Nature's Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Turkey Meal Formula Dry Cat Food
Dry food for cats · by Instinct
We have not seen this label’s AAFCO statement yet.
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. - Coconut oil Low risk
A highly saturated plant fat. It adds calories, and its health claims for dogs are not well supported; large amounts can upset the gut. - 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. - 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.
What it does well
- Named meat first
First ingredient is turkey meal. - Taurine added
Cats need taurine in their diet; this label lists it.
Ingredients
Turkey Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Turkey, Natural Flavor, Montmorillonite Clay, Coconut Oil, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed analysis
| Crude protein (min) | 35% |
|---|---|
| Crude fat (min) | 18% |
| Crude fiber (max) | 3.5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
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.
- We could not find the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for this product. Scan the bag to confirm it is complete and balanced.
Sizes and barcodes
- Nature's Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Turkey Meal Formula Dry Cat Food, 5.5 lb - 5.5 lbs UPC 769949658733
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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Informational, not veterinary advice. The score is our opinion of a food, built from the facts on its label with our published method. No brand pays to rank higher. Recipes change: check the bag you have, or scan it in the app.
Score version 2026.11.6 · Page updated 2026-11-03