Instinct Raw Meals Grain-Free Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food - US 8248

100% Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Meal for Adult Cats

Product Description

Instinct Raw Meals Grain-Free Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food is a 100% complete and balanced freeze-dried raw meal made with cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient. Unlike toppers or mixers, this is a full meal replacement formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. Packed with 93% real meat and organs and 7% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, it delivers 3x more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than kibble, while remaining shelf-stable and convenient enough to scoop and serve just like dry food with the option to rehydrate with warm water for added moisture.

Benefits

• 100% Complete & Balanced Meal: Formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance — a full meal replacement, not just a topper.
• 3x More Real Meat Than Kibble: Contains 3x more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than Instinct Original Kibble, delivering significantly more animal-based protein in every bite.
• Never Cooked: Raw foods are never cooked, preserving the natural integrity of ingredients, along with valuable antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Supports Whole-Body Health: Feeding raw supports healthy digestion, lean muscles, strong bones, vibrant skin and coat, and overall energy and vitality.
• Shelf-Stable Convenience: Freeze-dried for easy pantry storage — simply scoop and serve dry like kibble or add warm water to rehydrate for extra moisture.

Ingredients

Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Pumpkinseeds, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Yeast Culture, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Blueberries, Spinach, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis

Caloric Content: 4,782 kcal/kg | 197 kcal/cup

How to Use

Dosage & Administration Instructions

Directions For Use

• Serve Dry or Rehydrate: Serve as is, like kibble, or rehydrate by adding 2 tablespoons of warm water per 1 cup of food for extra moisture.
• Divide Feedings: Divide the daily amount by the number of feedings per day for best results.
• Transitioning: Always introduce a new food over a period of 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts with the current food each day.
• Fresh Water: Always provide access to clean, fresh water at all times.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Keep sealed between feedings.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Complete Meal: This is a 100% complete and balanced meal; however, always follow age-appropriate feeding guidelines as amounts vary by age, weight, and activity level.
• Transitioning: Always introduce gradually over 5 to 7 days to avoid digestive upset, particularly for cats transitioning from kibble or cooked food to raw for the first time.
• Handling: As with all raw food products, wash hands and bowls before and after serving to maintain proper hygiene.
• Storage: Keep the bag sealed between feedings and stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature to preserve freshness and nutritional integrity.
• Vet Consultation: Cats with existing health conditions, such as kidney disease or other dietary restrictions, should be transitioned to any new food only under veterinary guidance.

Possible Side Effects

• Digestive Adjustment: Cats transitioning from cooked or kibble-based diets to raw food may experience mild digestive changes during the transition period; introducing gradually over 5 to 7 days helps minimize discomfort.
• Loose Stools: Some cats may experience temporary loose stools during the initial transition to raw; this typically resolves as the digestive system adjusts to the new food.
• Individual Tolerance: As with any new food, some cats may not immediately accept the new texture or formula; if persistent adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian.

Shipping & Returns

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a complete meal or just a topper?

Ans: This is a 100% complete and balanced freeze-dried raw meal, not a topper. It is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats and can serve as your cat's sole daily diet.

Q2: How does freeze-drying preserve the quality of the raw ingredients?

Ans: Freeze-drying gently removes moisture from raw ingredients without cooking them, preserving the natural integrity of the food along with its antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This results in a more nutritious food that is shelf-stable and convenient to serve.

Q3: Do I need to add water before serving?

Ans: No, it can be served dry directly from the bag just like kibble. However, adding 2 tablespoons of warm water per 1 cup of food to rehydrate is an option for cats that prefer a wetter texture or need additional moisture in their diet.

Q4: How does this compare nutritionally to kibble?

Ans: It contains 3x more real meat and nutrient-rich organs compared to Instinct Original Kibble, delivering significantly more animal-based protein per bite. It is also less processed than cooked kibble, cans, or refrigerated pet food, helping retain more natural nutrients in every meal.

Q5: What percentage of the recipe is real meat and organs?

Ans: The recipe is made with 93% real cage-free chicken meat and organs, and 7% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken liver and chicken heart for nutrient-dense animal protein.

Q6: How should I transition my cat from kibble to this food?

Ans: Always introduce a new food gradually over 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the current food each day. A gradual transition is especially important when moving a cat from a cooked or kibble-based diet to raw for the first time.

Q7: Does it contain any grains, legumes, or artificial ingredients?

Ans: No, it is made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, or preservatives. The formula uses only responsibly sourced meat, non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals to create a clean, complete, and balanced raw meal.

Q8: Is this suitable for all adult cats, including seniors?

Ans: Yes, it is formulated for adult cat maintenance. However, ideal feeding amounts vary by age, weight, and activity level, so adjust portions accordingly. Senior cats or cats with specific health conditions should be transitioned under a veterinarian's guidance.

Q9: How should this food be stored?

Ans: Store the bag sealed in a cool, dark place at room temperature between feedings. Because it is freeze-dried, it is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration when unopened. Always reseal the bag tightly after each feeding to preserve freshness and quality.

Q10: Can this food be used as a meal topper instead of a complete meal?

Ans: While it is designed and nutritionally formulated as a complete meal replacement, it can also be added as a high-protein topper to supplement your cat's existing diet. Just account for the additional calories to avoid overfeeding and adjust the base food accordingly.