Instinct Original Dry Cat Food Review: High Protein, Grain Free

As a dedicated expert in dry cat food testing, I have spent years trying many brands to find the best options for cats’ health and happiness. I carefully research and personally test each product to give you honest and clear reviews. In this review, I will share my detailed experience with Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken. This review is based on thorough study and real use, so you can trust my insights. My goal is to help you make a smart choice for your cat’s nutrition and well-being.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ High protein with real cage-free chicken
• ✅ Grain-free, no artificial additives
• ✅ Coated with freeze-dried raw for flavor and nutrition
• ✅ Contains live probiotics and natural omegas

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Higher price point compared to some brands
• ❌ May not be suitable for cats with grain tolerance
• ❌ Limited bag size options (only 11 lb)

Who Should Buy This

This dry cat food is perfect for cat owners who want to feed their pets a high-protein, grain-free diet. It is great for cats that need real chicken in their meals and for those who prefer food with a raw-coated kibble texture. If you want a natural and healthy option for your cat, this 11-pound bag offers good value and is easy to order with fast shipping.

However, this product may not be suitable for cats with specific allergies to chicken or those who require a special diet prescribed by a vet. Also, if you are looking for a lower-cost option or a food with grains, you might want to consider other brands. Always check with your vet before changing your cat’s diet.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Instinct
• Model: 6165856
• Size: 3.0″ x 12.0″ x 17.8″
• Weight: 11.0 pounds
• Material: Raw Coated Kibble
• Color Options: Chicken
• Special Features: High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, Real Chicken
• Warranty: Not Applicable

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first opened the 11 lb. bag of Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, I immediately noticed the fresh, natural smell. The bag was easy to handle, and the size was just right for storing in my pantry. I was excited to see that real cage-free chicken was the first ingredient, and the kibble had a unique coating of freeze-dried raw pieces. My cat was curious right away and seemed interested in the smell and texture.

Daily Use

Each day, I fed my cat the Instinct Original kibble mixed with the raw-coated pieces. She seemed to enjoy the flavor and eagerly ate her meals without hesitation. I noticed she was more energetic and playful, which was great to see. The grain-free recipe gave me peace of mind since I wanted to avoid fillers like corn and wheat. It was easy to scoop and served well in her bowl without making a mess.

Key Features in Action

The most impressive part was definitely the freeze-dried raw coating. It added a fresh flavor that my cat loved, making mealtime exciting for her. The high protein content from real cage-free chicken clearly supported her muscle tone and energy. I also appreciated that the recipe had no artificial colors or preservatives, which made me feel confident about what I was feeding her.

Long-Term Performance

After using Instinct Original for several weeks, I noticed my cat’s coat looked shinier and healthier. She seemed more active and maintained a good weight. The food stayed fresh in the bag, and the quality didn’t change over time. Overall, this dry food became a regular part of her diet because it met both her taste preferences and nutritional needs perfectly.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag	Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free – Real Chicken, 5 lb. Bag	Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free – Real Rabbit, 10 lb. Bag
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	High quality with cage-free chicken as first ingredient; grain-free, no artificial colors/preservatives; coated in freeze-dried raw for enhanced nutrition; 81% animal ingredients and oils	Same high quality as 11 lb. bag: cage-free chicken first ingredient, grain-free, minimally processed, 81% animal ingredients and oils	High quality with farm-raised rabbit as first ingredient; grain-free, no artificial additives; coated in freeze-dried raw; 80% animal ingredients and oils
Features	Natural ingredients with cage-free chicken; grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product free; coated with freeze-dried raw; nutrient dense with 81% animal ingredients and 19% veggies/fruits	Natural ingredients with cage-free chicken; grain-free; freeze-dried raw coated; 81% animal ingredients and 19% vegetables/fruits	Natural ingredients with farm-raised rabbit; grain-free; freeze-dried raw coated; 80% animal ingredients and 20% vegetables/fruits
Best For	Cat owners seeking high-protein, grain-free diet with real cage-free chicken in a larger 11 lb. quantity	Cat owners wanting same high-protein, grain-free chicken recipe but in a smaller 5 lb. bag	Cat owners looking for a grain-free, high-protein alternative with real rabbit protein in a 10 lb. bag

In my opinion, this Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag stands out because it offers the same trusted, high-quality cage-free chicken recipe as the smaller 5 lb. bag but in a larger size for better value and convenience. Compared to the rabbit variant, it provides a familiar protein source with slightly higher animal ingredient content. If you’re like me and prefer a grain-free, nutrient-dense chicken formula in bulk, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Instinct Original Dry Cat Food, Raw Coated Kibble, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe – Real Chicken, 11 lb. Bag

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5 and positive reviews praising the product’s quality and effectiveness.

Most Praised Features

• High protein content supports cats’ health and energy levels.
• Grain-free recipe is ideal for cats with sensitivities or allergies.
• Raw coated kibble enhances palatability, encouraging picky eaters to enjoy their meals.

Common Concerns

• Some customers note a higher price point compared to other cat foods.
• A few reports of cats not adjusting immediately to the texture or flavor.

Who Loves It Most

Pet owners seeking premium, natural nutrition for their cats, especially those with dietary sensitivities or preferences for grain-free, high-protein diets, tend to be the most satisfied with this product.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $44.99 for an 11 lb. bag ($4.09 per lb), Instinct Original Dry Cat Food is moderately priced compared to other premium grain-free, high-protein cat foods. While not the cheapest option, it offers competitive pricing for its quality ingredients and raw-coated formula.

Value Features

• Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient ensures high-quality animal protein, justifying the price with superior nutrition.
• Freeze-dried raw coating enhances flavor and nutrient retention, offering more natural benefits than standard kibble.
• 81% animal ingredients and oils with 19% wholesome fruits and vegetables support overall cat health and energy.
• Includes live probiotics, natural omegas, and antioxidants, promoting digestion, skin, coat, and immune system, potentially reducing vet costs.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to similar grain-free, high-protein dry cat foods, Instinct offers a strong balance of quality and price. Some competitors charge more for similar ingredient profiles, while cheaper brands often compromise on ingredient quality or include fillers.

Final Verdict

Instinct Original Dry Cat Food provides good value for money, especially for pet owners prioritizing natural, nutrient-dense ingredients and a raw food boost. It is a worthwhile purchase if you want premium quality without an excessively high price tag.