Instinct Original
Instinct Original scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 91% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Instinct Original dry cat food good?
Instinct Original is a dry cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 45% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 23% |
| Est. Carbs | 21% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (9%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 41% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 21% |
| Est. Carbs | 19% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 9% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (45% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Super High (23% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
12 of 12 matched
-
1 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
-
2 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
3 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
4 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
5 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
6 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
-
7 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
8 Freeze Dried Pollock
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried pollock, a concentrated lean fish protein source.
-
9 Tapioca
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
-
10 Pumpkinseeds
Fat Plant ProteinDescription
The seed inside of a pumpkin, rich in potassium and linoleic acid. It contains around 18% of protein, and around 30% protein if it is dehulled.
-
11 Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus coagulans is often taken by humans to treat bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
-
12 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Cat formula needs review: cats rely heavily on animal protein, and this label does not show strong named animal protein near the top.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Pumpkinseeds may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Sodium Selenite.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Instinct Original's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 91%
- Plant 9%
Meat-forward: 91% of the weighted protein in Instinct Original comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (9% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Instinct Original dry cat food Review
Instinct Original is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 45% protein, 23% fat, 21% estimated carbohydrates.
- 91% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instinct Original good for cats?
Yes — Instinct Original earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Instinct Original contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Original does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct Original contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Original does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct Original contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Original does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct Original contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct Original does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Instinct Original grain-free?
Yes — Instinct Original is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Instinct Original?
The main animal proteins in Instinct Original are Freeze Dried Pollock. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
Similar Products
View All
Flaked Rabbit Entrée
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
Flaked Lamb Entrée
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
Original Grain-Free Pâté Real Duck Recipe
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4
Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
RawBoost+ Small Breed High-Protein Recipe with Real Chicken for Dogs
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5