Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon
Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 87% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon dry dog food good?
Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon is a dry dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 35% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17% |
| Est. Carbs | 36% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (9%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 32% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 33% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 9% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (35% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (17% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
49 of 50 matched
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1 Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Salmon Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
The dehydrated form of salmon, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% more protein compared to fresh meat. It is one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
3 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
4 Canola Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
-
5 Sweet Potatoes
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
-
6 Dried Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
-
7 White Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of white fish. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
8 Tomatoes
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
-
9 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
10 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
- 11 Freeze-Dried Beef
No match found in database
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12 Freeze-dried Beef Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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13 Freeze-Dried Beef Spleen
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried beef spleen, rich in iron, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
14 Pumpkin Seeds
Fat Plant ProteinDescription
The seed inside of a pumpkin, rich in potassium and linoleic acid. It contains around 18% of protein, and around 30% protein if it is dehulled.
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15 Dried Tomato Pomace
CarbsDescription
The leftover by-product of the process in making ketchup and other tomato products. Depending on quality, it could provide a certain amount of vitamin C, K1, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
-
16 Freeze-Dried Beef Kidney
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried beef kidney rich in vitamins and minerals.
Why Prefer?
Named organ meat from a specific animal.
-
17 Montmorillonite Clay
CarbsDescription
As a natural anti-caking agent, it can prevent the deterioration of high-quality pet feed without using artificial chemicals. Sometimes it is also used to help relieve diarrhea.
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18 Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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19 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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20 Raspberries
CarbsDescription
A red-ish berry rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps to reduce radical damages in the body.
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21 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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22 Flaxseed Meal
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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23 Alfalfa Meal
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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24 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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25 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
26 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
27 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
29 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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30 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
31 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
32 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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33 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
34 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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35 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
36 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
37 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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38 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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39 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
40 Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide
(Detected): Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide
SupplementDescription
An industrial waste with trace iodine. It is mainly used to supplement iodine in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A controversial supplement that could be linked to certain health issues.
Allergen Concern
Studies show that it may cause allergic reactions in humans, but the research on pets is still limited.
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41 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
-
42 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
43 Yeast Culture
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
-
44 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
-
45 Dried Enterococcus Faceium Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
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46 Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Aspergillus is a fungi often used in the fermentation of soy sauce, sake, and miso.
-
47 Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
-
48 Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus subtilis helps to boost immunity, protect the body from pathogens (like salmonella), and improve gut health.
-
49 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
50 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Salmon, Salmon Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Chickpeas, Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide.
- Possible allergy triggers: Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Chickpeas, Canola Oil, Peas have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 87%
- Plant 11%
- Auxiliary 2%
Meat-forward: 87% of the weighted protein in Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (11% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Auxiliary
Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon dry dog food Review
Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 35% protein, 17% fat, 36% estimated carbohydrates.
- 87% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon good for dogs?
Yes — Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon grain-free?
Yes — Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon?
The main animal proteins in Instinct RawBoost+ High-Protein Recipe with Real Salmon are Salmon, Salmon Meal, White Fish Meal. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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