Instinct
Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens
Rating
Is Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens wet cat food good?
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens is a wet cat food rated 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. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 55%
- Fat 36%
- Fiber 5%
- Ash 32%
Moisture (78%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 12%
- Fat 8%
- Fiber 1%
- Moisture 78%
- 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 Super High (55% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats generally need more protein than dogs, but diagnosed kidney disease or other medical needs should still be managed with your vet.
- Fat is Super High (36% 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
41 of 41 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Chicken Broth
Animal ProteinDescription
The soup produced by cooking chicken bones, parts, or meat. It is high in glycine which claims to detoxify the liver and prevent leaky gut. There is a lack of evidence to show the benefits to pets.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Beef Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Dried Egg Product
Animal ProteinDescription
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Why Concerned?
A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
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6 Montmorillonite Clay
CarbsDescription
As a natural anti-caking agent, it can prevent the deterioration of high-quality pet feed without using artificial chemicals. Sometimes it is also used to help relieve diarrhea.
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7 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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8 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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9 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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10 Ground Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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11 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.
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12 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.
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13 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.
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14 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.
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15 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.
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16 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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17 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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18 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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19 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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20 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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21 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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22 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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23 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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24 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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25 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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26 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).
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27 Vitamin B1 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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28 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.
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29 Vitamin B2 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is essential for energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
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30 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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31 Magnesium Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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32 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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33 Artichokes
CarbsDescription
Globe artichokes, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotic compounds.
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34 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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35 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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36 Tomato
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
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37 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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38 Broccoli
CarbsDescription
A safe treat for both dogs and cats in small amounts, as it contains isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.
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39 Cabbage
CarbsDescription
Rich in vitamin B6, C, folate and contains powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols and sulfur compounds.
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40 Kale
CarbsDescription
A type of dark green leafy vegetables belongs to the cruciferous family. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, and other minerals, which is one of the most nutrient-dense food.
Digestion Concern
Contains isothiocyanates, a small molecule found in specific plants, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.
Uncertain/Risky
Contains calcium oxalate, which can cause health problems like kidney and bladder stone.
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41 Parsley
CarbsDescription
A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Broth are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Dried Egg Product, Sodium Selenite, Salt.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Kale have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens'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 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens wet cat food Review
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens is a strong choice — rated 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
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 55% protein, 36% fat, 0% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens good for cats?
Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens contain Egg?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens contain Legumes?
No — based on the ingredient list, Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens?
The top animal proteins are Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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