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Raw Frozen Bites Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe
Instinct

Raw Frozen Bites Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a raw frozen cat food formulated for adult maintenance, using wild-caught Alaskan pollock plus beef organs as its primary animal ingredients. The recipe is very meat-heavy with a small amount of fruits and vegetables, providing a high-protein, relatively low-carbohydrate option. It’s designed for cats who do well on raw diets and whose owners are comfortable handling and storing frozen raw food safely.

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

Nutritionally, this is a high-quality, meat-focused raw option for adult cats that provides complete and balanced maintenance nutrition by AAFCO formulation. Pollock and beef organs supply rich, highly bioavailable protein and essential nutrients, and the added taurine level is appropriate for cats. It’s best suited to healthy adult cats, especially those who thrive on high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diets, and for owners able to manage the extra food safety steps that come with raw feeding.

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
Bone Health Skin Coat Health Digestive Health Immune Support Eye Health High Energy
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high proportion of animal ingredients (pollock, beef organs, beef) providing high-quality protein and natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for adult cats.
  • Added taurine and organ meats help support the essential amino acid needs of cats, which are especially important on raw diets.
  • Includes sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (pollock, salmon oil, ground flaxseed) that can support skin and coat health.

Considerations

  • Raw frozen diets require strict handling, storage, and hygiene to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination for both pets and people in the household.
  • Contains multiple animal proteins (pollock, beef, salmon oil), so it may not be ideal as a first choice for cats with known fish or beef allergies.
  • This formula is for adult maintenance only and is not intended for kittens or pregnant/nursing cats, who have different nutritional requirements.
  • High-protein, calorie-dense raw foods can lead to weight gain if portions are not carefully measured, especially in indoor or less active cats.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Pollock, Beef Spleen, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Beef, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yeast Culture, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Blueberries, Spinach, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Salt, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract.

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
Pollock
Pollock is a lean white fish commonly used in pet foods as an easily digestible animal protein that boosts palatability and supplies essential amino acids. It provides some omega‑3 fatty acids and is generally low in contaminants compared with larger predatory fish, but can be an allergen for sensitive animals and must be properly processed and balanced (e.g., for taurine in cat diets) and preserved to prevent rancidity.
02
Beef Spleen
Beef spleen is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats for dogs and cats as a nutrient-dense protein and a natural source of bioavailable iron, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support red blood cell health and palatability, but should be included as part of a balanced diet because organ meats are concentrated in certain nutrients (notably iron and purines), may be unsuitable for pets with iron-overload or urate stone issues, and should be properly processed or cooked to reduce pathogen risk.
03
Beef Kidney
Beef kidney is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and nutrient-dense inclusion that contributes B vitamins (notably B12 and riboflavin), iron, copper, selenium and attractive flavor for palatability. It can be a beneficial addition for both dogs and cats but should be included in moderation because organ meats are relatively high in minerals and purines and may need restriction for animals with kidney or urate-related conditions, and raw or improperly handled kidney can pose food-safety risks.
04
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
05
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.

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)
13.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
6.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
74.00%
Low High
1274
kcal / Kg
175
kcal / Cup
High
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 Whole Pieces
Processing method Frozen
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 Raw Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe 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 Raw Frozen Bites Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Raw Frozen Bites Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe
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.