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Instinct RawBoost Whole Grain Real Chicken & Brown Rice, 20 lb. Bag

Instinct · 20 lb · Dog

Instinct RawBoost, Natural Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Pieces, Whole Grain Recipe - Real Chicken & Brown Rice, 20 lb. Bag
$4.00/ lb·$79.99total

Verified 8 days ago on Amazon. Best-seller rank #4124.

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Overview

Instinct RawBoost carves out a unique space in the dog food landscape by blending two philosophies into one bag. This Whole Grain Real Chicken & Brown Rice recipe isn't just a standard kibble; it integrates pieces of freeze-dried raw chicken directly into the mix. The result is a "best of both worlds" approach for pet parents who are intrigued by the benefits of a raw diet—like higher protein and less processing—but still value the convenience, balanced nutrition, and shelf-stability of traditional dry food. This 20 lb. bag is built around real chicken as its primary protein source, supported by the energy and fiber from whole grains like brown rice. The freeze-dried raw inclusions act as a powerful, nutrient-rich draw, enhancing the food's taste and aroma, which can be a significant advantage for picky or food-fatigued dogs. It aims to deliver a more natural, ancestral-inspired meal without the complexities and costs associated with a fully raw feeding regimen.

Key features

  • Hybrid Formula: Combines cooked, high-protein kibble with pieces of freeze-dried raw chicken.
  • Real Chicken First: Features real chicken as the leading protein source for lean muscle development.
  • Whole Grain Recipe: Includes brown rice to provide digestible fiber and a steady source of energy.
  • Minimally Processed Boost: The raw pieces offer nutrients in a less processed form than conventional kibble.
  • Large Bag Format: The 20 lb. bag size is economical for large dogs or multi-dog households and reduces frequent shopping trips.

Pros

  • Enhanced Palatability: The inclusion of freeze-dried raw meat morsels provides a significant boost in taste and aroma, making it highly appealing to picky eaters.
  • High-Quality Protein: Real chicken offers a complete amino acid profile to support lean muscle mass and overall health.
  • Balanced Nutrition: By combining whole grains with quality protein, the formula provides sustained energy and digestive fiber, a different approach from increasingly common grain-free diets.
  • Convenient Introduction to Raw: Allows owners to incorporate some benefits of raw feeding without the hassle and safety concerns of handling raw meat.

Cons

  • Premium Price Point: Its price-per-pound is substantially higher than the average for large-bag dry dog foods due to the cost of freeze-dried ingredients.
  • Contains Grains: While healthy for most dogs, the brown rice in this recipe makes it unsuitable for dogs with known grain allergies or sensitivities.
  • Potential for Sorting: Some clever dogs may try to eat only the freeze-dried pieces and leave the kibble behind.
  • Not a Fully Raw Diet: This is a compromise product; it doesn't provide the full experience or potential benefits that a 100% raw diet might offer.

Best for

This Instinct RawBoost recipe is an ideal match for discerning dog owners who want to elevate their pet's nutrition beyond simple kibble without fully committing to a raw diet. It is particularly well-suited for active adult dogs of most breeds who thrive on a grain-inclusive diet and would benefit from a more palatable, high-protein meal. The combination of textures and the rich taste of real chicken can successfully entice picky eaters who may have lost interest in their regular food.

Feeding guide

The right feeding amount depends on your dog's individual size, metabolism, and daily activity. As a general starting point, most adult dogs need roughly 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of dry food per 10 pounds of body weight daily. This portion should be divided into two meals. Because Instinct RawBoost is a nutrient-dense food with raw inclusions, you may find your dog needs slightly less than a typical kibble. Always consult the official feeding chart on the bag for the most accurate guidelines, and adjust the amount to keep your dog at a lean, healthy weight. Access to fresh, clean water is essential at all times.

Ingredients & nutrition note

While we do not have access to the complete ingredient panel for this 20 lb. bag of Instinct RawBoost, the product's name tells us a great deal. 'Real Chicken' as the star indicates that a high-quality animal protein is the primary component. 'Whole Grain' and 'Brown Rice' confirm the presence of healthy, fiber-rich carbohydrates instead of corn, wheat, or soy fillers. Premium foods in this category typically supplement the main ingredients with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and added nutrients like omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and probiotics for digestion. For a definitive list and guaranteed analysis, please refer to the product's packaging.

Price comparison

With a price of $4.00 per pound, this 20 lb. bag of Instinct RawBoost Whole Grain Chicken & Brown Rice positions itself firmly in the premium segment of the large-bag dry dog food category. Based on our analysis of over 100 products in this size format, the average price-per-pound is approximately $2.61, with the median value at $2.43. This recipe's cost is therefore significantly above the market average, approaching the upper end of the price spectrum which tops out around $5.25 per pound. The justification for this premium pricing lies in its defining feature: the inclusion of freeze-dried raw chicken, an expensive ingredient that adds substantial nutritional value and palatability compared to standard kibbles.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is "RawBoost"? Is it raw food?

RawBoost is Instinct's brand name for a diet that combines two types of food: traditional dry kibble and pieces of freeze-dried raw meat. So, it's not a fully raw diet. The idea is to give your dog the nutritional benefits and rich taste of raw food in a convenient, safe, and easy-to-serve format.

Is a whole-grain recipe like this better or worse than grain-free?

Neither is inherently "better" for all dogs; it depends on the individual dog. Whole grains like brown rice provide excellent sources of fiber, carbohydrates for energy, and essential nutrients. This recipe is great for most dogs. Grain-free diets are necessary for dogs with specific grain allergies or sensitivities, but for the average dog, healthy grains can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet.

How should I store this 20 lb. bag to keep the freeze-dried pieces fresh?

To preserve the quality and crunch of both the kibble and the freeze-dried raw pieces, it's best to store the food in a cool, dry place. After opening, roll the top of the bag down tightly or, for best results, transfer the contents to an airtight container. This prevents exposure to moisture and air, which can make the food go stale and degrade its nutritional value.

Can I just feed my dog the raw pieces?

No, you should not. The product is designed to be fed as a complete and balanced meal, with the kibble and raw pieces eaten together. The kibble contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are not present in the same ratios in the raw pieces alone. Feeding only the raw morsels would result in an unbalanced diet.

Since it contains raw chicken, is it safe to handle?

Yes, it is safe. The "raw" pieces have been freeze-dried, a process that removes moisture and kills harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, making the food shelf-stable and safe to handle. You can treat it just like you would any other dry dog food, though washing your hands after feeding is always a good practice.

Is this food appropriate for puppies or senior dogs?

The bag does not specify a particular life stage, which typically means it's formulated for adult maintenance. Puppies and senior dogs have different caloric and nutrient requirements (like calcium and DHA). Instinct makes other formulas specifically for puppies and seniors. You should always check the AAFCO statement on the packaging to confirm which life stage the food is certified for.

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