Raw Boost Mixers Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Cat Food Topper
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw topper designed to be added to your cat’s regular food for an extra boost of animal protein and whole-food ingredients. It features wild-caught Alaskan pollock as the primary protein, along with pumpkin seeds, vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, and marine microalgae oil. The freeze-drying process preserves nutrients while keeping the pieces lightweight and easy to sprinkle over kibble or wet food.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong topper for cats who would benefit from more high-quality animal protein and variety in their diet. The pollock-based formula is rich in protein and fat, with added fiber sources and omega fatty acids that can help support digestion and skin and coat health. Because it’s a topper and not a complete diet, it works best as an add-on to a balanced cat food rather than a sole food on its own.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein and appropriate fat levels for cats, especially considering it’s a freeze-dried raw topper.
- Uses wild-caught pollock as the main animal protein, plus flaxseed and marine microalgae oil as excellent sources of omega fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables (pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, butternut squash, blueberries, broccoli) that provide natural fiber and phytonutrients.
- Free from grains and common cereal fillers, which may appeal to cats who don’t do as well on grain-heavy diets.
Considerations
- This is intended as a topper, not a complete and balanced standalone diet, so it should always be fed alongside a fully balanced cat food.
- Contains fish as the primary protein, which can be an allergen for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known fish sensitivities.
- The relatively high fiber level for a cat product may not suit every individual cat, especially those that are very sensitive to fiber changes.
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
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
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seed is used in pet foods and supplements as a source of fiber, plant protein, healthy fats and micronutrients (such as magnesium, zinc and iron), plus antioxidants that can support digestion, skin/coat condition and overall nutrient balance in dogs and cats. They contain cucurbitin, a compound traditionally associated with parasite control and can help firm stools and support urinary/prostate health, but are calorie‑dense and may cause gastrointestinal upset or contribute to pancreatitis in susceptible pets, so seeds should be unsalted, properly processed, and never substituted for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
03
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
04
Apple
Apple is used in pet foods as a fruit ingredient that supplies soluble fiber (pectin), natural flavor, moisture, and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. It can support digestion and add low‑calorie sweetness, but seeds and cores should be avoided because of cyanogenic compounds, apples are relatively high in natural sugars so should be used in moderation (and washed to remove pesticides), and cats—being obligate carnivores—gain less nutritional benefit than dogs.
05
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a cooked vegetable ingredient used in pet foods as a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants (notably beta‑carotene/vitamin A), often included to aid digestion, add moisture, and support healthy weight management. It can benefit dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats by supplying fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, but should be cooked and seedless for digestibility, used sparingly in diabetic animals due to carbohydrate content, and treated as a complement to—not a replacement for—animal-based protein.
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
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 Mixers Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Cat Food Topper has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.
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