Let’s be honest, finding the perfect cat food can feel like an impossible quest. You want something nutritious and healthy, but your cat… well, your cat has opinions. I’ve been down the road of serving up expensive, vet-recommended food only to have my finicky feline, Leo, turn his nose up at it. That’s what led me to explore the world of freeze-dried raw food. It promises the nutritional punch of a raw diet without the mess and hassle. After hearing a lot of buzz, I decided to try the Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food.
The idea is simple: give your cat a diet closer to what they’d eat in the wild—protein-rich and minimally processed—to support everything from their digestion to their energy levels. For pet parents struggling with picky eaters or cats with sensitivities, this kind of food can be a real game-changer.
What Makes Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Stand Out?
This isn’t just another bag of brown pellets. The difference is clear as soon as you open the bag. Here are the features that really caught my eye:
✅ Packed with Real Meat: Instinct boasts that this food contains three times more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than traditional kibble. It’s made from 85% real chicken, organs, and bone, which is fantastic for our little carnivores who thrive on animal-based protein.
✅ Minimally Processed Nutrition: The ingredients are freeze-dried, not cooked at high heat like kibble. This process gently removes water while locking in the original nutrients, flavors, and aromas. The result is better nutrient absorption and, hopefully, a happier digestive system.
✅ Whole-Food Ingredients: Beyond the chicken, the ingredient list reads like a shopping list from a health food store: pumpkinseeds, carrots, apples, salmon oil, blueberries, and spinach. It’s completely free of grain, corn, soy, legumes, and any artificial colors or preservatives.
✅ Versatile and Easy to Serve: You can serve these freeze-dried morsels straight from the bag as a meal or a high-value treat, or you can rehydrate them with warm water for a soft, paté-like meal.
How to Serve Instinct Raw Meals
Using this food is incredibly straightforward. You have two main options:
- Serve Dry: Scoop the recommended amount into your cat’s bowl. The nuggets are great as a complete meal on their own, but they also make a fantastic “topper” to entice a picky eater to finish their regular food.
- Rehydrate for a Wet Meal: This was Leo’s preferred method.
- Step 1: Place the desired amount of freeze-dried food in a bowl.
- Step 2: Add a small amount of warm (not hot) water. You don’t need much, just enough to cover the bottom of the bowl.
- Step 3: Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The nuggets will soften and absorb the water, creating a moist, savory meal.
- Important Tip: If you rehydrate the food, be sure to discard any leftovers after two hours to prevent bacteria growth. And always wash your hands and the bowl before and after feeding.
What Are Pet Owners Saying?
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 reviews, it’s clear I’m not the only one impressed.
- Sarah (5/5 Stars) said, “My 14-year-old cat has become the pickiest eater on the planet. We tried everything. This is the ONLY food she will clean her bowl for. Her coat is shinier and she has so much more energy. It’s expensive, but worth every penny to see her happy and healthy.”
- David (4/5 Stars) noted, “My cats love this stuff, and I love the ingredients. My only complaint is that the bottom quarter of the bag is often just powder and crumbs, which is hard to serve. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic product.”
- Michelle (3/5 Stars) had a different experience, writing, “I bought this hoping to transition my cat to a healthier diet, but he just wouldn’t touch it, wet or dry. It seems like a great quality food, but it just wasn’t for him.”
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent, high-protein ingredients | ❌ Premium price point is not for every budget |
| ✔️ Highly palatable for most picky cats | ❌ Some bags can have a lot of powder/crumbs |
| ✔️ Supports better digestion & coat health | ❌ Not all cats will take to the texture |
| ✔️ Convenient and easy to prepare |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mix this with my cat’s current kibble? A: Absolutely! Using it as a “topper” is a great way to boost the nutritional value of your cat’s regular food and entice them to eat. It’s also a perfect method for slowly transitioning them to a new diet.
Q: Is it safe to feed my cat raw food? A: The freeze-drying process is designed to eliminate harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli while preserving the food’s nutritional integrity, making it much safer than handling raw meat from the grocery store. Just remember to follow good hygiene practices by washing hands and bowls.
Q: How long will a 9.5 oz bag last? A: It really depends on your cat’s size and whether you’re using it as a full meal, a topper, or an occasional treat. For an average 10 lb cat, if used as their sole food source, a bag will last about a week. As a topper, it will last much longer.
Final Verdict
The Instinct Raw Meals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food is a top-tier product that delivers on its promise of high-quality, raw-inspired nutrition. It’s an ideal choice for cat owners who are struggling with picky eaters, dealing with food sensitivities or allergies, or simply want to upgrade their pet’s diet from standard kibble without the full commitment of a fresh raw diet.
While the price is higher than traditional cat food, the benefits—improved energy, a healthier coat, and digestive wellness—often justify the cost. If you’re on a tight budget or have multiple cats, it might be best used as a special topper. But for those who can invest in their cat’s nutrition, this food is a fantastic option.
Ready to see if your cat loves it as much as mine does? You can find it on Amazon.