Nature's Variety Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Skin Care 5.5oz (601111)

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers: Premium Freeze-Dried Nutrition for Your Cat's Skin and Coat

Is your cat struggling with a dull coat, dry skin, or excessive shedding? The Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Skin & Coat Health Formula offers a targeted solution. This premium freeze-dried raw cat food topper from Nature's Variety is specifically designed to enhance your cat's regular meals with concentrated nutrition for optimal skin and fur health. By combining real freeze-dried chicken, cod, and organ meats with functional ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds, this grain-free formula delivers a powerful blend of natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. These nutrients work synergistically to improve skin hydration, reduce flakiness, promote a shinier coat, and minimize shedding. Made in the USA with responsibly sourced ingredients and no artificial additives, Instinct Raw Boost Mixers provides the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of a shelf-stable topper, suitable for cats of all life stages, including those with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. This article explores everything you need to know about this innovative product, from its unique freeze-drying process to its specific benefits for feline skin and coat health.

How Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Improves Your Cat's Skin and Coat

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers improves your cat's skin and coat through a scientifically-backed formula rich in targeted, bioavailable nutrients. The core mechanism involves delivering concentrated levels of natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids directly from whole food sources like salmon oil, cod, flaxseed, and chia seeds. These essential fatty acids are critical building blocks for healthy skin cell membranes, helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and reduce inflammatory responses that lead to dryness and itchiness. When the skin is healthy, the coat that grows from it is stronger, shinier, and less prone to excessive shedding. The formula's exceptionally high animal-based protein content (a minimum of 36%) provides the amino acids necessary for robust skin cell regeneration and strong hair follicles. Unlike many processed supplements, the freeze-drying process used by Instinct preserves these nutrients in their most natural and digestible state, ensuring your cat's body can utilize them efficiently for visible external results.

Veterinary dermatology experts often point to nutritional deficiencies as a primary cause of poor coat quality in cats. A diet lacking in specific fatty acids or high-quality protein can manifest as brittle fur, dandruff, and lackluster shine. The Instinct Raw Boost Mixers formula directly addresses this gap. The Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from marine sources, possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin conditions. Simultaneously, the balanced Omega-6 fatty acids support the production of healthy skin oils that give the coat its natural gloss. Regular use as a dietary topper ensures a consistent intake of these vital nutrients, leading to gradual but noticeable improvements. Cat owners typically report seeing a softer texture, increased shine, and a significant reduction in loose hair around the home within a few weeks of consistent use, as the nutritional support works from the inside out.

Key Ingredients and Nutritional Analysis of the Instinct Formula

The efficacy of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers stems from its carefully selected, functional ingredient list that prioritizes skin and coat support above all else. The primary ingredients provide a powerhouse of animal nutrition: chicken (including ground chicken bone), chicken liver, cod, chicken heart, and pumpkin seeds. These components deliver a dense profile of highly digestible protein and healthy fats. The standout functional ingredients for skin health are salmon oil, ground flaxseed, and ground chia seeds, which are the formula's primary sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Cranberries and dried kelp add antioxidant support and trace minerals, while the formula is naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) and rosemary extract, avoiding artificial chemicals.

The nutritional profile is precisely calibrated for therapeutic benefits. Here is a breakdown of the guaranteed analysis and key components:

This targeted blend results in a calorie-dense product at 4,705 kcal per kilogram, meaning a small serving provides a significant nutritional impact. The formula is complete and balanced for all life stages when used as directed, ensuring it meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. The commitment to being grain-free, with no corn, soy, wheat, or potatoes, also makes it a low-allergen option, reducing the risk of dietary triggers that can exacerbate skin issues in sensitive cats.

The Superior Freeze-Drying Process of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers utilizes a freeze-drying process that sets it apart from conventional cooked or extruded pet foods, preserving the nutritional integrity and bioavailability of raw ingredients. Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, works by flash-freezing the raw meat and functional ingredients and then placing them in a vacuum where the frozen water content sublimates directly from ice to vapor. This low-temperature dehydration method is crucial because it avoids the high heat used in baking, canning, or extrusion, which can denature proteins, destroy heat-sensitive vitamins like B vitamins and Vitamin C, and diminish the potency of delicate fatty acids. The result is a shelf-stable product that retains nearly all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and amino acid profiles of the original raw components.

This preservation method offers distinct advantages for skin and coat health. The Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and cod remain in their most active and bioavailable form, meaning your cat's body can absorb and utilize them more effectively to combat skin inflammation and support coat shine. The natural flavor and aroma of the raw chicken and fish are also locked in, making the topper exceptionally palatable even for picky eaters. Compared to air-dried or baked treats, freeze-dried products like Instinct Raw Boost Mixers offer a texture that many cats find irresistible, often rehydrating slightly with saliva to mimic the mouthfeel of fresh meat. This process also ensures safety by removing moisture, which inhibits bacterial growth, while maintaining a clean label free from artificial preservatives. For pet owners seeking the benefits of a raw diet—such as improved digestion, immune support, and optimal nutrient absorption—without the hassle and safety concerns of handling fresh raw meat, this technology provides an ideal, convenient solution.

Feeding Guidelines and Usage Tips for Instinct Cat Food Topper

Using Instinct Raw Boost Mixers correctly is simple and ensures your cat receives the maximum benefit while maintaining a balanced overall diet. This product is designed as a topper or mixer, not a complete meal replacement. The recommended daily feeding amounts are based on your cat's body weight to provide the perfect dose of skin and coat nutrients without excessive calories.

• For a 5 lb (2.3 kg) cat: Feed 1 tablespoon (approx. 19 kcal) daily.
• For a 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat: Feed 2 tablespoons (approx. 38 kcal) daily.
• For a 15 lb (6.8 kg) cat: Feed 3 tablespoons (approx. 57 kcal) daily.

Simply crumble or sprinkle the recommended amount over your cat's regular portion of dry kibble or wet food. The intense aroma and flavor often encourage cats to eat their entire meal. For optimal digestive comfort and acceptance, especially for cats trying a new protein source or raw food for the first time, introduce the topper gradually. Start by mixing a small pinch into their current food for a few days, then slowly increase the amount over 7-10 days until you reach the full recommended serving. This slow transition allows your cat's digestive system to adapt and helps you monitor for any individual sensitivities, though these are rare due to the formula's simple, grain-free nature.

Always consider your cat's total daily calorie intake from all food sources, including treats, to prevent weight gain. Adjust the base meal portion slightly if needed, or consult your veterinarian for personalized advice, particularly for cats with specific health conditions like obesity or diabetes. After opening, store the 5.5 oz bag in a cool, dry place, resealing it tightly after each use. For maximum freshness, transfer the contents to an airtight container and use within 30 days. The low moisture content (6%) means the product is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, offering unparalleled convenience compared to fresh raw toppers or supplements that need to be kept frozen or refrigerated.

Why Choose Instinct for Cats with Sensitivities and Allergies

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers is an excellent choice for cats with food sensitivities or suspected allergies due to its limited, clean ingredient list and grain-free formulation. Many common commercial cat foods contain grains like corn, wheat, or soy, as well as starchy fillers like potatoes, which are frequent triggers for allergic reactions and digestive upset in felines. These reactions often manifest externally as itchy skin, hot spots, and poor coat quality. By formulating without these ingredients, Instinct removes potential irritants from the equation. The recipe focuses on novel, single-source animal proteins—primarily chicken and cod—which are less commonly associated with severe allergies than some other proteins, though cats with a known poultry allergy should avoid this specific formula.

The absence of artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives further reduces the risk of adverse reactions. The natural preservation system using mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) and rosemary extract is gentler on a sensitive system. Furthermore, the high fiber content from pumpkin seeds (contributing to the 15% crude fiber) promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, which is intrinsically linked to skin health and nutrient absorption. A well-functioning digestive system ensures that the beneficial fats and proteins in the topper are properly broken down and utilized. Veterinary nutritionists often recommend limited-ingredient, high-quality diets as a first step in managing feline allergies and sensitivities. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers allows pet owners to provide targeted nutritional support for skin and coat issues without a complete diet overhaul, making it a versatile and manageable tool in a holistic care plan for cats with delicate constitutions.

Comparing Instinct Raw Boost Mixers to Other Cat Supplements

When evaluating skin and coat supplements for cats, Instinct Raw Boost Mixers stands out for its whole-food, minimally processed approach compared to many alternatives on the market. Traditional supplements often come in the form of processed chews, powders, or liquid oils that may contain synthetic vitamins, fillers, or less bioavailable forms of nutrients. In contrast, Instinct delivers nutrition through real, recognizable ingredients: freeze-dried chunks of chicken, liver, and fish. This whole-food format means the nutrients come packaged with co-factors and enzymes that can enhance their absorption and efficacy in the body, a concept known as food synergy.

Liquid fish oil supplements are a common recommendation for Omega-3s, but they can be messy, oxidize quickly, and some cats dislike the taste or the oiliness they add to food. The Omega-3s in Instinct Raw Boost Mixers are protected within the cellular structure of the salmon oil and cod, stabilized by the freeze-drying process and natural antioxidants. Similarly, compared to standard cat food toppers that are merely baked or flavored crumbs, the freeze-dried raw nature of Instinct offers a higher concentration of protein and active enzymes. While some premium wet foods also promote skin and coat health, they often contain higher moisture content and may not offer the same nutrient density per gram; a small amount of this topper can elevate an ordinary meal. For pet owners who value transparency, the simple ingredient list and the tangible pieces of real food provide confidence that you are feeding a premium, purposeful product designed to deliver specific, visible results for your cat's appearance and comfort.

Final Verdict and Where to Buy Instinct Raw Boost Mixers

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Skin & Coat Health Formula delivers on its promise to provide targeted, effective nutritional support for improving feline skin hydration and coat shine. Its combination of high-quality, freeze-dried raw proteins, a potent blend of Omega fatty acids from superior sources, and a clean, grain-free formula makes it a standout choice for discerning cat owners. The convenience of a shelf-stable topper, coupled with the palatability that cats love, removes the barriers often associated with supplementing a cat's diet. Whether your cat suffers from seasonal dryness, age-related coat changes, or you simply want to promote the ultimate in skin and fur health proactively, this product offers a straightforward solution.

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers is widely available for purchase, offering excellent value for its concentrated nutrition. You can find it at major pet specialty retailers, both in-store and online, as well as through various e-commerce platforms. Look for the distinctive packaging highlighting the Skin & Coat Health formula. When you make the switch, remember to transition slowly, follow the feeding guidelines, and store it properly. Within a few weeks, you should be on your way to seeing a happier, more comfortable cat with a noticeably softer, shinier, and healthier-looking coat—proof that premium nutrition truly makes a difference from the inside out.