Original Pate Real Lamb Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Aug 26, 2026
This is a high-meat, grain-free canned pâté for cats, using lamb and turkey (plus liver and egg) as its main animal protein sources. It offers a relatively high protein and fat content for a wet food, with added omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed. The recipe is designed as a complete and balanced diet for cats at all life stages, including kittens and adults, who do well on a rich, meat-based formula.
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Strong Choice
This lamb-based wet food provides a very meat-forward, high-protein diet suitable for most healthy cats, including kittens, who can tolerate rich foods. I like that it relies heavily on animal ingredients with some added fruits and vegetables for micronutrients and variety. It’s a good option for cats who enjoy pâté textures and benefit from higher moisture intake in a grain-free formula that does not rely heavily on peas or potatoes as fillers.
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
- Lamb, turkey, liver, and egg provide multiple high-quality animal protein sources for cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it can be fed to kittens and adults.
- Good fat and omega-3 and -6 sources from menhaden fish oil, sunflower oil, and flaxseed support skin and coat health.
- Grain-free formula without corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and preservatives may suit more sensitive cats.
Considerations
- Contains egg and fish oil, which can be problematic if your cat has egg or fish allergies.
- The relatively rich fat and protein levels may be too heavy for some cats prone to pancreatitis or needing a lower-fat diet.
- Peas are present, which some very sensitive cats may not tolerate well, though they are not a main ingredient.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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02
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
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03
Lamb Broth
Lamb broth is used in pet foods and toppers primarily as a flavorful, moisture-rich base or gravy to boost palatability and hydration, and it can contribute small amounts of animal protein, amino acids, and electrolytes. Pet parents should be aware that broths can be high in sodium or fat and may contain allergens or toxic seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, xylitol), so choose low‑sodium, pet-safe formulations and consult a veterinarian for pets with dietary restrictions or sensitive stomachs.
04
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.
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.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?
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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 Pate Real Lamb 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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