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Friskies vs Instinct

Friskies is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare (owned by Nestlé S.A.), and Instinct by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.). On KibbleLab, Instinct averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.2 for Friskies. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Friskies is not.

Friskies and Instinct compared

Friskies Instinct
Manufacturer Nestlé Purina PetCare Nature's Variety
Parent company Nestlé S.A. Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 2001 2002
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 64 108
Serves Cats 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 .
7.2 (avg of 64) 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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Friskies vs Instinct: how they compare

Scores

Instinct scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 7.2 across 64 for Friskies. 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

Friskies is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, owned by Nestlé S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2001. 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; Friskies is not. KibbleLab lists 64 Friskies foods and 108 Instinct foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Friskies or Instinct?

Instinct scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 7.2 for Friskies. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Friskies and Instinct?

Friskies is made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which is owned by Nestlé S.A. 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 64 for Friskies.

Where is each brand based?

Friskies is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Are Friskies 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 Friskies or Instinct been recalled?

Neither Friskies 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: Friskies 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.