Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken vs Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken and Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey.
Last verified: 20 Jun 2026 · Based on 26 reviews
Our Verdict: Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken or Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey?
Nature's Variety edges ahead on quality credentials — traceable free-range chicken, freeze-dried raw inclusion, and higher label transparency justify the premium despite identical effectiveness scores. At £21.79 less, Pooch & Mutt is the smarter pick for anxious or reactive dogs where the functional calming stack (L-tryptophan, chamomile) addresses a specific behavioural need Nature's Variety doesn't target.
— AIScored Editorial Team
Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken scores 83.0/100 vs Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey at 82.0/100. Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken wins on ingredient quality, nutritional value, palatability. Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey is stronger on value for money and transparency.
Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken vs Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey: What Does the Data Say?
Both foods score 83 and 81 out of 100 respectively, with near-identical effectiveness and ingredient quality marks (86/100 each), yet they're built around quite different intentions. Nature's Variety Meat Boost (£68.79 for 10kg) centres on raw-adjacent nutrition — free-range chicken as the primary protein, backed by freeze-dried raw pieces to improve palatability and nutrient bioavailability. Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed (£47.00 for 10kg) takes a more functional angle, pairing 45% turkey with a calming stack of L-tryptophan, chamomile, and prebiotics aimed at anxious or reactive dogs.
If your dog has come off raw feeding, struggles with fussy eating, or has grain sensitivities without behavioural issues, Nature's Variety is the stronger pick — though the £68.79 price tag and reported stock gaps are genuine concerns for regular buyers. If you're dealing with an anxious, noise-sensitive, or reactive dog, Pooch & Mutt's formula offers real owner-reported improvements, and at £47.00 it's noticeably more affordable. Pooch & Mutt is grain-free, which means the ongoing FDA investigation into legume-heavy diets and dilated cardiomyopathy is worth discussing with your vet before committing long-term.
How Do the Scores Compare?
Meat Boost Complete Dry Foo...
Nature's Variety
|
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relax...
Pooch & Mu
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.0 | 82.0 |
| Ingredient Quality |
86.0/100
Best
|
82.0/100 |
| Nutritional Value |
82.0/100
Best
|
80.0/100 |
| Value for Money | 71.0/100 |
78.0/100
Best
|
| Transparency | 89.0/100 |
92.0/100
Best
|
| Palatability |
87.0/100
Best
|
86.0/100 |
| Best Price | £68.79 Amazon UK → |
£56.00
Amazon UK →
Cheapest
|
| Form | ||
| Dose | ||
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 13 | 13 |
Meat Boost Complete Dry Food Fre...
Pros
- ✓Free-range, named chicken as primary protein — no generic 'meat derivatives' or by-products
- ✓Freeze-dried raw chicken pieces included, boosting palatability and nutrient bioavailability
- ✓Fully traceable ingredients with high label transparency
- ✓Grain-free with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
Cons
- ✗Digestive adjustment reported when transitioning from raw: looser, more frequent, and malodorous stools
- ✗Stock availability issues flagged by at least one buyer, which is problematic for subscription feeding
- ✗Premium price point (~£7/kg on Amazon) — budget-sensitive owners may find it costly long-term
- ✗Single protein source (chicken only) — not ideal for dogs with confirmed poultry allergies
Best For
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, C...
Pros
- ✓45% turkey from named sources, no by-products or meat meal
- ✓Exceptional label transparency — every component listed with exact percentages
- ✓Multiple owners report calmer, less manic behaviour in excitable dogs
- ✓Prebiotics (MOS/FOS), beet pulp and brewers yeast support digestion; reviewers note firm stools and good tolerance
Cons
- ✗Calming effect is hit-or-miss — at least one owner saw no change in a hyperactive dog, and a German reviewer noted no calming properties
- ✗Pea protein and pea/potato content pad the plant side and inflate protein figures
- ✗Grain-free legume base ties into the wider DCM heart-health debate
- ✗Subscription lock-in via Amazon frustrated one buyer (a retailer issue, not the food)
Best For
Score Breakdown: Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken vs Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey
Nature's Variety Meat Boost Complete uses free-range chicken as its sole named protein source with no by-products, no meat meal, and fully traceable ingredients — placing it firmly in the premium kibble tier.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken or Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey? ▼
Is Nature's Variety Meat Boost Chicken worth the price compared to Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Turkey? ▼
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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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