Flaked Salmon Entrée Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
This is a grain-free, flaked wet food for adult cats that uses salmon, chicken, and chicken liver as its main animal protein sources in a high-moisture gravy. It includes omega-rich fish oil and flaxseed, plus small amounts of vegetables and fruits like spinach, carrots, and pumpkin. The recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance, making it suitable as a primary diet for healthy adult cats.
A high-quality, grain-free wet food for adult cats that emphasizes animal proteins and provides plenty of moisture, which is very helpful for urinary tract support in general. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for an adult maintenance canned diet, and the inclusion of omega-3 and omega-6 sources is a plus. It’s a strong option for healthy adult cats, though it does contain chicken and egg, which matter if your cat has specific food allergies.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (salmon, chicken, chicken liver, egg) high on the ingredient list provide good-quality, highly digestible protein for adult cats.
- High moisture content (82%) helps support overall hydration, which is especially useful for cats that don’t drink much water on their own.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid sources (menhaden fish oil, sunflower oil, ground flaxseed) that can support skin and coat health.
- Grain-free without relying heavily on peas or other pulses as main ingredients; pea content appears modest and mainly as a minor ingredient rather than a primary carb source.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and egg, which are common allergens for some cats, so it’s not ideal for cats needing a strictly novel-protein or poultry-free diet.
- This formula is labeled for maintenance, so it is not appropriate as the sole diet for kittens or pregnant/nursing cats who have higher nutrient requirements.
- While grain-free, it still uses dried ground peas, which may be a consideration for owners specifically trying to avoid legumes, even though they are not a major component here.
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
Salmon Broth
Salmon broth is a savory liquid used in pet foods and as a meal topper to boost palatability and encourage hydration, supplying small amounts of protein, amino acids and omega‑3 fatty acids that can support skin and coat health in dogs and cats. It can help entice picky eaters and increase water intake, but owners should choose low‑sodium, commercially prepared broths free of onion/garlic or other toxic additives and be mindful of fish allergies or potential contaminants in fish‑derived ingredients.
02
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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.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.
Visit InstinctManufacturer
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
Instinct Flaked Salmon Entrée Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.
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