Original Pate Real Rabbit Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Aug 17, 2026
This is a grain-free, high-moisture canned pate for cats that uses rabbit and pork as its main animal protein sources. It’s formulated for all life stages, providing moderate protein and fat for a wet food, along with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The recipe also includes small amounts of peas, vegetables, fruits, and essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.
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Strong Choice
This is a high-quality wet food suitable for most healthy cats at any life stage, including kittens and adults. It offers a more novel primary protein (rabbit) alongside pork, which can be useful for some cats that don’t do well on chicken or beef. The grain-free, high-moisture pate format can work well for cats who need more water in their diet or prefer soft textures.
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
- Rabbit and pork provide animal-based protein, which is ideal for a carnivorous species like cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it’s complete and balanced for kittens and adults.
- High moisture content can help support overall hydration, especially for cats that don’t drink much water.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help support skin, coat, and overall health.
Considerations
- Contains pork and fish oil, so it is not suitable for cats with pork or fish allergies.
- This is a grain-free formula using peas and plant ingredients; some owners of breeds prone to heart disease may prefer to discuss grain-free diets with their vet.
- Protein and fat levels are on the moderate side for a wet cat food, so very active or underweight cats may need larger portions to maintain weight.
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
Rabbit
Rabbit is used in pet foods as a novel or alternative animal protein source for dogs and cats, prized for lean, highly digestible muscle protein and often selected for pets with food sensitivities. It supplies essential amino acids and low fat, but owners should choose complete, balanced formulations (cats especially need adequate taurine), be mindful of mineral imbalances if bone-in/whole‑prey ingredients are included, and avoid improperly handled raw rabbit due to food‑safety risks.
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02
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
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03
Pork Broth
Pork broth is typically used in pet foods and treats as a flavoring, palatant and moisture enhancer to improve aroma and encourage eating, and may contribute small amounts of protein, fat and minerals depending on preparation. It can help increase palatability and hydration, but owners should watch for high sodium or fat content and added seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, or other additives) and avoid it for pets on sodium‑ or fat‑restricted diets or with pork sensitivities.
04
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.
05
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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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 Pate Real Rabbit 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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