Instinct Raw Boost Gut Health Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food

The Verdict

If your dog’s digestion has you on a first-name basis with your vet, you’ve probably already stared at this bag. Instinct Raw Boost Gut Health isn’t just another chicken kibble — it’s a targeted formula that pairs high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces and a specific fiber/probiotic blend designed to firm up stools and calm sensitive stomachs. With a 4.4-star average across 220 ratings, it’s clearly working for a lot of dogs. But it’s also pricey, and it won’t fix every digestive issue. Here’s the honest breakdown.

What’s actually in the bag

You’re getting a 20-pound bag of kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw chicken pieces — visible chunks you can spot immediately when you open it. The first five ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, peas, tapioca, and chicken fat, so the protein base is solid. No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.

The gut health angle comes from three places: pumpkin and chicory root for prebiotic fiber, a guaranteed 2 billion CFU of probiotics per pound (specifically Bacillus coagulans, which survives stomach acid better than many probiotic strains), and the raw pieces themselves, which retain more natural enzymes than cooked kibble. Crude fiber sits at 6% max — noticeably higher than standard kibble’s 3-4%.

How it performs in real homes

The most consistent praise across buyer feedback is about stool quality. Multiple reviewers mention firmer poops within a week. One owner wrote, “My dog had soft stools for months. Switched to this and within three days, completely normal.” Another noted, “The first ingredient is real chicken, and the raw pieces make it palatable even for my fussy eater.”

The raw pieces are a genuine draw — dogs that turn their nose up at plain kibble often eat these eagerly. That’s the good news. The bad news is that some dogs, particularly smaller breeds, learn to pick out the raw chunks and leave the kibble behind. Several reviewers report wasted food because of exactly this behavior.

Where it falls short

The price is the biggest hurdle. This runs a solid 30-40% more per pound than premium kibble like Purina Pro Plan or Hill’s Science Diet. You’re paying for the raw inclusion and the probiotic/fiber blend — that’s the value proposition. If your dog doesn’t have digestive issues, you’re overpaying.

There’s also a consistency issue. A handful of reviewers report that some bags have noticeably more raw pieces than others. One long-term buyer noted, “Three bags in, and the mix varies. Sometimes it’s loaded with raw chunks, sometimes it’s mostly kibble.” Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.

Finally, the kibble itself is smaller than average — roughly half-inch pieces. Great for small and medium dogs, but large breeds might inhale it too fast. Watch that if you have a Gulper.

Who should buy this

• Owners of dogs with recurring loose stools or sensitive stomachs — this is the target audience, and it delivers for most
• Picky eaters who need a palatability boost — the raw pieces genuinely help
• Small to medium breed owners — kibble size suits them best

Who should skip it

• Budget-conscious owners with healthy dogs — you’ll pay premium prices for benefits you don’t need
• Large breed owners — kibble size encourages gulping, and the price per pound gets brutal at 60+ pound dogs
• Dogs with known chicken allergies — this is chicken-heavy, obviously

FAQ

Q: Can this be fed as a complete meal, or is it a topper? A: It’s complete and balanced. The freeze-dried raw pieces are incorporated into the kibble — not separate. Feed it as you would any dry food.

Q: How fast should I transition my dog? A: Give it 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts with the old food. The fiber jump from 3% to 6% can cause temporary gas or loose stools if you switch cold turkey.

Q: Does the raw chicken pose a salmonella risk? A: The raw pieces are freeze-dried, which removes moisture that bacteria need to grow. Standard handling precautions apply, but this is generally considered safe for healthy dogs. Immunocompromised animals or households with young children should consult a vet first.

The Verdict

Buy it if: Your dog has chronic digestive issues, you’ve tried cheaper options without success, and you’re willing to pay for targeted ingredients that actually address the problem.

Skip it if: Your dog’s digestion is fine, you’re on a tight budget, or you have a large breed that needs bigger kibble.

Rating: 4.2/5 — It does what it claims for most dogs, but the premium price and inconsistent raw-piece distribution keep it from a perfect score. For the right dog, it’s worth every penny. For the wrong one, it’s an expensive bag of regular kibble.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.