Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef & Chicken Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef & Chicken Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs

According to our data, this Vital Essentials recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef & Chicken Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef & Chicken Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs, we'll examine all 11 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Beef is a high-quality source of protein that helps to build and maintain your cat's muscles.

  2. Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  3. Beef Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly high in vitamin A, which supports vision, and B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism.

  4. Beef kidney is a nutrient-dense organ meat, providing a rich source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals for your cat.

  5. Herring oil is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support healthy skin, coat, and immune system in cats.

  6. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

  7. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  8. Zinc Amino Acid Complex is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports various bodily functions in cats, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and wound healing.

  9. The iron amino acid complex is a chelated form of iron, which is easier for cats to absorb, supporting healthy red blood cell function.

  10. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various body functions, such as the production of red blood cells, nerve function, and immune health.

  11. Manganese amino acid complex is a chelated form of manganese that aids in bone development, enzyme function, and nutrient absorption.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 38.00%: The high protein content in this pet food is primarily derived from the first few ingredients listed, which are beef, chicken, and beef liver. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that provide the essential amino acids required by cats. Beef and chicken are muscle meats that are rich in protein, and beef liver is also known for its high protein content as well as being rich in vitamins and minerals.

Crude Fat (min) of 36.00%: The crude fat content is quite significant and is likely to come from both the beef and chicken, as these meats contain natural fats. Additionally, beef liver and beef kidney may contribute to the fat content to some extent. Herring oil is another ingredient that would significantly contribute to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids such as omega-3s, which are beneficial for a cat's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively low, which is typical for a carnivore-oriented diet. The fiber present may come from the connective tissues associated with the meat ingredients, as pure muscle meats would not provide much fiber. There are no explicit plant-based fiber sources listed in the ingredients, which suggests that the product is designed to mimic a natural carnivorous diet.

Calories of 4970.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. Given that this cat food is high in both protein and fat, which are calorie-dense nutrients, it's clear that the combination of beef, chicken, and the added fats from herring oil contribute significantly to the total caloric value. Proteins and fats have higher calorie content per gram compared to carbohydrates, hence the high energy value of this food.