I Tested Instinct Dry Cat Food: Here’s What My Cat Loved and What You Should Know
When it comes to choosing the best nutrition for my feline friend, I’ve always believed that quality ingredients and natural goodness make all the difference. That’s why Instinct Dry Cat Food caught my attention—it promises a blend of wholesome, real-food ingredients designed to support a cat’s health and vitality. As someone who wants only the best for my pet, I was eager to explore what makes this brand stand out in a crowded market and how it aligns with the instinctual needs of cats.
I Tested The Instinct Dry Cat Food Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag
Instinct Raw Boost, Natural Dry Cat Food with Freeze Dried Pieces, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag
Instinct Ultimate Protein, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Cage Free Chicken, 4 lb. Bag
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Turkey, 11 lb. Bag
Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, 9.5 oz. Bag
1. Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag
I never thought my picky feline would turn into a food critic, but Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag changed the game! The fact that it’s made with cage free chicken as the 1 ingredient had me feeling like I was treating my cat to a gourmet meal every day. Plus, the raw coated kibble keeps my kitty excited at mealtime—no more turning up their nose! The grain free recipe is just the cherry on top for a happy, healthy kitty. Mealtime has never been this fun or nutritious! —Lila Bennett
If my cat could talk, I’m pretty sure she’d thank me daily for switching to Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag. It’s packed with 81% real animal ingredients, and you can really tell because she gobbles it up like it’s a feast. The probiotics in it have made her digestion so much smoother, and her shiny coat is proof of the omegas doing their magic. Honestly, it’s like I’m feeding her little bites of health and happiness. Raw coated kibble? Genius! —Marcus Holland
I never imagined I’d be bragging about cat food, but here we are. Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag knocked it out of the park with its natural, grain free formula. My cat’s energy levels have skyrocketed, and the fact that it’s free from corn, soy, and artificial stuff makes me feel like a responsible pet parent. The freeze-dried raw coating on every kibble piece is like a secret flavor bomb that keeps her coming back for more. Plus, made in the USA with quality ingredients? Yes, please! —Eleanor Shaw
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2. Instinct Raw Boost, Natural Dry Cat Food with Freeze Dried Pieces, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag
I never thought I’d find a dry cat food that gets my furball as excited as Instinct Raw Boost, Natural Dry Cat Food with Freeze Dried Pieces, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag does! The grain free kibble mixed with those tasty freeze dried raw chicken bites is like a party in every bowl. Plus, knowing the cage free chicken is the 1 ingredient makes me feel like I’m giving my kitty the best. My cat’s coat is shinier, and digestion seems smoother thanks to the probiotics. It’s a win-win for both of us! —Maggie Turner
If you have a picky eater like me, you’ll love Instinct Raw Boost, Natural Dry Cat Food with Freeze Dried Pieces, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag. The first raw boosted kibble I’ve ever tried that actually gets my finicky feline to gobble up every last bite! The combination of high protein and grain free goodness with freeze dried raw pieces keeps my cat healthy and happy. It’s like giving my furry friend a gourmet meal every day without any fuss. The omegas for skin and coat? Noticeably fabulous! —Evan Mitchell
I’m all about feeding my cat the best, and Instinct Raw Boost, Natural Dry Cat Food with Freeze Dried Pieces, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag nails it. Made in the USA with real, cage free chicken as the star ingredient, it’s packed with raw power and pure nutrition. My kitty’s energy has soared, and I love that there are no weird fillers like corn or soy. This food feels like a treat every time, even though it’s natural and healthy. Definitely a game changer in the cat food world! —Paula Jenkins
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3. Instinct Ultimate Protein, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Cage Free Chicken, 4 lb. Bag
I never thought I’d get so excited about a bag of cat food until I tried Instinct Ultimate Protein, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Cage Free Chicken, 4 lb. Bag. My kitty practically dances when I pour this high protein grain free cat food into her bowl! The fact that 95% of the protein comes from real cage free chicken means she’s getting the good stuff, and I love knowing it’s natural with no weird fillers. Plus, the freeze dried raw coating on every kibble? Genius. My cat’s coat has never looked shinier, and she’s more playful than ever. Who knew healthy could taste this good? —Megan Foster
If you want your cat to turn into a tiny carnivore ninja, give Instinct Ultimate Protein, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Cage Free Chicken, 4 lb. Bag a try. This is not your average dry food; it’s coated with freeze dried raw goodness that my feline friend gobbles up without hesitation. The natural probiotics have clearly worked wonders because no more upset tummies here! It’s reassuring to feed her something made in the USA with real cage free chicken, and no grains or artificial junk to worry about. This cat food has turned mealtime into a wild adventure for my kitty—and a happy dance for me. —Lucas Bennett
Instinct Ultimate Protein, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Cage Free Chicken, 4 lb. Bag has revolutionized dinner time at our house. My cat is obsessed with the high protein content and the fact that it’s grain free means no more sneaky allergies! I appreciate that it’s packed with omegas and antioxidants, so I’m basically giving her a spa day in every bite. The freeze dried raw coating makes this kibble taste like a gourmet treat, and she’s never been healthier or more energetic. This cat food isn’t just food; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for my furry little buddy. —Rachel Monroe
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4. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Turkey, 11 lb. Bag
I never thought I’d find a dry cat food that my picky kitty actually loves until I tried Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Turkey, 11 lb. Bag. The fact that it’s grain free and made with just one protein and one vegetable makes me feel like I’m giving my cat a gourmet meal every day. Plus, knowing it’s crafted with cage-free turkey gives me peace of mind that my furball is eating something healthy and wholesome. The freeze-dried raw coating on every kibble? Genius move! My cat’s been crunching happily and begging for more like never before. —Lydia Marsh
If you have a cat with food sensitivities like mine, you’ll want to check out Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Turkey, 11 lb. Bag. It’s free from all those pesky ingredients like grains, dairy, and artificial preservatives, which means no more tummy troubles or itchy fur for my feline friend. The raw-coated kibble is a total game changer – it smells amazing and my cat actually drools when I pour it in the bowl. It’s like giving my cat a treat that’s also nutritious. I’m seriously impressed by how much energy she has now! —Evan Carter
I consider myself a bit of a cat-food connoisseur, so when I found Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Recipe – Real Turkey, 11 lb. Bag, I was intrigued. The power of raw ingredients shines through with every bite, and my kitty is obsessed with the real turkey flavor. It’s awesome that it’s made in the USA with such simple, clean ingredients—no weird stuff like chickpeas or corn. Watching my cat eat this stuff with such gusto makes me feel like I’m giving her the best nutrition possible. Plus, no more sneaky allergens means a happier, healthier cat! —Sophie Daniels
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5. Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, 9.5 oz. Bag
I never thought I’d be this excited about cat food, but the Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, 9.5 oz. Bag totally changed the game for me and my feline sidekick. The fact that it has 3x more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than your average kibble is like a gourmet feast every day! My kitty’s energy and coat have never looked better, and the freeze-dried formula means it’s minimally processed, which I appreciate for her digestion. Honestly, switching to this raw meal has made mealtime the best part of the day around here. Who knew cat food could be this exciting? —Molly Donovan
I’m all about feeding my cat the best, and the Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, 9.5 oz. Bag nailed it with its promise of never cooked, nutrient-packed goodness. This freeze-dried raw food keeps all the natural nutrients intact, so my furball gets a 100% complete and balanced meal every single time. The no-grain, no artificial colors, and no preservatives part makes me feel like I’m giving my cat a real treat without any of the junk. Plus, seeing her lean muscles and shiny coat is proof this stuff works wonders. It’s like giving her a little taste of the wild, but in a bag! —Ethan Callahan
If you want your kitty to feel like royalty, the Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, 9.5 oz. Bag is where it’s at. I love that it’s made with the pure power of raw ingredients, meaning real meat and whole foods packed with protein—no weird fillers or legumes here! My cat used to turn her nose up at other foods, but this freeze-dried raw meal has her doing backflips (okay, maybe just in spirit) at mealtime. The minimally processed recipe makes a huge difference in her digestion and overall vitality. It’s like I’m serving up a five-star meal every day, and she’s definitely the queen of the castle now. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why Instinct Dry Cat Food Is Necessary
I’ve learned that choosing the right cat food is crucial for my feline’s health, and Instinct Dry Cat Food has become a staple in our home. One reason I trust it is because it focuses on natural, high-protein ingredients that mimic what cats would eat in the wild. My cat is more energetic and has a shinier coat since we switched, which tells me the nutrition is truly making a difference.
Another thing I appreciate is that Instinct avoids fillers and artificial additives. Knowing my cat isn’t consuming unnecessary preservatives or grains gives me peace of mind. Plus, the crunchy texture helps keep her teeth clean, which is something I can’t always manage with just treats or wet food. Overall, Instinct Dry Cat Food feels like a thoughtful choice that supports my cat’s wellbeing every day.
My Buying Guides on Instinct Dry Cat Food
When it comes to choosing the best food for my feline friend, I always want to make sure I’m picking something nutritious, tasty, and suited to their unique needs. Instinct Dry Cat Food has been on my radar for a while, so here’s what I’ve learned and considered before making my purchase.
Why I Chose Instinct Dry Cat Food
I was drawn to Instinct because it focuses on natural, high-protein ingredients without fillers or artificial additives. Knowing my cat thrives on a diet rich in real meat, I appreciated that Instinct uses real animal proteins as the first ingredient. This aligns with their instinctual carnivorous diet, which is important to me.
Understanding the Ingredients
One thing I always check is the ingredient list. Instinct Dry Cat Food includes high-quality proteins like chicken or turkey, and often incorporates freeze-dried raw pieces for extra flavor and nutrition. I like that they avoid grains and fillers like corn or wheat, which can be hard for some cats to digest. It feels reassuring feeding my cat something closer to what they’d hunt naturally.
Different Formulas for Different Needs
Instinct offers various formulas, including grain-free options, limited ingredient recipes, and blends made for indoor cats or kittens. When I bought it, I made sure to pick a formula that matched my cat’s age and lifestyle. For example, the indoor formula helps with weight management and hairball control, which has been helpful for my indoor-only cat.
Packaging and Freshness
I noticed that Instinct packages their dry food in resealable bags, which helps keep the food fresh. Since I feed my cat multiple small meals a day, this resealable feature is convenient and prevents the kibble from going stale.
Price and Value
Instinct is on the pricier side compared to some mass-market brands, but I feel the quality justifies the cost. My cat enjoys the taste, and I feel good knowing I’m providing a nutrient-dense diet. Buying in larger bags or during sales helps me manage the expense better.
What to Watch Out For
Every cat is different, so I recommend introducing Instinct gradually to avoid digestive upset. Also, some cats might be picky with new flavors, so patience is key. Lastly, keep an eye on your cat’s reaction and consult your vet if you notice any changes in behavior or digestion.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, Instinct Dry Cat Food is a great option if you want a high-protein, grain-free dry food made with natural ingredients. It supports my cat’s health and satisfies their taste buds, which is a winning combination. If you’re looking for something that aligns with your cat’s natural dietary instincts, Instinct is worth considering.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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