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Looking at Instinct and noticed their “Raw Boost” line has freeze-dried raw pieces coating regular kibble. Sounds interesting but is it actually beneficial or just marketing hook?
The brand emphasizes high protein and minimal processing. Prices are upper mid-range. Wondering if the raw coating makes meaningful difference or if it’s novelty.
Anyone feeding Instinct regularly? Does the raw boost concept work as advertised? Worth the premium over standard premium brands?
Thanks for insights.
Feed Your Cat the Best with Instinct Cat Food!High-quality meals loved by cats and trusted by owners.🥇 2244+ repeat purchases in 30 days!Been using Instinct Raw Boost for about eight months and genuinely notice my cat prefers it over plain kibble. The freeze-dried raw coating adds flavor and smell that really appeals to him. His coat has developed nice shine and his muscle tone improved noticeably. The high protein content keeps him satisfied with smaller portions. Costs around $3.20 per pound which is premium but not extreme. The raw pieces provide nutritional boost while keeping convenience of kibble. Good middle ground between conventional feeding and full raw diet. My cat stays healthy and enthusiastic about meals.
The raw boost concept makes logical sense. Freeze-dried raw provides nutrients destroyed by cooking while kibble offers convenience and dental benefits. Combining both seems like smart approach. Been researching high-protein foods and Instinct keeps appearing in recommendations. Planning to try their original formulas first before committing to Raw Boost line. Hoping my cat accepts it because the nutrition profile looks solid.
Nutritionally, combining kibble with freeze-dried raw coating provides benefits of both formats. Kibble offers dental abrasion and convenience while raw pieces preserve heat-sensitive nutrients and natural enzymes. Instinct formulas emphasize animal protein with limited plant ingredients. The freeze-dried raw component isn’t just flavoring – it contributes actual nutritional value. High protein levels suit feline carnivore requirements. For cats needing protein-rich diet without full raw feeding commitment, Instinct offers practical middle option.
PRICING BREAKDOWN:
Instinct Raw Boost: $3.00-$3.60 per pound
Instinct Original: $2.60-$3.20 per pound
Wellness CORE: $2.80-$3.20 per pound
Blue Buffalo: $2.50-$3.00 per pound
Orijen: $4.50-$5.50 per poundInstinct prices in upper mid-premium range. Raw Boost costs more than their standard formulas but less than ultra-premium brands. The freeze-dried coating adds value beyond plain kibble. Not budget food but not extreme luxury either. Reasonable pricing for the quality provided.
The variety of protein sources works well for rotation feeding. They offer chicken, duck, rabbit, and various fish formulas. Rotating proteins quarterly provides nutritional diversity and prevents boredom. My cat tolerates all the proteins I’ve tried without digestive issues. Having options within single brand simplifies rotation strategy.
Instinct’s focus on minimal processing and high animal content aligns with current understanding of feline nutrition. Cats are obligate carnivores needing animal protein rather than plant-based fillers. Their formulas reflect that biology with meat-focused ingredients. The nutritional philosophy seems sound based on feline dietary requirements.
Available product lines:
Raw Boost: Kibble with freeze-dried coating
Original: Grain-free regular kibble
Limited Ingredient: Simpler formulas for sensitivities
Ultimate Protein: Extra high protein content
Wet food varieties: Pate and chunky optionsDecent selection covering different needs. I primarily use Raw Boost with occasional wet food for variety. Both maintain consistent quality.
INSTINCT VS WELLNESS CORE (high protein comparison)
Both emphasize protein content:
Instinct advantages:
Raw Boost option with freeze-dried coating
Higher protein in some formulas
More meat-focused philosophy
Minimal plant ingredients
Novel proteins available (rabbit, duck)Wellness CORE advantages:
Slightly more affordable generally
Wider availability in stores
Established longer track record
More formula variety overall
Better sales frequencyMy assessment: Instinct for maximum protein and raw component. Wellness CORE for slightly better value with comparable nutrition. Both are solid high-protein options. Choice depends whether raw boost appeals enough to justify small price premium.
For active young cats needing extra protein, Instinct provides appropriate nutrition. My two-year-old has high energy and the protein content supports his activity level well. He maintains lean muscle mass and healthy weight without constant hunger between meals. The calorie density means smaller portions satisfy his needs.
The freeze dried raw pieces also add natural palatability without artificial flavors. Cats respond well to the smell and taste of raw meat. Using actual freeze-dried protein for flavor enhancement beats chemical flavor additives. More natural approach to making food appealing.
Mixing Instinct Original (without raw boost) with small amount of separate freeze-dried raw creates similar effect at lower cost. If budget is tight, buying standard Instinct and adding your own freeze-dried topper saves money while achieving comparable result. Flexibility for different budget levels.
My cat with mild food sensitivities does well on Instinct Limited Ingredient formulas. The simplified recipes with single animal protein source work for her touchy system. Her chronic soft stool issues improved significantly after switching. Not every sensitive cat needs prescription diet if quality limited ingredient food solves the problem.
Nearly six months feeding Instinct Raw Boost and results continue impressing me. My cat maintains excellent health with strong muscle tone, beautiful coat, and sustained energy. The combination of convenient kibble and nutritious raw coating provides practical high-quality feeding. He genuinely enjoys meals based on his enthusiasm when food appears. The protein focused formulation aligns with feline nutritional needs better than carb-heavy alternatives.
While not cheapest option available, the quality justifies the moderate premium. Instinct delivers legitimate benefits rather than empty marketing claims. The freeze-dried raw component adds real nutritional value and palatability. For cats needing high protein without full raw feeding complexity, Instinct offers sensible solution. My cat thrives on it and I feel confident about the nutrition he receives. Worth considering if your budget allows mid-premium pricing and you value protein-rich formulations.
My cat picked out all the freeze-dried raw pieces and left the regular kibble behind. She ate only the coating bits and ignored the base food. Defeated the purpose of balanced nutrition when she’s selectively eating. Maybe works better for less picky cats who eat everything together. Quality seemed fine but her selective eating made it impractical for us.
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