Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high‑protein, grain-free dry cat food that combines chicken-based kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken pieces. It uses multiple animal protein sources, added salmon oil, and probiotics, aiming to support lean muscle, skin and coat, and digestive health for cats at any life stage. The recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens and adults when fed appropriately.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong, high-protein option for healthy cats who tolerate chicken and grain-free formulas. It uses multiple animal meals and freeze-dried meat to provide concentrated protein, with added omega fatty acids and probiotics for general support. The calorie density is quite high, so portion control is important, and it may not suit cats who need lower-fat or chicken-free diets.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein at 41% from chicken, turkey, fish meals and freeze-dried organs, which suits most healthy, active cats well.
- High fat at 22% and 496 kcal per cup makes this a calorie-dense food, helpful for cats that need to maintain or gain weight on smaller portions.
- Includes salmon oil and a good omega-3 to omega-6 balance, which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it is appropriate for both kittens and adult cats.
Considerations
- Chicken, turkey, fish, and peas may trigger issues in cats with food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is high, so overfeeding can quickly lead to weight gain if portions are not measured carefully.
- Grain-free formula relies on peas and tapioca as main carb sources, which may not be ideal if you prefer a diet with traditional grains.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
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.
04
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
05
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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.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.
Visit InstinctManufacturer
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
Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook