Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken
Raw-curious owners who want freeze-dried raw benefits in a convenient kibble format
Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken
Raw-curious owners who want freeze-dried raw benefits in a convenient kibble format
Instinct Raw Boost bridges the gap between conventional kibble and raw feeding. The freeze-dried raw pieces mixed into high-protein kibble create a genuinely unique product. Dogs tend to go crazy for it. The price (~$2.02/day) and grain-free concerns are the main trade-offs.
Strengths
- Combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces for added nutrition
- Cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient with no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products
- Freeze-dried raw coating provides minimally processed nutrition dogs love
Limitations
- Expensive at ~$2.02/day — one of the priciest options in this comparison
- Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
- Freeze-dried raw pieces may not appeal to all dogs or owners
When to Choose Merrick Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice
Owners who want deboned meat first with grain-inclusive quality at a premium price
Merrick puts deboned chicken — not chicken meal — as the first ingredient, which is a meaningful quality distinction. No corn, wheat, soy, and made in the USA with solid transparency. The Nestlé Purina ownership is a consideration for brand-conscious buyers, but the formula quality remains strong.
Strengths
- Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient — real meat, not meal
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives/colors/flavors
- Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients and clear labeling
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$1.50/day for the ingredient quality level
- Smaller 25 lb bag increases per-serving cost compared to larger formats
- Now owned by Nestlé Purina — corporate ownership may concern some buyers
