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FirstMate vs Instinct

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods (owned by Nasta Pet Food), and Instinct by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, FirstMate and Instinct both average 8.4 out of 10. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; FirstMate is not.

FirstMate and Instinct compared

FirstMate Instinct
Manufacturer FirstMate Pet Foods Nature's Variety
Parent company Nasta Pet Food Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 1989 2002
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 56 108
Serves Cats & dogs Cats & dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$ $$$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
No Yes
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.4 (avg of 56) 8.4 (avg of 108)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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FirstMate vs Instinct: how they compare

Scores

FirstMate and Instinct average the same KibbleLab score, 8.4 out of 10, across 56 and 108 scored foods. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, owned by Nasta Pet Food, based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1989. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, owned by Agrolimen S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2002.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; FirstMate is not. KibbleLab lists 56 FirstMate foods and 108 Instinct foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, FirstMate or Instinct?

FirstMate and Instinct average the same KibbleLab score, 8.4 out of 10.

Who makes FirstMate and Instinct?

FirstMate is made by FirstMate Pet Foods, which is owned by Nasta Pet Food. Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which is owned by Agrolimen S.A.

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Instinct has 108 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 56 for FirstMate.

Where is each brand based?

FirstMate is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Are FirstMate or Instinct PSC Accredited?

Instinct is a PSC Accredited business. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification.

Have FirstMate or Instinct been recalled?

Neither FirstMate nor Instinct has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: FirstMate and Instinct .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.