Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Indoor Health Dry Cat Food
Verified Aug 24, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry cat food that combines chicken-based kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken pieces, designed for indoor cats of all life stages. It uses chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, and fish meal as primary protein sources, with added prebiotics, probiotics, and moderate calories to suit typically less-active indoor lifestyles. The formula also includes omega fatty acids and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to support skin, coat, and overall wellness.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed, high-protein option for indoor cats who do well on chicken-based, grain-free diets. It offers multiple quality animal protein sources, added prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, and a calorie level that’s reasonable for indoor activity levels. It’s best suited for healthy cats without chicken or fish allergies and for owners who specifically want a grain-free, higher-meat dry food.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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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
- High protein level for a dry cat food (37.5% minimum) from multiple animal sources, including chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, and freeze-dried organ meats.
- Includes added prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides, chicory root) and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) to support digestive health and stool quality.
- Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil and chicken fat, plus antioxidants from ingredients like carrots, apples, cranberries, and blueberries, which can support skin, coat, and overall wellness.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens through adults when fed appropriately, with clear guidance for kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.
Considerations
- Chicken and fish are prominent ingredients, so this food is not appropriate for cats with known chicken or fish allergies or sensitivities.
- This is a grain-free formula that relies on peas and tapioca for carbohydrates; while not inherently harmful, some owners of cats with specific heart concerns may prefer to discuss grain-free diets with their veterinarian.
- The relatively high calorie density (429 kcal per cup) means portion control is important for indoor cats prone to weight gain.
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.
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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.
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03
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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04
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.
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05
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.
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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 Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Indoor Health Dry 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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