheap brand of food. Stuck with this product
HaleyK (verified owner) –
My cat was pretty inactive and a bit of a beast in the weight department. I decided to research a better food to help her get back on track. I tried a few other brands before I decided to try Nature’s Variety Instinct, and this food has morphed my cat into a whole new feline. She is more active and playful, and she is gradually losing what a affectionately refer to as her giant ham hocks. I am pleased with the quality nutrition my cat is getting, and my cat seems rather pleased herself. I would definitely recommend this brand to anyone looking for a quality food that will give your cat their nine lives back.
tiffyy (verified owner) –
My cats has been very sick for a year. She has slowly gotten a little better but she hasn’t been wanting to eat the different food I’ve been buying her. I have been looking for healthy yummy food that her picky taste can enjoy. I found Instinct and the minute I poured the food into her bowl she came running and ate the whole thing wanting even more food. This food has wonderful ingredients and also a great taste for my cat.
RonM (verified owner) –
I was looking for an economical yet high quality food for our 2 cats and found it in Nature’s Variety Instinct. The cats love it and their coats are beautiful. I only need to feed a small amount/day as the nutritional value is so high.
CB in MD (verified owner) –
I’ve been feeding Instinct Original pretty much since the company was founded. I don’t buy it for the raw and specifically stick to Original because it has the least raw properties. I buy because the ingredients are the best out there for high animal based protein and fat with the other ingredients being species relevant instead of filler.
Bosco (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this instinct chicken for over 2 years. I definitely noticed a significant change in shine and health of my cats hair, and the energy levels of my cats are just incredible. I’m also gluetin free and know what it does to human health so why wouldn’t I do the same for my cats!!!
AnimalLover94 (verified owner) –
I got this cat food as a free sample at my local petsupplycanada, and my cat adores this food. Before she had Instinct, she would hardly touch her dry food and constantly begged me for canned food. I’m glad I could find her a healthier alternative that she loves, and that I know is good for her.
Wesford (verified owner) –
We’ve been feeding this food for about 5 years now with wonderful results.
Our female cat, Snuggi, was having issues with inappropriate urination. There was no infection and her vet could find no other reason. We thought it might be psychological, and were considering medication. I also wasn’t happy with her coat and appetite. We’ve tried a few dry foods over the years (she will rarely touch wet, unfortunately), there were no changes. As she aged, Snuggi’s bloodwork kidney values started to creep into the compromised zone. Before putting her on a kidney diet, I decided to research an option with lower carbs (difficult to find in a dry food). I came across Instinct and liked the ingredients. From day one, Snuggi loved this food. Her appetite improved tremendously (our girl actually got a little chunky for a moment), her coat became luxurious and whiskers incredibly long. Even in summer, she holds a coat. Most important, her kidney values are back in normal range and she hasn’t had a urinary accident for years. Snuggi is turning 15 in July 2023, and she is in excellent health. Her annual bloodwork reads like a cat half her age. Instinct Cat Food has been great for Snuggi. She especially likes it when we mix the chicken and rabbit flavors 2:1. We also feed it to our other two cats…another 15 yr old female and our 3 yr old, male porch-cat (his choice, he’s a claustrophobic ex-stray) and they are both thriving as well.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this for years, my cats never had any health issues.
unioncitykitties (verified owner) –
I have four cats, only one thinks he has to have a little bit of kibble each day. I already use the canned variety for all my cats. Watson is the only one who is eating the chicken kibble. The small bag is just the right size for one cat! He loves the taste of his afternoon snack.
pleased (verified owner) –
My cat Oscar has been on Instinct now for a few years. Once we found out he had allergies the veterinarian gave me a list of diiferent grain-free souces to try. We settled on Instinct due to the large variety of flavors to pick from. Oscar can be picky but with the switch in flavors he has actually gone from a long skinny maine coon (at only 7lbs) to a solid 9-10 lb. 4 year old. Now he can take on his mischieveous brother.