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Raw Boost Frozen Mixers Gut Health Topper
Instinct

Raw Boost Frozen Mixers Gut Health Topper

Verified Jul 18, 2026

Dog · Topper All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a frozen raw chicken-based topper designed to be added to your dog’s regular diet to support gut health. It uses chicken, organ meats, pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, and added probiotics to boost protein and provide fermentable fibers that can help support a healthy digestive tract. Because it’s a supplemental topper rather than a complete diet, it should always be fed alongside a balanced main food.

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Over-the-counter Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.0 out of 10

Strong Choice

Nutritionally, this is a high-quality raw topper that delivers animal protein from chicken and organ meats, along with pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, and a named probiotic strain to support digestion. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for a topper, and the moisture content is typical for a frozen raw product. It’s best suited for dogs who are already doing well on a complete diet but might benefit from added variety and digestive support rather than as a stand-alone food.

Calorie and portion clarity 6.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 3 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.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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

Marketed Benefits
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.
Digestive Health Probiotic Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Uses chicken and nutrient-dense organ meats (liver, heart) as primary ingredients, providing high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and micronutrients.
  • Includes pumpkin, sweet potato, and chicory root, which supply fiber types that can support healthy stool quality and gut bacteria.
  • Contains a guaranteed level of Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic), which can help support a healthy gut microbiome for some dogs.
  • Relatively low carbohydrate ingredient load and a moisture level consistent with minimally processed frozen raw foods, which many dogs find highly palatable.

Considerations

  • Designed only for intermittent or supplemental feeding, so it must be fed along with a complete and balanced diet and not as your dog’s sole food.
  • Chicken is a leading ingredient, so this would not be appropriate for dogs with known chicken allergies or sensitivities.
  • As a raw frozen product, it requires careful handling and storage to minimize food safety risks for both pets and people in the household.
  • The topper is grain-free and relies on ingredients like pumpkin and sweet potato; while not typically a concern, owners of dogs with any ingredient sensitivities should review the list closely.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin Seeds, Chicken Heart, Dried Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Lactic Acid, Annatto Extract (color), Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product

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.
View ingredient
02
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
03
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.
04
Chicken Heart
Chicken heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable animal protein source, providing taurine, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and coenzyme Q10. It supports lean muscle and, for cats, provides essential taurine, but should be included as part of a balanced formulation and properly sourced/processed to reduce bacterial risk, since excessive organ intake can unbalance nutrients or be a concern for pets with specific metabolic or urate-stone issues.
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
View ingredient

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
62.00%
Low High
1908
kcal / Kg
238
kcal / Cup
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Frozen
Food type Topper

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.

Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nature's Variety
Parent company Agrolimen S.A.
Founded 2002
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Nebraska
Manufacturing oversight

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.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

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 recalls on record

No recall is listed for Instinct Raw Boost Frozen Mixers Gut Health Topper.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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8.0 /10 Grade A
Raw Boost Frozen Mixers Gut Health Topper
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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.

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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.