Raw Boost Mixers Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Topper
Verified Jun 3, 2026
A high-protein, freeze-dried raw topper for dogs featuring wild-caught pollock as the main animal protein, supported by pumpkin seeds and ground flaxseed. It includes a variety of fruits and vegetables plus marine microalgae oil and dried chicory root, offering additional fiber and omega fatty acids. This is meant to be added to a complete and balanced dog food to boost protein, flavor, and variety rather than used as the sole diet.
This is a nutrient-dense, freeze-dried raw topper that can nicely enhance a complete and balanced dog food with extra high-quality fish protein and a range of whole plant ingredients. The protein and fat levels are very high for a topper, and the ingredient list is short, clear, and focused on recognizable foods. Because it’s labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, it should always be used alongside a balanced base diet, not as your dog’s main food.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Wild-caught pollock as the primary ingredient provides highly digestible animal protein and marine omega-3 fatty acids.
- Very high protein (48% min) and moderate-to-high fat (20% min) make it a concentrated way to boost the nutrient density of a regular kibble or wet food.
- Includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables plus ground flaxseed and marine microalgae oil, which add fiber, phytonutrients, and additional omega fatty acids.
- Grain-free without relying on peas, lentils, or chickpeas, so it avoids the legume-heavy profiles that have been associated with diet-related heart concerns in some dogs.
Considerations
- Not complete and balanced; it is clearly labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding only and must be combined with a full, balanced diet.
- Pollock and fish oil-type ingredients can be allergens for some dogs with fish sensitivities, so it isn’t a fit for dogs with known fish allergies.
- The nutrient density is high (3827 kcal/kg, 154 kcal per cup), so portions need to be modest and the main diet reduced accordingly to avoid unwanted weight gain.
- As a raw, freeze-dried product, it may not be appropriate for severely immunocompromised pets unless your veterinarian is comfortable with its use.
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
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 Mixers Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe 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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