Instinct Original Kitten Food - Natural, Grain Free, Chicken
Dry food for cats · Puppy · by Instinct
The label states it is complete and balanced (AAFCO).
See the full breakdown in Beagly
What to watch for
- Peas Moderate risk
Peas add plant protein, starch and fiber. The FDA has been investigating reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating diets high in peas, lentils and other legumes, often grain-free. No cause has been proven, but it is worth knowing when legumes sit near the top of the list. - Natural flavor Low risk
Flavoring from natural sources. Normally safe, but the term can hide which animal or plant it came from, which matters for allergies. - Copper sulfate Low risk
A source of copper, an essential trace mineral. Some breeds accumulate copper in the liver, and vets have raised concern that some dog foods supply more than dogs need. - Salt Low risk
Salt supplies sodium and chloride, which dogs need. Pet foods use small amounts; high salt is mainly a concern for dogs with heart or kidney disease.
What it does well
- Complete & balanced
Meets an AAFCO nutrient profile. - High protein 46.7%
40% or more on a dry-matter basis (cat). - Named meat first
First ingredient is chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey Meal, Meanhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Chicken Meal, White Fish Meal, Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Apples, Carrots, Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Choline Chloride, Montmorillonite Clay, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taruine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
Guaranteed analysis
| Crude protein (min) | 42.5% |
|---|---|
| Crude fat (min) | 22.5% |
| Crude fiber (max) | 3% |
| Moisture (max) | 9% |
| Calories | 4,456 kcal/kg, 557 kcal/cup |
What the label cannot tell you
- Ingredient order is by weight before cooking; fresh meat counts water.
- Mineral levels are not printed on this label.
- Taurine is not listed by name on this label; complete-and-balanced cat foods must still meet the AAFCO taurine minimum.
Sizes and barcodes
- Instinct Original Kitten Food - Natural, Grain Free, Chicken - 4.5 Lb UPC 769949658757
Higher-scoring dry food for cats
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Adult Cat Food - Natural, Grain Free, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Cat Food - Grain Free, High Protein, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- ACANA Regionals Grain Free Dry Cat Food - Grasslands 87/100 · Excellent
- The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken & Fish Cat Food, 4 lb Box 86/100 · Excellent
- Nature's Logic Chicken Meal Feast Dry Cat Food 85/100 · Excellent
More from Instinct
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Adult Cat Food - Natural, Grain Free, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Cat Food - Grain Free, High Protein, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- Instinct Grain Free Kitten Food - Natural, Chicken 88/100 · Excellent
- Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Adult Cat Food - Grain Free, Chicken 88/100 · Excellent
- Instinct All Life Stage Wet Cat Food - Grain Free, Pate, 5.5 oz - Chicken 84/100 · Excellent
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Score version 2026.11.6 · Page updated 2026-11-03