Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Bites make raw feeding easier than ever
I rarely accept foods for review, unless it’s something I’ve already thoroughly researched and/or tried. I won’t use Allegra and Ruby as product testers for diets whose claims I can’t verify.
Nature’s Variety is a brand I’ve been feeding for several years, in both the raw and canned varieties. They made my – very small – list of recommended brands (the list is small because I’m extremely picky about what I feed my cats). When they asked me whether I’d like to try their new Raw Bites product, I readily agreed, much to Allegra and Ruby’s delight. They wish my food review policy wasn’t quite so stringent…
Nature’s Variety frozen Raw Bites, are, as the name implies, bite size frozen raw pieces that thaw quickly. They’re formulated just like their other frozen diets, available in nugget and patty form, with 95% meat, organs, and raw ground bone. The remaining 5% are made up of fruits and vegetables.
I’m a lazy raw feeder, and I like the nugget and patty products. They make raw feeding as easy as opening a can: simply thaw and feed. For that reason, I didn’t see much of an advantage to offering a product with even smaller pieces, but I could see where this form of raw food could be a good starting point for someone new to raw feeding.
However, there’s one thing I really love about the small size, and it sold me on the product: now I can easily use raw food as treats. I currently give the girls freeze-dried meat treats, which they love, but this is a nice alternative. I simply thaw a handful of treats in a small container in the fridge – just enough to last for a couple of days. Now we always have raw treats on hand.
The Raw Bites thaw quickly, but neither of the girls would accept them straight out of the freezer, and I doubt that most cats would. If you’re going to feed them as a meal, I would recommend thawing meal-sized portions in the refrigerator for a couple of hours prior to feeding.
We tested the chicken diet, which contains chicken and turkey, and as such, would not be something I’d use on a regular basis since I prefer single protein diets – but the girls gave the new Raw Bites a chop licking four paws up.
Allegra actually took these right out of my hand – something she’s never done with treats.
If you listen closely to Ruby muching away on her Raw Bites treat, you may actually hear her say “nom nom nom.”
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Bites come in chicken, turkey, beef and lamb flavors. The beef and lamb varieties are single protein. For more information, please visit Nature’s Variety’s website.
Disclaimer: This falls into the category of do as I say, not as I do! I do not recommend giving these raw treats on a carpeted surface. I had to shoot the videos in areas where the light was halfway decent, and my kitchen doesn’t quality for that. Use common sense when feeding raw meat diets, and clean and wash all utensils, dishes and surfaces that come into contact with the raw food with hot, soapy water.
I got a sample of that a bit ago and my cats loved it as well – it actually smells like people food!
It does, doesn’t it?
That would be such a good way to start the raw diet and what a good idea to use them as treats. We are going to see if the Mom can afford to get these. That might be fun. Our Mom couldn’t handle feeding the raw food either so this sounds really good.
Take care.
Marg, check your e-mail: I forwarded you a coupon for a free trial bag of these Raw Bites.
I think they are so small so they will thaw fast. I’m sure the company would love it if their patties thawed in that time too! :p
My cats (and ferrets) love this!
I might have to try them! My cats eat Feline Pride which comes in 2 lb tubs so it’s hard to thaw just a small bit out!
I feed Feline Pride, too, Laura, but these are definitely more convenient.
I am very wary of raw diets because of bacterial issues. I don’t want to handle raw food either.
Raw diets are just as safe, if not safer, than other commercial pet foods. Consider this: all of the recent pet food recalls for salmonella have been for dry pet food! This is a link to a great article on why there’s no need to be wary of raw feeding, and it includes simple, common sense safe handling instructions: http://feline-nutrition.org/nutrition/spooked-by-salmonella-raw-food
The Crew gave eight paws down (I had eight cats at the time) to the regular NV raw. I wonder if they’d like this one..
I think it’s the same formula as their regular raw, Connie.
We love the Nature’s Variety brand and are very interested in looking into this new food. Hmmmm…thanks so much for your review!!
Let me know how you like it if you decide to try it.
I’m looking to switch my cat to a raw diet after having him recently diagnosed with diabetes that’s been really difficult to manage. Do you know if this company uses human-quality meat, or if the chicken they use comes from sick birds or are otherwise unfit for human consumption?
You can find out all the details about how and where their ingredients are sourced on their website, MJ.
They do look nom-y and nom-able
Purrs
I had a very bad experience with a raw diet several years ago and have been too frightened to try it again. Also, my vet does not recommend feeding raw because of Salmonella concerns. I will have to look into where the NV foods can be found in my area. The smaller size bites might work since they can be fed right from the fridge.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience with raw feeding, Anne. I certainly understand that you’re hesitant to try again. Unfortunately, as recent pet food recalls have shown us, even dry food doesn’t come without risks. In fact, all of the recent recalls for salmonella contamination have been for dry food.
Hello,
I just found this site. Thanks to all for your valuable input. My wife and I recently adopted a cat from the local animal shelter. He is approximately 5 months old, and he is being treated for ringworm by our vet. I have never owned a cat before, but my wife had them while growing up.
We researched foods and decided to try the Instinct Raw Bites (chicken). We bought the trial size, and Mookie really likes them. We have reduced the dry kibble that he was being fed. It will be eliminated soon (within a week).
My question is whether or not we can feed the Nature’s Variety medallions without needing to chop them up? I apologize if this is a silly question.
Thank you
Hi Keith, congratulations on your new family member! Your question isn’t silly at all, and the answer is it depends on the cat. Some cats may eat the medallions “straight up,” while others may prefer to have them mashed up a bit. I use a fork to break them up and mash them.
Thank you for your reply, Ingrid. I’ll try them whole, and then break them up if need be. He does like the food, and his coat is looking much better. I thank you again!