Last checked October 26, 2026

Instinct cat food recall history

We found 3 recalls or FDA notices involving Instinct cat food since 2010. The most recent was posted on February 15, 2013 (foreign material). Each notice names specific products and lots; it doesn’t cover everything the brand makes.

Notices since 2010
3
Included canned food
0
Most recent
February 15, 2013
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Every Instinct cat food recall we found

Newest first. Open each notice for the full list of products and lot codes.

RecallForeign materialrawcats and dogs

InstinctNature's Variety

This action is being taken because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets.

Reported illnesses: To date, there have been no reports of harm to dogs or cats.

4 products named in the notice
  • Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions · 3 lbs. bag · UPC 7 69949 60137 1 · Best by 10/04/13
  • Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions · 27 lbs. case · UPC 7 69949 70137 8 · Best by 10/04/13
  • Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties · 6 lbs. bag · UPC 7 69949 60127 2 · Best by 10/04/13
  • Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties · 36 lbs. case · UPC 7 69949 70127 9 · Best by 10/04/13

Source: Nature's Variety Issues Voluntarily Recall of One Batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Dogs & Cats Due to Possible Health Risk (FDA archive)

RecallSalmonellarawcats and dogs

InstinctNature's Variety

Nature's Variety expanded its recall to all raw frozen chicken diets with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

7 products named in the notice
  • Chicken Formula trial-sized medallions · 0.75 lb · UPC 7 69949 60131 9 · Best by on or before 2/5/11
  • Chicken Formula medallions · 3 lb · UPC 7 69949 60130 2 · Best by on or before 2/5/11
  • Chicken Formula patties · 6 lb · UPC 7 69949 60120 3 · Best by on or before 2/5/11
  • Chicken Formula single chubs · 2 lb · UPC 7 69949 60121 0 · Best by on or before 2/5/11
  • Chicken Formula case of chubs · 12 lb · UPC 7 69949 50121 3 · Best by on or before 2/5/11
  • Organic Chicken Formula medallions · 3 lb · UPC 7 69949 60137 1 · Best by on or before 2/5/11

1 more products. Full product and lot list in the official notice.

Source: Nature's Variety Expands Nationwide Voluntary Recall to Include All Raw Frozen Chicken Diets with Any "Best If Used By" Date On or Before 2/5/11 (FDA archive)

RecallSalmonellarawcats and dogs

InstinctNature's Variety

Nature's Variety recalled its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Reported illnesses: No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

3 products named in the notice
  • Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet – chicken medallions · 3 lb · UPC 7 69949 60130 2 · Best by 11/10/10
  • Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet – chicken patties · 6 lb · UPC 7 69949 60120 3 · Best by 11/10/10
  • Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet – chicken chubs · 2 lb · UPC 7 69949 60121 0 · Best by 11/10/10

Source: Nature's Variety Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall On Raw Frozen Chicken Diets With A "Best If Used By" Date Of 11/10/10 (FDA archive)

Know of a Instinct recall we’re missing? Tell us, with a link to the notice.

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Instinct wet cat food, by the numbers

Carbs, protein, calories and phosphorus for every Instinct can we compare.

See Instinct cans
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Questions about Instinct recalls

Has Instinct cat food ever been recalled?

Yes. Since 2010 we found 3 notices involving Instinct cat food: February 15, 2013 (foreign material); March 8, 2010 (salmonella); February 11, 2010 (salmonella).

Is Instinct wet cat food recalled right now?

We haven’t found any notice that included canned Instinct cat food since 2010, as of October 26, 2026. If you hear of a new one, check the lot code on your can against the official notice.

Where can I check official Instinct recall notices?

The FDA posts company recall announcements on its “Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts” page and pet-specific notices in its Animal & Veterinary section. Each notice listed here links to its official page.

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Recall history for other brands