Instinct Wet Cat Food ORIGINAL Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck 5.5oz (507369)

The Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe provides a high-protein, ancestral diet consisting of 95% duck and turkey liver to support lean muscle mass and overall vitality. By prioritizing animal-based proteins over plant fillers, this formula aligns with a cat's biological needs as an obligate carnivore. The inclusion of Montmorillonite clay helps with toxin absorption and digestive health, while the 5% blend of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries and cranberries supports a strong immune system. This nutrient-dense profile ensures that cats receive essential amino acids and vitamins in a highly bioavailable format without the use of artificial preservatives or colors.

Instinct Original Real Duck Recipe enhances skin and coat health through a specialized blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from Menhaden fish oil and ground flaxseed. These essential fatty acids are crucial for maintaining the lipid barrier of the skin, which prevents dryness and reduces inflammation often associated with allergies. Regular feeding results in a noticeably softer, shinier coat and healthier skin elasticity. Furthermore, the high-quality duck protein provides the necessary building blocks for keratin production, ensuring the fur remains strong and less prone to shedding, making it an excellent choice for long-haired breeds or cats with dull coats.

Yes, the Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This means the calorie-dense and protein-rich formula supports the rapid growth and developmental needs of kittens while providing the high-quality, easily digestible protein required to maintain muscle mass in senior cats. The pate texture is soft enough for kittens with small teeth and older cats with dental sensitivities to consume easily. Additionally, the high moisture content of 78% is beneficial for cats of all ages to ensure proper hydration and support urinary tract health, which is a common concern in both young and aging felines.

Instinct Original Duck Recipe distinguishes itself from traditional grain-inclusive foods by eliminating corn, wheat, and soy, which are often used as cheap fillers that can trigger digestive sensitivities. Unlike many standard wet foods that rely on plant proteins, Instinct uses a 95% meat and liver composition to provide superior biological value and better satiety for the cat. The absence of grains reduces the glycemic load of the meal, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and a healthy weight. By replacing grains with functional ingredients like pumpkin and kelp, Instinct offers a more nutrient-dense alternative that mirrors the natural prey-based diet cats would consume in the wild.

To transition your cat to Instinct Original Real Duck Recipe, you should gradually mix it with their current food over a period of 7 to 10 days to prevent digestive upset. Start by replacing 25% of the old food with the new duck recipe for the first few days, then move to a 50/50 split, and finally a 75/25 ratio before switching completely. Because this formula is highly concentrated in animal protein, some cats may need time to adjust to the rich flavor and nutrient density. Always ensure fresh water is available, and once opened, the can should be covered and refrigerated, ideally consumed within two to three days to maintain maximum freshness and palatability.

Instinct includes Montmorillonite clay in their Real Duck Recipe as a natural anti-caking agent and a source of trace minerals that supports healthy digestion. This natural clay, sourced from the earth, has been used in holistic pet nutrition to help bind toxins and promote firm stools, making it particularly beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs or occasional diarrhea. It also serves as a natural preservative that maintains the integrity of the pate texture without the need for synthetic chemicals. By including this unique ingredient, Instinct enhances the overall safety and digestive efficiency of the food, ensuring that cats can absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from the high-quality duck and turkey ingredients.

Instinct Original Duck Recipe is considered a premium value choice because its high caloric density and 95% meat content mean you can often feed smaller portions compared to lower-quality brands while still meeting your cat's nutritional requirements. While the per-can price may be higher than grocery store brands, the superior ingredient quality reduces the risk of long-term health issues related to poor nutrition, such as obesity and skin allergies. The use of real duck as the primary protein source—rather than 'meat by-products'—ensures that owners are paying for actual nourishment. For multi-cat households or those seeking optimal feline health, the 5.5 oz can size provides a convenient and cost-effective way to deliver a raw-inspired, grain-free diet.

Instinct Original Duck Recipe supports feline urinary tract health primarily through its high moisture content of 78%, which helps increase daily water intake and promote more frequent urination. Proper hydration is the most effective way to prevent the formation of crystals and stones in the bladder, a common issue for cats on dry-only diets. Additionally, the inclusion of whole cranberries provides natural compounds that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. By maintaining an appropriate urinary pH through high-quality animal proteins and moisture-rich ingredients, this formula serves as a proactive dietary approach to keeping the urinary system functioning correctly and reducing the risk of painful infections.

The primary ingredients in Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe are high-quality duck, duck broth, and turkey liver, which comprise 95% of the animal protein content. This grain-free wet cat food is specifically formulated to mimic a cat's ancestral diet by providing a dense concentration of real meat. In addition to these premium proteins, the recipe includes nutrient-rich ingredients such as Menhaden fish oil and ground flaxseed for fatty acids, alongside a 5% blend of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits like pumpkin, cranberries, and blueberries. This combination ensures a balanced, high-protein meal that supports overall feline health and muscle maintenance.

Yes, Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe is a 100% grain-free formula specifically designed for cats with sensitive stomachs or grain intolerances. By eliminating common fillers such as corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, Instinct reduces the risk of digestive upset and allergic reactions in sensitive felines. The inclusion of Montmorillonite clay further aids in natural digestion and detoxification. Pet nutritionists often recommend this high-meat, grain-free pate because it focuses on bioavailable animal proteins rather than plant-based carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for maintaining optimal digestive health across all life stages.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe improves skin and coat health through a potent blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from natural Menhaden fish oil and flaxseed. These essential fatty acids are critical for maintaining the skin's moisture barrier and promoting a glossy, resilient coat. With a guaranteed analysis of 0.2% Omega-3 and 1.0% Omega-6, this formula provides the necessary lipids to reduce inflammation and shedding. Veterinarians emphasize that a diet rich in high-quality animal fats, like those found in this Instinct recipe, is the most effective way to support long-term dermatological health in cats.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established for all life stages, making it suitable for kittens, adults, and senior cats. The 156g (5.5 oz) can provides a nutrient-dense pate that supplies the high protein levels (9.0%) required for growing kittens while remaining easily digestible for aging seniors. The inclusion of natural antioxidants from kale, broccoli, and cabbage supports the immune system at every age. Because it is a complete and balanced meal, pet owners can provide consistent, high-quality nutrition throughout their cat's entire lifespan without needing to switch formulas as the pet matures.

The Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Recipe features a high-meat ratio consisting of 95% duck and turkey liver and 5% vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients. This 95/5 distribution is designed to satisfy the biological needs of cats as obligate carnivores, ensuring they receive maximum animal-based amino acids. The 5% portion includes a diverse array of superfoods like artichokes, pumpkin, and cranberries, which provide essential vitamins and minerals without the need for synthetic fillers. This high animal protein concentration distinguishes Instinct from many commercial brands that use higher percentages of plant-based carbohydrates, offering superior biological value for feline consumers.