Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs Review

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Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork 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 Pork 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 Pork Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs, we'll examine all 10 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. Pork is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  2. Pork Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, and vitamin A, which are vital for your cat's overall health, immune system, and vision.

  3. Pork spleen is a type of offal that provides a dense source of nutrients including iron, vitamins, and protein for your cat.

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

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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

  9. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of the Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs shows high levels of crude protein and fat, which is consistent with a diet rich in animal-based ingredients.

The crude protein minimum of 45.00% is a significant amount, which is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, pork. Pork is a high-quality source of animal protein that supports muscle development and overall health in cats. Additionally, pork liver and pork spleen are also rich in protein and contribute to this high protein content. These organs are not only protein-rich but also contain various nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for cats.

The crude fat minimum of 31.00% is likely due to the inclusion of pork, which naturally contains fat, especially if the cuts used include more fatty portions. The herring oil is another contributor to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids such as omega-3s that are crucial for a cat's skin, coat, and overall health. Herring oil is a concentrated source of fat and will significantly influence the total fat content listed in the guaranteed analysis.

The crude fiber maximum of 7.00% is relatively low, which is typical for a meat-based diet. Since the ingredient list does not include any traditional fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, or grains, the fiber present is likely incidental from the connective tissues or other minor components of the animal-based ingredients. The low fiber content is suitable for cats' digestive systems, which are optimized for high-protein, low-fiber diets.

Lastly, the calorie content of 4660.00 per kg is reflective of the high protein and fat levels in the food. Both protein and fat are calorie-dense nutrients, with fat providing more than double the calories per gram compared to protein. The high caloric density of this food makes it particularly suitable for active cats or those with higher energy requirements. The pork and herring oil are the main contributors to this high-calorie count, making the food energy-rich for feline consumption.