Vital Essentials is a family-owned company that has been producing raw pet food for over 50 years. The brand is dedicated to providing high-quality, minimally processed food that promotes the health and well-being of pets. Vital Essentials cat food is made from high-quality ingredients and is available in various forms, including frozen raw food, freeze-dried food, and treats.
As a pet parent, ensuring that your feline friend gets the best nutrition is crucial to their health. In this article, we will review the Vital Essentials cat food brand, providing an in-depth analysis of its ingredients, pros, and cons.
At a Glance: The Best Vital Essentials Cat Food Recipes
| Productts | Main Features | |
|---|---|---|
1 Badge | Vital Essentials MINI NIBS Freeze Dried Turkey Cat Food
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2  | ProVital Essentials GIBLETS Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treatsduct Title
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3  | Vital Essentials MINI NIBs Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food
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4  | Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food
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5  | Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze-Dried Rabbit Cat Food
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Vital Essentials Cat Food Reviewed
What is Vital Essentials Cat Food?
Vital Essentials cat food is a raw food diet that provides complete and balanced nutrition for cats. The food is made from high-quality ingredients, including meat and organs, fruits and vegetables, and supplements. The brand offers a variety of products, including frozen raw food, freeze-dried food, and treats. Vital Essentials cat food is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a healthy choice for your cat.
Who Makes Vital Essentials Cat Food?
Vital Essentials Cat Food is made by a company called Carnivore Meat Company. It was founded in 2012 and is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The company specializes in creating raw food options for cats and dogs and is known for using only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Where Is Vital Essentials Cat Food Produced?
All of the Vital Essentials Cat Food products are produced in Carnivore Meat Company’s facilities in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This means that all of the ingredients used in the food are sourced from local farms in the area and are processed and packaged in the same location. By keeping everything local, Carnivore Meat Company is able to ensure that all of the ingredients are fresh and that the final product is of the highest quality.
Which Types of Pets is Vital Essentials Cat Food Best Suited For?
Vital Essentials Cat Food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats of all ages and breeds. However, it is important to note that this cat food is not suitable for all types of pets.
First and foremost, Vital Essentials Cat Food is designed for cats that thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. This makes it an ideal choice for cats with a natural carnivorous diet. Additionally, cats that are picky eaters or have digestive issues may benefit from this type of cat food.
Vital Essentials Cat Food is also suitable for cats of all life stages, from kittens to senior cats. The high protein content helps to support healthy muscle development and maintenance, while other essential nutrients provide support for the immune system, skin, and coat health.
However, it is important to note that if your cat has any underlying health conditions or special dietary needs, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. They can help you determine if Vital Essentials Cat Food is the best choice for your cat based on their individual needs.
Types of Vital Essentials Cat Food
Frozen Raw Cat Food
Vital Essentials frozen raw cat food is available in various flavors, including chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. The food is made from 100% USA-sourced meat, organs, and bones, making it a high-protein diet that promotes healthy muscles and bones. The food is minimally processed, which helps retain the natural nutrients in the ingredients. Vital Essentials frozen raw food comes in convenient packaging and is easy to prepare.
Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Vital Essentials freeze-dried cat food is available in various flavors, including chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. The food is made from the same high-quality ingredients as the frozen raw food, but the moisture is removed through a freeze-drying process. As a result, the meal is easy to store and shelf-stable. Vital Essentials freeze-dried food can be served as is or rehydrated with water.
Pros
- Uses only fresh, USDA-inspected meats, poultry, and fish, along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Offers a wide range of different flavors and types of cat food
- The patties and mini nibs are easy to serve and store, making them a convenient option for busy cat owners.
Cons
- Because raw food is not cooked, there is a risk of bacterial contamination.
- If your cat is not used to eating raw food, there may be a period of adjustment during which they experience digestive upset.
Vital Cat Treats
Vital Essentials also offers a range of cat treats made from high-quality ingredients. The treats are available in various flavors, including chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. The treats are grain-free and contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Ingredients in Vital Essentials Cat Food
Vital Essentials is a brand that is dedicated to providing pets with high-quality, raw pet food. The brand’s products are made using only the freshest and most nutritious ingredients to ensure that pets receive the best possible nutrition. Vital Essentials cat food is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats, and its primary ingredients include:
- Meat: The primary ingredient in Vital Essentials cat food is meat. This can be in the form of turkey, chicken, rabbit, or beef, depending on the specific product. Meat is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for cats to maintain healthy muscles and tissues.
- Organs: In addition to meat, Vital Essentials cat food also contains organs such as the liver, heart, and kidney. Organs are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are vital for maintaining optimal health.
- Herring Oil: Herring oil is included in Vital Essentials cat food to provide cats with a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting overall health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vital Essentials cat food is also enriched with a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. These nutrients are essential for supporting various bodily functions and promoting overall health and well-being.
Review of Best Vital Essentials Cat Food
1. Vital Essentials MINI NIBS Freeze Dried Turkey Cat Food
If you are looking for delicious and healthy cat food that can provide your feline friend with the real, raw meat they need to stay fit and well, look no further than Vital Essentials Mini Nibs Freeze Dried Turkey Cat Food. This grain-free cat food is made from real turkey meat sourced from the USA, making it a lean and healthy source of protein that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
One of the key benefits of this freeze-dried turkey cat food is that it is made using a unique slow freeze-drying process that locks in all the nutrients and goodness of the raw meat, ensuring that your cat gets all the benefits of a natural and nutritious diet. Unlike other intensive processing methods that can break down the nutritional content of the food, Vital Essentials’ freeze-drying process ensures that the food stays fresh from the farm to bowl.
This turkey cat food is not only a limited-ingredient formula but also free from added fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, and rendered by-products, making it an excellent choice for cats with specific dietary needs or sensitivities. This means that you can rest assured that your cat is getting only the best and healthiest ingredients in their diet, with no unnecessary or potentially harmful additives.
Finally, Vital Essentials Mini Nibs Freeze Dried Turkey Cat Food is incredibly easy to feed, thanks to its lightweight and crunchy mini nibs. You can serve it as is or mix it with other food for a boost of protein and flavor. Plus, it comes in a convenient resealable pouch that makes it shelf-safe and long-lasting.
Ingredients
The dish contains turkey, turkey heart, and turkey liver, all of which are high in protein. It also contains herring oil, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and is good for your cat’s skin and coat.
To retain the freshness and quality of the food, mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative) have been included, as well as a vitamin E supplement, which aids in the maintenance of your cat’s immune system. In addition, the meal contains zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, and manganese amino acid complex, all of which are vital elements for your cat’s health.
Nutritional Information as Published by Manufacturer
- Moisture: (max) 8.0%
- Crude Fiber: (max)2.0%
- Crude Fat: (min)20.0%
- Crude Protein: (min)53.0%
- Caloric Content: 4448 kcal/kg, 399 kcal/cup, 1kcal/piece
Customer Feedback:
According to customer reviews on Amazon, Vital Essentials MINI NIBS Freeze Dried Turkey Cat Food has received positive feedback. Many cat owners have praised its high-quality ingredients, noting that it helped improve their cats’ digestion and overall health. The convenience of the freeze-dried format and the palatability of the turkey flavor was also appreciated by customers.
Pros
- Freeze-dried using a unique slow process that locks in all the nutritional content
- Easy to feed, with crunchy mini nibs that can be served as is or mixed with other food
- Made from real, raw turkey meat
Cons
- The flavor or texture of freeze-dried food may not be to certain cats’ liking.
2. Vital Essentials GIBLETS Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats
Vital Essentials Giblets Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats flavor is made with real, high-quality chicken organs like hearts and livers, providing your cat with a nutritious and tasty treat. These treats are free from artificial fillers, additives, and preservatives, making them a healthy choice for your feline friend.
Using the freeze-drying process, these cat treats retain the freshness and nutrients of real, raw chicken giblets. These grain-free treats are ideal for cats on a gluten-free or low-carb diet and can replace traditional carb-heavy baked treats.
These treats are perfect for rewarding your cat’s good behavior or as a snack in between meals. You can also use them in puzzle toys or as a training tool to keep your cat mentally stimulated.
These treats are also very convenient to use. They come in a resealable package, so you can easily store them and keep them fresh. They are also small and bite-sized, making them perfect for training or as a quick and tasty snack for your cat.
Overall, Vital Essentials Giblets Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats flavor is a natural, healthy, and delicious snack that your cat will love. With no sneaky additives, just good-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
Vital Essentials Giblets Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats are made with only two simple, high-quality ingredients: chicken liver and chicken heart. These treats are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for your cat’s overall well-being.
One of the great things about these treats is that they are freeze-dried, which helps to preserve the nutrients and flavor of the ingredients. This means that your cat is getting a healthy and delicious treat that is also packed with essential nutrients.
Nutritional Information as Published by Manufacturer
- Moisture: (max)8.0%
- Crude Fiber: (max)3.0%
- Crude Fat: (min)12.0%
- Crude Protein: (min)60.%
- Caloric Content: 1kcal/piece, 3,774 kcal/kg
Customer Feedback:
According to Amazon customer reviews, Vital Essentials GIBLETS Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats have received positive feedback from cat owners. Customers appreciate the high-quality ingredients, noting that their cats go crazy for the natural chicken flavor. The freeze-dried format and texture of the treats have been praised for being easy to handle and enjoyable for cats of all ages.
Pros
- Made with only two high-quality ingredients: chicken liver and chicken heart.
- Convenient to use and store, thanks to the resealable packaging.
- Bite-sized and perfect for training or as a quick snack.
Cons
- The resealable packaging may not be as durable as some pet owners would like.
3. Vital Essentials MINI NIBs Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food
Vital Essentials Mini Nibs Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food flavor is an excellent choice for cat owners who want to provide their feline friends with real, raw meat. As obligate carnivores, cats require protein-rich foods to maintain their overall health, and this chicken cat food delivers just that.
One of the unique aspects of this cat food is the slow freeze-drying process used to prepare it. This process ensures that the nutrients in the raw meat remain intact, making this natural cat food fresh and highly nutritious for your cat.
Another advantage of this cat food is that it is grain-free and contains no added fillers, artificial preservatives, dyes, or rendered by-products. This makes it an ultimate limited-ingredient cat food, ideal for cats with allergies or sensitivities to certain foods.
Chicken meat is naturally rich in protein and vitamins, making it an excellent source of nutrition for your cat. This cat food is sourced from cage-free chickens and made in the USA, ensuring the highest quality of ingredients.
The crunchy mini nibs are easy to feed and can be served as is or mixed with other foods to provide a meaty boost of protein to your cat’s diet. Plus, the cat food is shelf-safe and long-lasting, thanks to the convenient resealable pouch.
In summary, Vital Essentials Mini Nibs Freeze Chicken Dried Cat Food flavor is a healthy, natural, and nutritious choice for your cat. Its slow freeze-drying process, limited ingredient panel, and high-quality chicken meat make it an excellent option for cat owners looking for protein-rich cat food that their cats will love.
Ingredients
The main ingredients include chicken, chicken heart, and chicken liver, which are all excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to the chicken, this cat food also contains herring oil, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your cat’s immune system and joint health. This cat food is also packed with amino acids, including zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes.
Nutritional Information as Published by Manufacturer
- Moisture: (max)8.0%
- Crude Fiber: (max) 5.0%
- Crude Fat: (min) 18%
- Crude Protein: (min) 55.0%
- Caloric Content: 4307 kcal/kg, 345 kcal/cup, 122 kcal/oz
Customer Feedback:
According to a customer on Amazon, this particular cat food comes highly recommended by their veterinarian. The customer’s cat not only loves the taste but has also experienced positive health benefits from consuming this species-appropriate raw diet. The reviewer shares that even though the label indicates it can be fed dry, their veterinarian advised them to first hydrate it with warm water (not hot!) before serving it to their furry friend.
The customer goes on to express their delight in seeing their 14-year-old cat enjoying this raw diet after years of consuming commercial kibble. This transition to Vital Essentials MINI NIBs Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food has brought about positive changes, highlighting the potential benefits of providing cats with a more natural and nutrient-rich diet.
Pros
- Packed with essential amino acids, including zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes.
- Includes herring oil, a great source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Contains chicken, chicken heart, and chicken liver—all top sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Cons
- May not provide enough variety in your cat’s diet if fed exclusively.
4. Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food
Vital Essentials Dinner Patties Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food is a nutritious and delicious option for your feline friend. As obligate carnivores, cats require real meat to stay healthy, and this raw chicken cat food provides them with the protein-packed meal they need.
Chicken meat is naturally high in protein and vitamins, providing your cat with the nutrition they need to thrive. Vital Essentials sources their chicken from cage-free farms in the USA, ensuring that your cat receives high-quality meat in every patty.
These chicken dinner patties are easy to customize to your cat’s needs. Crumble and mix with water for a moist meal, or feed them as dry cat food. This chicken cat food is shelf-safe and long-lasting, thanks to its convenient resealable pouch.
In summary, Vital Essentials Dinner Patties Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Food is a healthy and nutritious option for your cat. It is made from real, raw chicken meat and contains no fillers or artificial additives. Plus, it’s easy to serve and customize to your cat’s liking.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in this cat food is chicken, which is a lean protein source that’s low in calories but high in essential amino acids. Chicken hearts and liver are also included, which are highly nutritious organ meats.
Vital Essentials Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food contains mixed tocopherols, which is a natural preservative. Additionally, this cat food includes important nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, and manganese amino acid complex. Herring oil is also included
Nutritional Information as Published by Manufacturer
- Moisture: (max) 8.0%
- Crude Fiber: (max) 2.0%
- Crude Fat:(min) 20%
- Crude Protein:(min) 53%
- Caloric Content: 4307 kcal/kg, 76 kcal/patty, 122 kcal/oz
Customer Feedback:
According to a customer review on Amazon, their large boy cat, lovingly nicknamed “two-bite Louie” due to his fussiness, has finally found a food he eagerly devours. The customer shares that in nine years of searching for a suitable option, Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food is the first food their finicky feline actively bugs them for and consumes almost all of it.
The customer further mentions that their little girl cat also enjoys the food occasionally, showcasing its appeal to cats with varying taste preferences. This positive feedback from the customer highlights the remarkable success of this freeze-dried cat food in satisfying even the most particular eaters.
Pros
- Freeze-dried, which helps to retain the natural nutrients found in raw meat.
- Free from any fillers
- Beneficial for cats that have a sensitive stomach or are allergic to certain ingredients found in traditional cat food.
Cons
- Some cats might not enjoy the flavor or could have problems getting used to the freeze-dried texture.
5. Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze Dried Rabbit Cat Food
One of the unique features of this cat food is that the freeze-drying process is done slowly, ensuring that all of the nutrients are locked in, and the food remains fresh from the farm to bowl. Unlike intensive processing, which can break down nutrients, this natural cat food remains packed with goodness.
This raw rabbit cat food is a great option for cats who are allergic to other proteins or who are simply ravenous for rabbits. It’s rich in Vitamin E and leaner than chicken, making it a healthy and tasty choice for your cat. Plus, it’s proudly made and packaged in the USA.
These patties are customizable to your cat’s preference. You can crumble them and mix them with water for a moist meal or feed them as is for a dry meal. They are also shelf-safe and long-lasting, thanks to the convenient resealable pouch.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in this cat food is rabbit. Additionally, the food contains rabbit liver, heart, kidney, and lungs. Vital Essentials includes herring oil and mixed tocopherols as natural preservatives. The food is also supplemented with Vitamin E, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, and Manganese Amino Acid Complex.
Nutritional Information as Published by Manufacturer
- Moisture: (max) 8.0%
- Crude Fiber:(max) 3.0%
- Crude Fat:(min) 17%
- Crude Protein: (min) 60%
- Caloric Content: 3796 kcal/kg, 61 kcal/patty, 108 kcal/oz
Customer Feedback:
According to a customer review on Amazon, they have two cats, one of which is notoriously known as the world’s pickiest eater. The customer shares that they have to switch flavors of cat food every few months just to keep their cat interested. However, Vital Essentials DINNER PATTIES Freeze-Dried Rabbit Cat Food has been a game-changer. Their picky eater not only eats it willingly but also craves more.
Pros
- Since cats prefer small, bite-sized pieces, the small patty size makes it simple to portion and serve.
- Includes rabbit as its primary ingredient, along with the liver, heart, kidney, and lung of the animal.
Cons
- Some cats may be allergic to or dislike the flavor of rabbits.
The customer mentions that although this brand is slightly pricier compared to other freeze-dried options, it has been worth the investment. They have noticed a significant improvement in their cat’s digestive health, with reduced odors and no more digestive issues. Additionally, they appreciate the convenient size of the patties and prefer serving them crumbled up without the need for water. Occasionally, they add a small amount of wet treat on top for added flavor but not soaking it completely.
FAQs
Is Vital Essentials Cat Food made by a reputable company?
Yes, Vital Essentials Cat Food is made by Carnivore Meat Company, a reputable company that specializes in creating high-quality raw food options for cats and dogs.
Is it necessary to add water to freeze-dried cat food?
While freeze-dried, raw kibble does not need to be hydrated again and can be fed like ordinary dry cat food, many freeze-dried products do require rehydration with water or broth.
When was Vital Essentials established?
Vital Essentials, the manufacturer of the ALPHA Prey-Model Diet, is the country’s longest-running RAW pet food manufacturer, having been in business since 1968.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vital Essentials Cat Food is an excellent choice for cat owners looking for high-quality, nutritional, and tasty food. This brand has something for every feline palate, with a variety of flavors and textures to select from.
Vital Essentials’ commitment to using only the best quality, all-natural ingredients distinguishes it from other cat food manufacturers. The food contains no grains, gluten, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, so you can rest assured that your cat is getting the greatest nutrition available.
Furthermore, Vital Essentials’ freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavor of the ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious option for your cat. This company also provides a number of alternatives for cats with certain dietary requirements, such as those that require a low-fat or grain-free diet.
