Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Whole Grain) Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
27.99 + Shipping ($4.95)
$18.19 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
84.99 + Shipping (Free)
$55.24 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Whole Grain)

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Whole Grain) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Whole Grain), we'll examine all 53 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  2. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  3. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  4. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  5. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  6. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a good source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall health.

  7. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  8. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It supports your dog's overall health by promoting digestion, boosting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and coat.

  9. Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  10. Freeze dried beef is a high-quality protein source that retains more of its nutritional value compared to traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids and supports muscle development and maintenance.

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Freeze dried beef liver is a nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It contains essential amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, which support your dog's overall health, growth, and immune function. Freeze drying preserves the nutrients in beef liver, making it a healthy and delicious treat or meal addition for your dog.

  13. Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.

  14. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  15. Freeze dried beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, promoting overall well-being and vitality in dogs.

  16. Montmorillonite clay is a natural source of minerals and can help support your dog's digestive health by binding and eliminating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

  17. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  18. Freeze dried beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a natural source of vitamins A and B, iron, and essential amino acids, promoting overall health in dogs.

  19. Freeze Dried Beef Spleen is an organ meat that is rich in iron and other minerals, providing a natural source of essential nutrients.

  20. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  21. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  22. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  23. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  24. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  25. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  26. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  27. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  28. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  29. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  30. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  31. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  32. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  33. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  34. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  35. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  36. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  37. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  38. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  39. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  40. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  41. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  42. Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a form of iodine used in dog foods. Iodine is crucial for your dog's thyroid health, which regulates metabolism and energy.

  43. Freeze dried cod is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The freeze-drying process retains the nutritional content while providing convenience and a longer shelf life.

  44. Yeast culture is a beneficial ingredient included in dog food to support overall digestive health. It is a natural source of prebiotics, which help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve nutrient absorption, and aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

  45. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  46. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  47. Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract is a source of enzymes, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. It can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your dog.

  48. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and the breakdown of nutrients in your dog's food. This helps ensure that your dog can properly absorb and utilize the nutrients they need for optimal health.

  49. The dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, improving your dog's digestion and overall health.

  50. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  51. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  52. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  53. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 25.50%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients such as salmon, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, freeze-dried beef, freeze-dried beef liver, freeze-dried beef heart, freeze-dried beef kidney, and freeze-dried beef spleen. These ingredients are high in protein, which is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in pets. The inclusion of multiple sources of meat and fish not only increases the protein content but also provides a variety of amino acids that are beneficial for the pet's health.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.50%: The crude fat content is likely derived from ingredients like salmon, which is naturally oily, menhaden fish meal, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), ground flaxseed, and salmon oil. Fats are a concentrated source of energy for pets and also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The presence of canola oil and flaxseed also contributes essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The crude fiber in this pet food is probably coming from plant-based ingredients such as oatmeal, barley, brown rice, dehydrated alfalfa meal, pumpkin seeds, and various fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, apples, and cranberries. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome. While it is not a direct source of energy, fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining overall gastrointestinal health.

Calories of 3775.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the pet food. It is influenced by all macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the high caloric value can be attributed to the combined energy contributions from the protein-rich meats and fish, the fats from oils and fish, and carbohydrates from grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. The balance of these macronutrients is formulated to meet the energy requirements of pets while also providing a complete and balanced diet.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe (Whole Grain) costs approximately $4.61 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $16.75$26.17
10 lbs $28.17$44.01
15 lbs $38.18$59.66
20 lbs $47.37$74.02
30 lbs $64.21$100.33
40 lbs $79.67$124.49
50 lbs $94.19$147.17
60 lbs $107.99$168.74
70 lbs $121.23$189.42
80 lbs $134.00$209.37
90 lbs $146.37$228.71
100 lbs $158.41$247.51

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are expressing great satisfaction with the Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, particularly for dogs with specific dietary needs. For instance, an Australian Shepherd with CHF regained his appetite with this food, and many dogs with chicken allergies have thrived on the salmon recipe, showing improvements in coat health and allergy symptoms.

Several dog owners have noted that their pets, who are often picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs, eagerly consume this food and experience healthy digestion and stool quality. The inclusion of freeze-dried raw pieces is a hit among many dogs, with one owner mentioning that even their cat tries to steal these tasty morsels.

While some dogs have had issues with the food, such as one experiencing digestive troubles or another with incontinence, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule. The majority of reviews focus on the positive outcomes, like dogs enjoying the salmon flavor, having shiny coats, and showing overall good health. Negative experiences are often countered by the positive effects seen in other pets, suggesting that while the food may not suit every dog, it has been beneficial for many.

For those concerned about the grain-free diet controversy, this whole grain option has been well-received, with dogs transitioning smoothly and showing no signs of the allergies they experienced with other brands. Owners of dogs who prefer the raw boost pieces may find that their pets are selective, but this is more a matter of individual taste.

Overall, the Instinct Raw Boost Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe appears to be a trustworthy and high-quality option for many dog owners, especially for those with pets who have specific dietary restrictions or preferences.