Original Pates Real Duck Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Aug 17, 2026
This is a high-meat, grain-free canned pâté for cats, using duck and turkey liver as the main animal protein sources. The recipe includes added omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed, plus small amounts of fruits and vegetables. It is formulated to be complete and balanced for cats at all life stages, including kittens and adults.
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Strong Choice
This is a high-quality, meat-focused wet food that should suit many healthy cats, including kittens, who do well on richer, grain-free formulas. The emphasis on duck and organ meats provides nutrient-dense animal protein, and the added fish oil and flaxseed help supply beneficial fatty acids. It’s a good option for cats who prefer a smooth pâté texture and benefit from the extra moisture that comes with canned food.
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
- Duck and turkey liver make up most of the formula, providing rich, species-appropriate animal protein and nutrients.
- Grain-free without relying heavily on peas or other legumes, which appear only after the main animal ingredients.
- Includes menhaden fish oil and ground flaxseeds to provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall health.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all feline life stages, so it is complete and balanced for kittens and adults.
Considerations
- Contains duck, turkey liver, fish oil, and peas, which may be an issue for cats with known poultry, fish, or legume allergies.
- At 9% protein on an as-fed basis, this is typical for canned food, but some very active or underweight cats may do better on higher-protein options.
- Grain-free formulas like this can be richer; some cats with very sensitive stomachs may need a slower transition.
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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
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02
Duck Broth
Duck broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful liquid to boost palatability and moisture, and it can contribute modest amounts of amino acids and minerals depending on how it’s made. It can help entice picky dogs and cats and encourage hydration, but caregivers should check labels for high sodium, added onions/garlic or excessive fat, and avoid broths with bone fragments or if the animal has a poultry allergy or pancreatitis risk.
03
Turkey Liver
Turkey liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods as a protein-rich, palatability-enhancing ingredient and a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals—particularly vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12), iron, and copper. It offers nutritional benefits for metabolism and skin/coat health but should be included in moderation within a balanced diet to avoid vitamin A excess and high purine intake, and must be properly handled or cooked to reduce foodborne risks.
04
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.
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05
Menhaden Fish Oil
No explanation available.
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 Original Pates Real Duck Recipe Wet 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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