35% OFF
Ultimates
First Auto-Ship
20% OFF
Vital Essentials
First Auto-Ship w/ Code: PAWDIET20
15% OFF
Vital Essentials
For New Customers w/ Code: AFPAWDIET
Compare Ultimates To
Compare Vital Essentials To
Brands Similar To
Ingredient Reviews
35% OFF
Ultimates
First Auto-Ship
20% OFF
Vital Essentials
First Auto-Ship w/ Code: PAWDIET20
15% OFF
Vital Essentials
For New Customers w/ Code: AFPAWDIET
Ultimates vs. Vital Essentials
In this comparison article for Ultimates vs Vital Essentials, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Ultimates and Vital Essentials, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Vital Essentials vs Ultimates comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Ultimates Review Page or Vital Essentials Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Vital Essentials vs. Ultimates
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Ultimates Dog Food vs. Vital Essentials Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food | Ultimates | Vital Essentials |
| Crude Protein | 26.3% | 52.4% |
| Crude Fat | 14.9% | 26.9% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.7% | 5.1% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
The comparison table above shows that Vital Essentials dry dog foods provide significantly more protein than Ultimates. More specifically, Vital Essentials guarantees at least 26.08% more protein.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.
Vital Essentials dry dog foods clearly provides more fat than Ultimates. In fact, the difference between the fat content is roughly 12.02%, which is a significant amount.
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands.
Ultimates Pet Food Ingredients vs. Vital Essentials Pet Food Ingredients
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Ultimates.
Product Safety: Recall History of Ultimates & Vital Essentials?
According to our records, Ultimates has never been recalled.
Vital Essentials has been recalled 4 times.
- July 8, 2015: Listeria monocytogenes
- Jan. 15, 2016: Salmonella
- Feb. 24, 2018: Salmonella
- April 16, 2018: Salmonella
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Ultimates Pet Foods
You can purchase Ultimates pet foods from the following stores:
Where To Buy Vital Essentials Pet Foods
You can purchase Vital Essentials pet food products from these retailers:
Type Of Pet Foods Available
| Product | Ultimates | Vital Essentials |
| Dry Dog Food | 13 Recipes | None |
| Wet Dog Food | None | None |
| Dog Treats | 4 Treats | 31 Treats |
| Dry Cat Food | None | None |
| Wet Cat Food | None | None |
| Cat Treats | None | 8 Treats |
Top Rated Ultimates Recipes
Top Rated Vital Essentials Recipes
