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Grandma Lucy's vs Instinct

Grandma Lucy's is made by Grandma Lucy's, and Instinct by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.), and both make food for cats and dogs. On KibbleLab, Instinct averages 8.4 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Grandma Lucy's. Instinct is accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition; Grandma Lucy's is not.

Grandma Lucy's and Instinct compared

Grandma Lucy's Instinct
Manufacturer Grandma Lucy's Nature's Variety
Parent company Independent Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 1999 2002
Headquarters Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Products listed 35 108
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 .
8.0 (avg of 35) 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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Grandma Lucy's vs Instinct: how they compare

Scores

Instinct scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 8.0 across 35 for Grandma Lucy's. 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

Grandma Lucy's is made by Grandma Lucy's, an independent maker, based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA, founded in 1999. 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; Grandma Lucy's is not. KibbleLab lists 35 Grandma Lucy's foods and 108 Instinct foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Grandma Lucy's or Instinct?

Instinct scores higher: it averages 8.4 out of 10 across 108 scored foods, compared with 8.0 for Grandma Lucy's. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Grandma Lucy's and Instinct?

Grandma Lucy's is made by Grandma Lucy's. 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 35 for Grandma Lucy's.

Where is each brand based?

Grandma Lucy's is based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA. Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Are Grandma Lucy's 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 Grandma Lucy's or Instinct been recalled?

Neither Grandma Lucy's 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: Grandma Lucy's 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.