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Flaked Chicken Entree Wet Cat Food
Instinct

Flaked Chicken Entree Wet Cat Food

Verified Jun 20, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

A grain-free, flaked wet food for adult cats featuring chicken and chicken liver as the main animal protein sources in a high-moisture gravy. It includes egg, peas, vegetables, and added fish and plant oils to provide essential fatty acids, along with a full vitamin and mineral premix for complete and balanced maintenance nutrition. This texture and moisture level can work well for cats who prefer softer foods or need help keeping up their water intake.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

This is a high-moisture, grain-free canned diet for adult cats that relies on chicken and chicken liver for most of its protein, with added egg and peas contributing as well. The nutrient profile is appropriate for adult maintenance, and the inclusion of fish oil, flaxseed, and sunflower oil helps supply important fatty acids. It’s generally a solid choice for healthy adult cats who do well on chicken-based, grain-free formulas, especially if you’re looking to support good hydration with a wet diet.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Allergy Support Sensitive Stomach Hydration Support
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Named animal proteins (chicken and chicken liver) appear high in the ingredient list, providing good-quality, highly digestible protein for adult cats.
  • Very high moisture (82%) can help support hydration, which is especially useful for cats that don’t drink much on their own.
  • Includes beneficial fat sources like menhaden fish oil, flaxseed, and sunflower oil, which supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall health.
  • AAFCO-certified as complete and balanced for adult maintenance by formulation, so it can be used as a primary diet for adult cats.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple common allergens, including chicken and egg, so it is not a good fit for cats with known sensitivities to those proteins.
  • Peas appear in the ingredient list; while not inherently harmful, they do contribute some of the protein and may not be ideal for cats who need strictly animal-based protein sources.
  • This formula is for adult maintenance only and is not appropriate as the sole diet for kittens or pregnant/nursing cats.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Egg Product, Spinach, Carrots, Dried Ground Peas, Guar Gum, Montmorillonite Clay, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Ground Flaxseed, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Sunflower Oil, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley.

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
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
04
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
05
Egg Product
Egg product is used in pet foods as a high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer, providing complete essential amino acids, fats, vitamins (such as A, D and B12), minerals and choline, and it often serves as a binder or emulsifier when included as whole, dried or concentrated egg. It supplies bioavailable nutrients for dogs and cats but can be a food allergen for some individuals, may be higher in fat depending on yolk content, and should be properly processed (pasteurized or cooked) to reduce microbial risk.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
4.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
924
kcal / Kg
144
kcal / 5.5 oz can
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Flakes
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Instinct Flaked Chicken Entree is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Instinct

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.

Visit Instinct
Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nature's Variety
Parent company Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 2002
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Nebraska
Manufacturing oversight

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.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Instinct Flaked Chicken Entree Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Flaked Chicken Entree Wet Cat Food
Instinct · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Instinct ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Instinct. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.