Instinct Raw Boost vs Instinct Be Natural
Instinct Raw Boost against Instinct Be Natural, measured across 23 and 5 kibble recipes: 31.6% vs 25.2% protein and 31% vs 39% starch, as fed.
Main Differences
- Raw Boost's recipes average 31.6% protein across 23 formulas, well above Be Natural's 25.2% average across 5 formulas.
- Fat and calories per cup are close between the lines: Raw Boost averages 16.9% fat and 453 kcal per cup, Be Natural averages 15.5% fat and 433 kcal per cup.
- Be Natural's estimated starch averages 39% as fed, higher than Raw Boost's 31% average.
- Raw Boost is grain-free in 74% of its recipes, while Be Natural's grain-free share is 0%.
- Raw Boost has 23 recipes for Adult, Puppy, Senior, Small and Large Breed dogs at an estimated $4.25 per pound. Be Natural has 5 recipes for Puppy and All Life Stages dogs at an estimated $2.86 per pound.
The Two Lines in Figures
Protein and fat:
| Measure | Instinct Raw Boost | Instinct Be Natural | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 23 | 5 | 1,747 in total |
| Protein, as fed | 31.6%25.0% to 37.0% | 25.2%25.0% to 26.0% | 27.2% |
| Fat, as fed | 16.9%11.0% to 21.5% | 15.5%14.0% to 18.0% | 14.3% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 31%24% to 40% | 39%37% to 40% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 453368 to 529 | 433418 to 468 | 398 |
| Grain-free recipes | 74% | 0% | |
| Life stages | All Life Stages 13, Adult 3, Puppy 3, Senior 1 | All Life Stages 4, Puppy 1 | |
| Breed sizes | All Breeds 23, Small Breed 4, Large Breed 1 | All Breeds 5 | |
| Price per pound, estimate | $4.25/lbEstimate, median of 18 of 23 recipesRecipes run $3.40 to $5.76Prices checked Sep 28, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026 | $2.86/lbEstimate, median of 4 of 5 recipesRecipes run $2.57 to $3.21Prices checked Sep 28, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026 | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None |
Line figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that line, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Wet food, toppers and prescription diets are left out so the numbers compare like with like. Everything is as fed, the way the bag prints it; the switch above the table shows protein and fat on a dry matter basis instead. Why we use as fed. The price per pound is an estimate: the median of each recipe's lowest price per pound across the bag sizes and US retailers our price checks found, so a single bag can cost more or less. Shelf prices change often.
Top Recipes in Each Line
Instinct Raw Boost
Most protein in the line, 37.0% as fed
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Protein 37%
Fat 21%
Starch 24% 491 kcal/cup
Least starch in the line, about 26%
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Puppies Dry Dog Food
Protein 34%
Fat 22%
Starch 26% 504 kcal/cup
Fewest calories in the line, 401 kcal per cup
Instinct Raw Boost RawBoost+ Whole Grain Kibble Real Beef & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 25%
Fat 16%
Starch 39% 401 kcal/cup
Instinct Be Natural
Most protein in the line, 26.0% as fed
Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 26%
Fat 16%
Starch 38% 418 kcal/cup
Least starch in the line, about 37%
Instinct Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 25%
Fat 18%
Starch 37% 468 kcal/cup
Fewest calories in the line, 423 kcal per cup
Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 25%
Fat 15%
Starch 39% 423 kcal/cup
Who Each Line Suits
Instinct Raw Boost
- Owners wanting higher protein, since Raw Boost's recipes average 31.6% protein as fed.
- Owners seeking grain-free kibble, since 74% of Raw Boost's recipes are grain-free.
- Owners of small or large breed dogs, since Raw Boost offers recipes sized for each.
Instinct Be Natural
- Owners wanting grain-inclusive recipes, since none of Be Natural's recipes are grain-free.
- Owners wanting a lower price, since Be Natural's estimated price is $2.86 per pound.
- Owners wanting a smaller recipe lineup, since Be Natural offers just 5 kibble recipes.
Every Instinct Line
| Line | Kibble recipes | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | Grain-free | Price / lb, est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Boost | 23 | 31.6% | 16.9% | 31% | 453 | 74% | $4.25 |
| Original | 6 | 36.1% | 20.3% | 24% | 509 | 100% | $3.47 |
| Be Natural | 5 | 25.2% | 15.5% | 39% | 433 | 0% | $2.86 |
| Limited Ingredient Diet | 4 | 27.1% | 19.0% | 35% | 482 | 100% | $4.25 |
| Raw Longevity | No kibble; 14 other recipes | ||||||
| Raw Signature | No kibble; 10 other recipes | ||||||
Averages over each line's kibble we review, as fed. Lines with only a few recipes swing more on one bag. Price per pound is the same estimate as above.
The Instinct Lines
Instinct Against Other Brands
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brand's own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. The written comparison is drafted from these figures, and every number in it is checked against them. Figures refreshed October 25, 2026.
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