Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Aug 24, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw dry food for adult cats, built around wild-caught Alaskan pollock with added beef organs for extra nutrient density. It’s very calorie-dense and low in carbohydrates, with salmon oil, flaxseed, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables providing fiber and natural sources of vitamins and fatty acids. The recipe is formulated as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for adult cats who do well on a rich, meat-heavy formula.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a very rich, meat-focused adult cat food with an impressive protein and fat profile and very low moisture, as you’d expect from a freeze-dried raw product. The combination of pollock and beef organs provides highly concentrated animal protein and natural micronutrients, and the added taurine and omega-3/6 support typical feline needs. It’s best suited to healthy adult cats with good calorie tolerance; because it’s so energy-dense, portion control is important, especially for indoor or less active cats.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (44% as-fed) and fat (32% as-fed) from named animal sources, including pollock and nutrient-rich beef organs, which suits cats’ needs as obligate carnivores.
- Formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult cats.
- Includes added taurine (0.3% min) and a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support normal heart, eye, skin, and coat function in cats.
- Freeze-dried processing helps preserve nutrients while offering a less processed alternative to traditional extruded kibble, and the recipe is relatively low in carbohydrate content compared with many dry foods.
Considerations
- Very calorie-dense (about 274 kcal per cup), so overfeeding is easy; careful measuring and adjusting portions to your cat’s body condition is important.
- Contains beef in addition to fish, which is a common allergen for some cats; not ideal for cats with known food allergies or sensitivities to beef or fish.
- High fat content may not be suitable for all cats, particularly those with a history of pancreatitis or who need a lower-fat diet as advised by a veterinarian.
- As a low-moisture dry/raw product, cats that don’t drink much on their own may still benefit from additional water in the diet, such as through added water at mealtime or inclusion of wet food.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Pollock
Pollock is a lean white fish commonly used in pet foods as an easily digestible animal protein that boosts palatability and supplies essential amino acids. It provides some omega‑3 fatty acids and is generally low in contaminants compared with larger predatory fish, but can be an allergen for sensitive animals and must be properly processed and balanced (e.g., for taurine in cat diets) and preserved to prevent rancidity.
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02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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03
Beef Spleen
Beef spleen is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats for dogs and cats as a nutrient-dense protein and a natural source of bioavailable iron, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support red blood cell health and palatability, but should be included as part of a balanced diet because organ meats are concentrated in certain nutrients (notably iron and purines), may be unsuitable for pets with iron-overload or urate stone issues, and should be properly processed or cooked to reduce pathogen risk.
04
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
05
Beef Kidney
Beef kidney is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and nutrient-dense inclusion that contributes B vitamins (notably B12 and riboflavin), iron, copper, selenium and attractive flavor for palatability. It can be a beneficial addition for both dogs and cats but should be included in moderation because organ meats are relatively high in minerals and purines and may need restriction for animals with kidney or urate-related conditions, and raw or improperly handled kidney can pose food-safety risks.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Instinct is Nature’s Variety’s flagship brand dedicated to raw and minimally processed pet nutrition. It positions itself in the premium and super-premium segment, focusing on high-protein, grain-free, and raw-inspired diets. Instinct offers frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, kibble with raw coatings, and canned foods aimed at health-conscious pet owners who value a biologically appropriate diet.
Manufacturer
Nature's Variety manages manufacturing quality and safety in accordance with FDA and AAFCO guidelines. Their manufacturing facilities adhere to stringent quality control protocols and HACCP food safety programs to ensure the integrity of their frozen and freeze-dried raw products.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Nature's Variety is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Instinct Raw Freeze-Dried Meals Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Dry Cat Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Instinct ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Instinct. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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