Instinct by Nature's Variety Cat Food [2022 Review]

by Michelle Mayers Dec 03, 2020 May 13, 2022

Caring for a kitten brings most of us brimming with excitement and energy. Who can deny that kittens are just about the cutest baby animal in the world? In order to help them grow into strong and healthy cats, though, it's important to feed them right.

Kittens have some specific needs that are very important to keep in mind. First of all, they need lots of water, a key element that they may be forgetful about. In addition, they need to have kitten food that is high in proteins, fats, and amino acids. More than likely, they will need (and want) to eat three or four times a day. This is important for getting them all the nutrients they need and keeping them happy. For kittens, as for many people, eating is fun! You should also try to choose a food that is certified by the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO), since that ensures your kitten will get a quality product. 

There are specific requirements for what nutrients should make up a kitten's food, and, thankfully, Instinct by Nature's Variety gets them just right. Not only does this cat food provide great nutritional balance, but it is also made of high-quality ingredients. Plus, it's sensitive on the stomach and nourishes skin and fur. Instinct by Nature's Variety is a great option for any kitten owner! 

Here's the rundown on the basics, and we'll go deeper into the details below. 

• Calorie Content: 4,456 kcal/kg or 557 kcal/cup
• Protein Content: 42.5%
• Fat Content: 22.5%
• Fiber Content: 3%

The Nutrition Facts

Nature's Variety makes its cat foods with raw materials, sourced primarily from nature. The number one ingredient in their Instinct product is real chicken meat, and 81% of the total value of the food is made up of real animal ingredients such as fish, turkey meal, and nutritious oils. The remaining 19% of ingredients are fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nutrients that are designed to boost a cat's digestive system, immune health, and skin and fur nutrition. Many cats who tried this product had less nausea, healthier skin, and softer, shinier fur. The results are proven!

In each serving of Instinct, there is a minimum crude protein amount of 42.5% and a crude fat amount of 22.5%. Kittens are growing fast, which means they need about 2-3 times the energy of an adult cat, and at least 30% of that energy should come from protein. Instinct is spot on with those amounts. This kitten food also provides a 3% fiber value and is completely free of corn, soy, wheat, grain, or potato. Of course, there are no artificial ingredients either. Vitamin E and Omega 6 fatty acids are also included to boost the nutrition of your kitten's skin and the luster of their coat. Overall, the nutritional value of this product is perfect for any kitten.

The Calories and the Feeding Recommendations

As mentioned above, kittens need plenty of calories when first starting out. Instinct by Nature's Variety provides 4,456 kcal/kg, or 557 cal/cup. This is spot-on for providing a kitten with all they need to grow strong and healthy. Nature's Valley offers guidelines specific to their kitten food on the website that you can check out.

However, the recommendations for the best nutrition can be pretty inconsistent, as they depend a lot on a kitten's size, weight, and level of movement throughout the day. Here is another handy chart you can check that bases the guidelines on a kitten's weight. Your best bet, though, is to chat with your vet to determine what your kitten needs to fit their lifestyle. Somewhere between 9 and 12 months, you should start weaning them on to adult cat food. Regardless of the amount, Instinct is a great choice to provide your kitten with all the energy they need to grow strong and healthy right on time. 

The Conclusion

All around, this food is a great choice for kittens. Some customers were concerned that it includes tapioca in the ingredients, as this is pretty high in sugar, but Instinct staff assured them that the tapioca is used only as a binder and is all-natural, 98% digestible, and causes no known allergies. Other than that, the ingredients are all top-notch. The top reasons we would recommend it include:

• Made of raw, all-natural ingredients
• Comes with a high protein level
• Is made of raw and healthy fats
• Provides great calorie count per serving
• No grains are included, protecting sensitive stomachs
• Vitamins and minerals provide health for skin and coats
• Certified with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

This kitten food has pretty much everything you could want in regard to nutrition and value. Customers loved it, and so did their kitties. 

List of Ingredients

This is the list currently provided on the manufacturer's website. It is recommended that you check the website before purchasing if you have any concerns about ingredients, as formulas for pet foods are subject to frequent changes. 

Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Egg Product, Chicken Meal, White Fish Meal (Pacific Whiting, Pacific Sole, Pacific Rockfish), Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Montmorillonite Clay, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract. 

Take a look at these ingredients and then, when you're ready, go ahead and make the purchase! This kitten food is considered one of the best in the market right now, and you can trust that you're only getting natural ingredients when you buy. Since your kitten's ancestors ate only what comes from the wild, your furry pet should be in good company.

The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.