As a cat parent, you know the struggle: trying to find a cat food that not only provides excellent nutrition but also genuinely excites your feline companion. We all want our cats to be vibrant, healthy, and happy, but sometimes picky eaters, dull coats, or mysterious digestive issues can make that a real challenge. That’s where a high-quality food like Instinct Original Dry Cat Food with Raw Coated Kibble steps in, promising to solve some of these common dilemmas with its unique blend of ingredients.
This isn’t just another bag of kibble; Instinct aims to bring the power of raw nutrition into a convenient dry format. With real, cage-free chicken as its primary ingredient and a special raw coating, it’s designed to deliver a taste and nutritional profile that many standard dry foods just can’t match. If you’re looking for a way to boost your cat’s health, energy, and even their enthusiasm at mealtime, let’s dive into what makes this food stand out.
Key Features That Make a Difference
This particular formula from Instinct packs a punch with several thoughtful features:
- ✅ High-Quality, Grain-Free Protein Source: The number one ingredient is real, cage-free chicken, making up a significant 81% of animal ingredients and nutritious oils. The recipe is entirely grain-free, opting instead for wholesome ingredients like peas and tapioca, which is fantastic for cats with sensitivities or those needing a diet closer to their ancestral roots.
- ✅ Raw Coated Kibble for Enhanced Nutrition and Taste: This is truly a game-changer. Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw chicken (and pollock, according to the ingredient list), which not only provides an extra boost of raw nutrition but also significantly enhances the flavor. This unique coating is often the secret weapon for enticing even the pickiest eaters.
- ✅ Supports Digestive and Skin & Coat Health: Instinct Original is fortified with probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and overall immunity. It also includes omega fatty acids, vital for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- ✅ No Unwanted Fillers or Artificial Ingredients: You won’t find any grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals in this food. It’s also free from artificial colors or preservatives, giving you peace of mind that you’re feeding your cat only what they need.
- ✅ Made in the USA with Global Ingredients: While manufactured in the USA, Instinct sources its ingredients carefully from around the world, ensuring quality and sustainability where possible.
How to Introduce Instinct Original to Your Cat
Transitioning your cat to a new food is important for their digestive comfort. Here’s how Instinct recommends you do it:
- Gradual Introduction: Over a period of 5 to 7 days, gradually mix increasing amounts of Instinct Original with your cat’s current food. Start with about 25% new food and 75% old food for the first couple of days, then move to 50/50, and so on, until you’re feeding 100% Instinct.
- Feeding Guidelines:
- Adult Maintenance: For a 5 lb cat, approximately ⅜ cup per day; for 10 lb, ½ cup; for 15 lb, ¾ cup.
- Weight Loss: For a 5 lb cat, ¼ cup per day; for 10 lb, ⅜ cup; for 15 lb, ½ cup.
- Kittens: Feed up to twice the adult maintenance amount.
- Pregnant/Nursing Females: Feed up to three times the adult maintenance amount.
- Hydration is Key: Always ensure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. Instinct also suggests combining dry food with raw or wet food to help increase your pet’s overall water intake.
What Real Cat Owners Are Saying
With an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 7,900 ratings, it’s clear that many cat parents and their felines are quite happy with Instinct Original.
- Sarah P. (5 Stars): “My cat, Luna, used to be so finicky. I tried everything! But the moment I put this down, she devoured it. Her coat looks shinier, and she seems to have more energy. Definitely worth the price for a happy, healthy kitty.”
- Mark T. (4 Stars): “My two Bengals love this food. They’ve had fewer hairballs and their digestion seems much better. My only minor gripe is the cost, but for the quality, I can’t complain too much.”
- Jessica L. (5 Stars): “I switched to Instinct because my cat had a sensitive stomach and was constantly throwing up. Since moving to this grain-free formula, her tummy troubles have almost completely disappeared. The raw coating must be doing wonders!”
- David R. (3 Stars): “My cat tolerates it, but she’s not as enthusiastic as some of the other reviewers’ cats. It’s a good quality food, but for my particular cat, it’s just ‘okay’.”
The overwhelming sentiment is that this food is a hit, particularly with picky eaters and cats prone to digestive issues. Many reviewers noted improvements in their cats’ coat quality, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Here’s a look at the product itself:
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, real cage-free chicken | Higher price point than conventional kibble |
| Raw coated kibble boosts taste & nutrition | Some cats might still be picky |
| Grain-free, ideal for sensitive cats | |
| Probiotics for digestive health | |
| Omegas for healthy skin and coat | |
| No artificial ingredients or fillers | |
| Suitable for all life stages |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food suitable for kittens? A: Yes, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is formulated for “All Life Stages,” meaning it provides balanced nutrition for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. Kittens will require higher feeding amounts than adult cats.
Q: What exactly does “raw coated kibble” mean? A: It means that each piece of the dry kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw animal protein (in this case, chicken and pollock). This process locks in natural nutrients and provides an irresistible flavor boost that appeals to cats’ natural instincts.
Q: My cat has a sensitive stomach. Will this grain-free formula help? A: Many cat owners report positive results with their sensitive-stomached felines after switching to Instinct’s grain-free formula. The absence of common allergens like grain, potato, corn, and soy, combined with added probiotics, often aids in better digestion. However, every cat is different, so monitor your cat closely during the transition.
Final Thoughts: Is Instinct Original Right for Your Cat?
If you’re a pet owner who prioritizes high-quality, natural ingredients and are willing to invest a bit more for your cat’s health, Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Picky Eaters: The raw-coated kibble is a huge draw for cats who turn their noses up at other foods.
- Cats with Digestive Sensitivities: The grain-free recipe and added probiotics can work wonders for cats experiencing upset stomachs or irregular digestion.
- Owners Seeking Coat and Skin Improvement: The rich omega fatty acids are excellent for promoting a shiny, healthy coat and addressing dry, flaky skin.
- Those Who Want to Mimic a More Natural Diet: With its high animal protein content and raw coating, it offers a closer approximation to what a cat would naturally eat in the wild, in a convenient dry form.
While the price point is higher than many conventional cat foods, the investment often pays off in terms of your cat’s improved health, vitality, and reduced vet visits for diet-related issues. If you’re ready to give your feline friend a taste of the wild, you can check it out here: