Pug Reviews: Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Mixers
I’ve been supplementing my dog’s diet with raw food for a few years now and not only do they love it, it’s done wonders for their teeth. I’m always on the lookout for products that offer the benefits of raw feeding while also being convenient. So today we’ll be reviewing Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Mixers from Chewy.com.
Usually when I add raw food to my dogs food I have to smoosh it with a spoon in the case of frozen, or crush it with my hand in the case of freeze-dried. Now, neither of those things are difficult, but simplifying the process certainly doesn’t hurt.
The Raw Boost Mixers are already made into bite-sized pieces so all you have to do is scoop or pour a little bit onto your dogs kibble. These size bites would also make a great, healthy training treat! Because they are freeze-dried they’re shelf stable and super convenient, but you get all the same benefits of a raw diet.
When I add raw to my dog’s food I simply decrease their kibble by an equal amount. Even though it’s super delicious, raw food is moderate calorie and nutrient dense. So it’s wonderful for maintaining a healthy weight – something I’m always concerned about with a pug.
The ingredients of the lamb variety we tried are as follows:
Lamb, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Broccoli, Rosemary Extract, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Blueberries, Dried Chicory Root
The dogs love the taste of the Mixers so it’s an awesome kibble topper for picky eaters. The only downside to this product is that its easy for some dogs to eat only the raw bits and not their kibble (I’m looking at you Molly!).
Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Mixers are a great product to keep on hand even for those experienced with raw food and it’s a wonderfully convenient product for beginners! It’s also the perfect size and consistency to use as a high-value treat.
Disclosure: This bag of Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Mixers was sent to me for free by Chewy.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I never recommend a product I don’t fully believe in.
July 29, 2015 @ 12:34 am
Wow, looks yummy! Humom is looking into commercial raw in case she needs to be away and we have to stay with someone who doesn’t know how to feed raw. Will consider Nature’s Variety!
July 29, 2015 @ 4:05 am
Hi Y’all!
Gotta get my Human to check it out! Sounds yummy!
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
July 29, 2015 @ 9:53 am
Oh that looks super tasty!
July 29, 2015 @ 11:22 am
Both of your dogs are super cute. I love how they look up at their food bowl, that’s the look of love. LOL
I nominated you for the 8 Photos of Happiness challenge, can’t wait to see your submission.
July 29, 2015 @ 4:17 pm
I’ve done just flat raw in the past, and while I liked it, I was almost always worried about the thaw. Did I have a patty ready? Where was it? Forgetful people like me are fond of toppers and freeze-dried raw products, because they remove the planning worries!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
July 29, 2015 @ 4:58 pm
Yep, that’s why I like to keep both on hand!
July 29, 2015 @ 8:16 pm
We fed the boys the raw boost for a period of time. We didn’t like that the ratio was always really far off so I love that you could mix in the quantity that you want.
July 29, 2015 @ 9:16 pm
We’ve heard good things about this label.
July 30, 2015 @ 7:36 am
Yummy!
November 16, 2015 @ 9:47 pm
Just got a couple samples. My boy loves them but can I use this as treats or just strictly for their bubbles?
November 16, 2015 @ 9:49 pm
They are a great high value treat!
May 15, 2016 @ 10:53 am
Can you confirm that the ingredients are all US based and also made in a US facility?
June 6, 2016 @ 6:23 pm
Hi Brenda, Nature’s Variety’s production facility is in Nebraska, and most of their ingredients are sourced in the US, but not all. They source their rabbit from New Zealand for example. There is more information on their website, here: http://www.instinctpetfood.com/our-craft about how they source and their quality control.
October 11, 2016 @ 5:10 am
I have 2 English Springers.
My female is on a prescription food.
My male is given a mix of premium dry topped with a bit of premium canned food.
I want to try these with him.
Just curious… does anyone add a bit of water to the dry food with the toppers?
October 14, 2016 @ 12:08 am
I use the toppers dry but you could certainly add water! They will plump up a little bit but they won’t fully absorb liquid.
If you prefer a “wet” product and don’t mind the extra step, you might want to try the frozen Nature’s Variety raw. They come in small bites like these, or in larger nuggets or patties. You just thaw them in the fridge and then you can mush it in with the kibble (it’s the same texture as raw ground meat).