by Nature’s Variety Instinct
Adult
Light
Grain-Free
AAFCO

Nature’s Variety Instinct

Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Healthy Weight

Adult
Light
Grain-Free
AAFCO
AAFCO adequacy statement provided by the manufacturer
1

First Ingredient

Animal Protein

Flavor

Chicken

Cat Food Central Quality Score: 81 out of 100
531 views
4.2
(166 reviews)

Available sizes

4.5 lb
2 kg
10 lb
4.5 kg

Summary

Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight is a grain-free, high-protein dry cat food designed for adult weight management.
It combines kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken.
The first ingredient is cage-free chicken, which is complemented by chicken meal, salmon meal, and freeze-dried chicken parts.
Together, they provide 37.5% crude protein for muscle retention.
This formula includes 25% less fat and 10% fewer calories than standard Instinct Raw Boost, with a crude fat range of 12–16% and 385 kcal per cup.
L-carnitine is present at 550 mg/kg to support fat metabolism, while the 5.5% maximum crude fiber level contributes to satiety and digestive efficiency.
Digestive support includes Bacillus coagulans (60 million CFU/lb), tomato pomace, and dried chicory root to promote healthy gut flora.
Omega-3 (0.5%) and omega-6 (2.5%) fatty acids from salmon oil support coat health, while zinc (120 mg/kg) and vitamin E (120 IU/kg) enhance immune function.
Freeze-dried chicken heart, liver, and muscle pieces provide raw nutrition in a minimally processed form to enhance palatability and nutrient variety.
Made without grains, by-product meals, potatoes, soy, or artificial preservatives, it supports a clean, meat-focused weight-control approach.

Pros
Expand All
1

Weight management support

This product contains 550 mg/kg L-carnitine and 385 kcal/cup to assist fat metabolism and support calorie control in less active cats.
2

High animal protein

Delivers 37.5% protein from chicken, salmon, menhaden, and freeze-dried raw pieces to preserve lean muscle during weight loss.
3

Appetite control

5.5% fiber from tomato pomace, alfalfa meal, and pumpkin seeds helps promote satiety and digestive regularity.
4

Raw-enhanced nutrition

Kibble is coated with freeze-dried chicken heart, liver, and meat for additional taste and nutrient diversity.
5

Gut and immunity support

This supplement includes Bacillus coagulans and vitamin C (100 mg/kg) to enhance digestion and immune resilience.
6

Free from fillers

Grain-free with no corn, soy, wheat, by-product meals, or artificial additives.
Cons
Expand All
1

Fat range variability

Crude fat ranges from 12% to 16%, which may make it harder to assess suitability for cats on strict fat-reduction plans.
2

Moderately high calorie density

Despite calorie reduction, 385 kcal/cup remains relatively dense and requires controlled feeding for overweight cats.
3

No declared ash or phosphorus

Lacks ash or phosphorus data, which may be important for cats with renal concerns.
4

Complex formulation

Contains multiple protein sources and botanicals, which may not suit cats' food sensitivities.
5

Limited omega-3

Omega-3 content is only 0.5%, which may be insufficient for cats with inflammatory or skin conditions.
6

Raw ingredient concerns

Including freeze-dried raw meats may not be ideal for immunocompromised cats.

Nutrition

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • Chicken Meal
  • Chickpeas
  • Salmon Meal
  • Menhaden Fish Meal
  • Tapioca
  • Suncured Alfalfa Meal
  • Peas
  • Dried Tomato Pomace
  • Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid)
  • and also:
Freeze Dried Chicken, Montmorillonite Clay, Natural Flavor, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Carnitine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Taurine, Dried Kelp, Salmon Oil, Blueberries, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein
37.5%
Crude Fat
16%
Crude Fiber
5.5%
Moisture
9%
Crude Ash
11%
Calcium
2%
Phosphorus
1.4%
Potassium
0.9%
Magnesium
0.1%
Omega 3
0.5%
Omega 6
2.5%
Metabolizable Energy
3709 kcal/kg
Taurine (0.3mg/Kg), L-Carnitine (min) (550mg/Kg), Sodium (0.6%), Copper (22.9mg/Kg), Zinc (120mg/Kg), Vitamin E (120IU/Kg), Ascorbic Acid (C) (100mg/Kg), *Bacillus coagulans (min) 60,000,000 CFU/lb

Comments

Notes

The score is calculated after relocating fresh meat or fish ingredient(s), as explained in Rule 7: Quality and Location Impact of Meat Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein
37.5%
Crude Fat
16%
Crude Fiber
5.5%
Moisture
9%
Crude Ash
11%
Calcium
2%
Phosphorus
1.4%
Potassium
0.9%
Magnesium
0.1%
Omega 3
0.5%
Omega 6
2.5%
Metabolizable Energy
3709 kcal/kg
Taurine (0.3mg/Kg), L-Carnitine (min) (550mg/Kg), Sodium (0.6%), Copper (22.9mg/Kg), Zinc (120mg/Kg), Vitamin E (120IU/Kg), Ascorbic Acid (C) (100mg/Kg), *Bacillus coagulans (min) 60,000,000 CFU/lb
Last reviewed:
We use advanced automated tools to verify and update this product’s details with the most current manufacturer information.
View the product change history.

Rating

4.2
166 reviews
5
111
4
17
3
9
2
10
1
19

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Product changes
Nature’s Variety Instinct

Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Healthy Weight

Product changes

11-05-2025
  • Crude fat changed from 12% -> 16%
  • Crude ash changed from % -> 11%
Product feedback

Found a mistake?
Missing info?

Provide as many details as possible about Nature’s Variety Instinct: Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Healthy Weight so we can make it better!

How the score is calculated?

The actual calculation of the score is based on sophisticated and advanced algorithm that takes into account multiple parameters.

To simplify the explanation, the calculation is based on three main criteria:

(1) Amount of protein (more is better)

(2) Amount of carbohydrates (less is better)

(3) Quality and source of ingredients.

Based on that 3 main criteria, 9 score calculation rules are used to compare the different foods.

One major assumption is that the closer an ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater its relative weight and contribution to the food.

In general, cat food is composed of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein is the most important component in a cat's diet, and cats primarily get their protein from animal meat.

Fat is a primary source of energy and essential fatty acids.

Carbohydrates are controversial in a cat's diet, as cats are obligate carnivores and typically consume very few carbohydrates.

Fibers play an important role in digestion and food absorption, and vitamins and minerals are essential for different organism functions.

Dry matter values are used to compare the amount of nutrients in different cat foods. This means that moisture is excluded from the equation to provide a more accurate comparison.

Putting all of these and more into a formula results in a product score.

The maximum score a cat food can receive is 100. Points are added or removed based on the score calculation rules.

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Provide as many details as possible about Nature’s Variety Instinct: Raw Boost Real Chicken Recipe Healthy Weight so we can make it better!

Thank you!

How the score is calculated?

The actual calculation of the score is based on sophisticated and advanced algorithm that takes into account multiple parameters.

To simplify the explanation, the calculation is based on three main criteria:

(1) Amount of protein (more is better)

(2) Amount of carbohydrates (less is better)

(3) Quality and source of ingredients.

Based on that 3 main criteria, 9 score calculation rules are used to compare the different foods.

One major assumption is that the closer an ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater its relative weight and contribution to the food.

In general, cat food is composed of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein is the most important component in a cat’s diet, and cats primarily get their protein from animal meat.

Fat is a primary source of energy and essential fatty acids.

Carbohydrates are controversial in a cat’s diet, as cats are obligate carnivores and typically consume very few carbohydrates.

Fibers play an important role in digestion and food absorption, and vitamins and minerals are essential for different organism functions.

Dry matter values are used to compare the amount of nutrients in different cat foods.
This means that moisture is excluded from the equation to provide a more accurate comparison.

Putting all of these and more into a formula results in a product score.

The maximum score a cat food can receive is 100.
Points are added or removed based on the score calculation rules.