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Instinct vs Protein Boost

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety (owned by Agrolimen S.A.), and Protein Boost by K9 Natural Foods Limited (owned by KKR (Natural Pet Food Group)). On KibbleLab, Protein Boost averages 8.6 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 8.4 for Instinct. Instinct makes food for cats and dogs, while Protein Boost covers dogs.

Instinct and Protein Boost compared

Instinct Protein Boost
Manufacturer Nature's Variety K9 Natural Foods Limited
Parent company Agrolimen S.A. KKR (Natural Pet Food Group)
Founded 2002 2006
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA Christchurch, New Zealand
Products listed 108 13
Serves Cats & dogs Dogs
Price tier A relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost.
$$$$$ $$$$
WSAVA guidelines The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands.
No No
PSC accredited The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality.
Yes Yes
Score The average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works .
8.4 (avg of 108) 8.6 (avg of 13)
Recalls on record KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
None None
Where to buy Amazon Amazon

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Instinct vs Protein Boost: how they compare

Scores

Protein Boost scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.6 out of 10 across 13 scored foods, compared with 8.4 across 108 for Instinct. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes them

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, owned by Agrolimen S.A., based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, founded in 2002. Protein Boost is made by K9 Natural Foods Limited, owned by KKR (Natural Pet Food Group), based in Christchurch, New Zealand, founded in 2006.

Standards and range

Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. Both are accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition. KibbleLab lists 108 Instinct foods and 13 Protein Boost foods.

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Common Questions

Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Instinct or Protein Boost?

Protein Boost scores higher: it averages 8.6 out of 10 across 13 scored foods, compared with 8.4 for Instinct. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.

Who makes Instinct and Protein Boost?

Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which is owned by Agrolimen S.A. Protein Boost is made by K9 Natural Foods Limited, which is owned by KKR (Natural Pet Food Group).

Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?

Instinct has 108 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 13 for Protein Boost.

Where is each brand based?

Instinct is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Protein Boost is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Are Instinct or Protein Boost PSC Accredited?

Both Instinct and Protein Boost are PSC Accredited businesses. The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact.

Have Instinct or Protein Boost been recalled?

Neither Instinct nor Protein Boost has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

See the full profiles: Instinct and Protein Boost .

More comparisons

KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.

Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.

KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.