Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food Reviews: Is It Worth It?

I’ve always been “raw-curious” for my dog, but the cost, the prep time, and the sheer hassle of handling a full raw diet always scared me off. Then I kept hearing about Instinct Raw Boost, the “best of all worlds” food that mixes high-protein kibble with actual pieces of freeze-dried raw meat.

Is it just a smart marketing gimmick, or is it genuinely worth the premium price? I’m breaking down my full experience. If you’re looking for a way to add the benefits of raw to your dog’s bowl without the messy prep, you can find Instinct Raw Boost on Chewy or at most specialty pet stores.

My Experience With Instinct Raw Boost

My dog, a 4-year-old rescue named Cooper, was my main motivation. He was on a decent, standard kibble, but he was just… fine.

He wasn’t thriving. His coat was a bit dull, his energy levels were average, and he was never particularly excited about mealtime.

He was a grazer, picking at his bowl throughout the day, which told me he wasn’t exactly in love with his food.

I wanted to give him something better, something that would get him excited, and I hoped to see that “shine” and “vitality” everyone talks about.

I decided to try the Instinct Raw Boost Salmon recipe, hoping the omega fatty acids would help his coat. The first thing I noticed when I opened the bag was the smell. It didn’t smell like burnt corn or “kibble.” It smelled like fish and meat. And then I saw them: the “boost bits,” the freeze-dried raw chunks. They looked like little dried-out meatballs, and Cooper, who was sniffing the bag with interest, immediately recognized them as “treats.”

I did a slow, 10-day transition, mixing a little more of the Instinct in with his old food each day. I was worried the richness would upset his stomach, but he handled it perfectly. No digestive issues at all. The first real change I noticed was at mealtime. Cooper stopped grazing. When I put the bowl down, he went straight for it and ate the “boost bits” first, like a kid picking marshmallows out of cereal. But then, he finished the entire bowl. This was new.

By the end of the first month, the changes were visible. His stool quality was… well, the best it’s ever been. Smaller, firmer, and less frequent, which is a classic sign that his body was absorbing and using more of the nutrients. By month two, I saw the change I was hoping for: his coat. It was noticeably softer, and when the light hit him, he was shiny. His energy also improved; he seemed more playful and recovered faster from our long runs. He just seemed healthier. It’s expensive, yes, but seeing him clean his bowl and look this good made me feel like I was finally giving him the high-quality diet he deserved.

Pros Of Instinct Raw Boost

• The “Best Of Both Worlds” Convenience: This is, without a doubt, the number one reason to buy this food. You get the powerful nutritional benefits of raw food—like un-denatured proteins and enzymes—without any of the work. A full raw diet requires freezer space, daily thawing, meticulous food safety, and balancing a complex mix of meat, organs, and bones. I don’t have time for that. Instinct Raw Boost delivers those raw pieces in a safe, shelf-stable, freeze-dried format.¹ It’s 95% as easy as feeding regular kibble, but you get that nutritional “boost” that kibble alone can’t offer. It’s the perfect gateway to raw for busy owners.
• Extremely High Palatability (Picky Eater Approved): Dogs go absolutely wild for the freeze-dried raw bits. My dog Cooper, who used to be a finicky grazer, now waits by his bowl at feeding time. The raw bits are like high-value treats mixed right into the meal. But it’s not just the chunks—the kibble itself is coated in a fine “dust” from the raw pieces, which makes the entire meal incredibly appetizing. If you have a picky dog who turns their nose up at plain kibble, this food is very likely to be a game-changer. It’s a huge relief not to worry if your dog is eating enough.
• Visible Improvements In Coat And Skin: This is the result you can see. The high-quality proteins and, specifically, the rich omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from the raw inclusions (like salmon or chicken) aren’t destroyed by the high-heat cooking process that regular kibble goes through. This translates directly to skin and coat health. Within a month or two, I noticed Cooper’s coat was dramatically softer and had a visible sheen. Many users report it helps reduce minor skin irritations and dandruff. It’s the most obvious external sign of improved internal health.
• Improved Digestion And Stool Quality: I mentioned this in my experience, but it deserves its own point. Because the food is so nutrient-dense and high in bioavailable protein, your dog’s body absorbs more of it. This means there is less “filler” and waste. The result is stools that are significantly smaller, firmer, and less… smelly. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement for any dog owner (especially when you’re on cleanup duty) and a clear sign that your dog’s digestive system is running efficiently. The formulas are also grain-free and use digestible carbohydrates like peas, which helps sensitive stomachs.
• High-Quality, Sourced Ingredients: Instinct is very transparent about its ingredients. The first ingredient is always real meat (like cage-free chicken, grass-fed beef, or wild-caught salmon), not a “meal” or by-product. The recipes are packed with animal protein and include non-GMO fruits and vegetables.² You won’t find any corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. They also use a process called High-Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) on their raw bits to kill pathogens like salmonella, which makes it one of the safest ways to feed raw.³

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Cons Of Instinct Raw Boost

• The Premium Price Tag: There is no getting around it: this is one of the most expensive “kibble-style” foods on the shelf. A large bag can easily cost close to (or over) $100. This high price is due to the costly freeze-drying process and the high-quality meat. For owners of large-breed dogs or multi-dog households, the cost can be flat-out prohibitive. You have to go into this purchase viewing it as a long-term investment in your dog’s health, because your wallet will feel it.
• The “Raw Bit Lottery”: This is the most common and frustrating complaint you will find in user reviews, and I’ve experienced it myself. You open one bag, and it’s loaded with those beautiful freeze-dried raw chunks. You feel great, and your dog is in heaven. You buy the next bag from the same store, and you’re digging through it wondering where all the “boost” went. The inconsistency in the ratio of kibble to raw bits is maddening. It makes you feel ripped off and can even make your dog get picky, searching for the bits that are barely there.
• Too Rich For Some Dogs: This food is a powerhouse. It’s high in protein and high in fat. While that’s great for active dogs, it can be too much for some. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or a history of pancreatitis may not be able to tolerate the richness. You MUST transition very, very slowly (10-14 days). It’s also extremely calorie-dense. If you have a less active dog, a senior, or a breed prone to weight gain, you have to be very strict with portion control, as this food can pack on the pounds quickly.
• Not A “True” Raw Diet: This is a con for raw purists. You need to understand that the base of this food is still a processed kibble. While it’s a very high-quality, grain-free kibble, it has still been cooked at high temperatures. The “raw” part is only the “boost bits” mixed in. This is a “hybrid” or “raw-inclusive” diet, not a 100% raw diet. If you are seeking the full, unadulterated benefits of a 100% raw-fed lifestyle (like from brands such as Primal or Stella & Chewy’s), this is not it. This is a compromise.

Maintenance Tips For Instinct Raw Boost

• Store It Properly (Seal It Tight!): This is the most important maintenance tip. The freeze-dried raw pieces are shelf-stable because they are dry. If you let air and humidity get into the bag, the raw bits can absorb moisture, which makes them go stale and can potentially lead to spoilage. The fats in the kibble will also oxidize (go rancid) faster when exposed to air. Do not leave the bag open. I strongly recommend rolling the top of the bag down, squeezing all the air out, clipping it, and then placing the entire original bag into an airtight container. Don’t just dump the food; the bag itself is designed to protect it.
• Shake The Bag Before You Scoop: This is my personal solution to the “Raw Bit Lottery” problem. During shipping and handling, the contents settle. The heavy kibble can sink, or the light, airy raw bits can all end up in one place. Before you open a new bag, and every few days, give the bag a gentle tumble and a shake. This helps redistribute the raw chunks more evenly throughout the kibble. This ensures you get a more consistent scoop at mealtime and your dog doesn’t get a “boring” bowl.
• Be Precise With Portion Control And Monitor Weight: As I said, this food is calorie-dense. The feeding guidelines on the back of the bag are just a suggestion. I found I had to feed Cooper about 15% less than the bag recommended for his target weight to keep him lean and active. Use a proper measuring cup, not just a coffee mug. When you first switch, weigh your dog weekly. If you notice they are gaining unwanted weight, cut back the portion by 1/8th of a cup. This is a high-performance food; don’t free-feed it.
• Use The “Magic Dust” (Don’t Waste The Crumbs): When you get to the bottom of the bag, you will find a layer of “dust” or crumbs. This is not filler! This is pulverized, powdered freeze-dried raw meat and kibble. This stuff is “magic dust”—it’s pure, concentrated flavor and nutrition. Do not throw it out. I scoop this “dust” out and sprinkle it over my dog’s first few meals from the new bag. It’s a perfect food topper and ensures you use every last bit of the expensive food you paid for.
• Practice Basic Food Safety: Even though Instinct uses High-Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to make the raw bits safe, it’s still good practice to treat it like you’re handling raw meat. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the food, especially after touching the raw bits. Most importantly, wash your dog’s bowl daily. The residue from the raw dust and fats can be a breeding ground for bacteria. A clean bowl for every meal is a non-negotiable part of a healthy feeding routine.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Instinct Raw Boost vs. Orijen: Orijen is a legendary brand in the high-protein, “biologically appropriate” category.⁴ Orijen’s kibble is arguably one of the most meat-dense on the market, often containing 85% animal ingredients.⁵ However, Orijen does not have the freeze-dried raw chunks mixed in. It’s a pure, premium kibble. So the choice is this: If your dog is motivated by the texture and burst of flavor from the raw bits, Instinct wins. If you just want the highest-protein, meat-packed kibble you can buy, Orijen is your brand. Both are in the same top-tier price bracket.
• Instinct Raw Boost vs. Blue Buffalo Wilderness (with LifeSource Bits): This is a very common comparison, but it’s not apples-to-apples. Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a great grain-free, high-protein kibble.⁶ But its “LifeSource Bits” are not raw. They are a cold-formed “patty” of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a supplement, not food. Instinct’s “Boost” bits are actual freeze-dried meat. Dogs can tell the difference. Instinct’s raw bits are far more palatable and offer the benefits of raw protein, putting it in a more premium (and more expensive) category than Blue Buffalo.
• Instinct Raw Boost vs. Merrick Backcountry (with Freeze-Dried Raw): This is Instinct’s most direct competitor. Merrick’s Backcountry line has the exact same philosophy: a high-protein, grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces mixed in.⁷ They are very similar in quality, ingredients, and price. When I compared them, the choice really came down to specific recipes. Merrick often features more “exotic” proteins (like Venison or Great Plains Red) which can be great for dogs with allergies to chicken or beef. The choice between Instinct and Merrick is a very close race; I’d suggest seeing which specific recipe your dog prefers.
• Instinct Raw Boost vs. A 100% Raw Diet (e.g., Stella & Chewy’s): This is the hybrid vs. the purist. Brands like Stella & Chewy’s or Primal sell bags of only the freeze-dried raw (or frozen raw). You rehydrate these with water and serve. This is a 100% raw diet. Nutritionally, this is the “gold standard” for raw feeders. However, it is two to three times more expensive than Instinct Raw Boost and requires prep (rehydration) for every meal. Instinct Raw Boost is the compromise. You get some of the raw benefit for half the cost and none of the prep.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, is Instinct Raw Boost worth the money? For me and Cooper, the answer is a 100% yes. It is the perfect, practical compromise between the proven health benefits of a raw diet and the non-negotiable convenience of kibble.

The visible results in his coat, energy, and digestion (and his genuine excitement for dinner) have made me a loyal customer. It’s a premium food with a premium price, but the transformation in my dog’s health makes it a worthwhile investment. If you’ve been “raw-curious” but intimidated by the process, I can’t recommend it enough. You can find it at specialty pet retailers and online at Chewy.¹⁰