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

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Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey 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 Turkey 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 Turkey 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. Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health and well-being.

  2. Turkey Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, promoting your cat's overall health and well-being.

  3. Turkey Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  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

Crude Protein (min) of 53.00%: The high crude protein content is primarily derived from the turkey, turkey heart, and turkey liver listed in the ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that are essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health. The heart and liver are especially rich in protein and also provide various other nutrients.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is likely coming from the turkey as well as the herring oil included in the food. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Herring oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a cat's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 2.00%: The crude fiber content in this pet food is relatively low, which is typical for a carnivorous diet. Cats require a diet that is low in fiber, and the minimal amount present in this food likely comes from the connective tissues associated with the meat ingredients rather than from plant-based sources, as no specific fibrous ingredients are listed.

Calories of 3812.00 per kg: The caloric content provided by this food is a measure of the energy it provides. The majority of these calories will be coming from the protein and fat in the turkey and herring oil. Protein and fat are calorie-dense nutrients, with fat providing more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrates. This high caloric density is typical of freeze-dried raw diets, which are often more concentrated sources of energy due to the removal of moisture.

The vitamin and mineral supplements (vitamin E supplement, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex) listed do not contribute significantly to the macronutrient values of protein, fat, or fiber but are essential for ensuring the food meets the complete nutritional needs of a cat. Mixed tocopherols are used as a preservative and are a source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and contributes to the immune system and skin health, but again do not contribute to the guaranteed analysis values for macronutrients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs costs approximately $42.35 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKittenAdult
5 lbs $130.54$203.97
10 lbs $219.54$343.03
15 lbs $297.56$464.94
20 lbs $369.22$576.90
30 lbs $500.44$781.94
40 lbs $620.95$970.23
50 lbs $734.07$1146.99
60 lbs $841.64$1315.06
70 lbs $944.79$1476.23
80 lbs $1044.31$1631.73
90 lbs $1140.75$1782.43
100 lbs $1234.56$1928.99

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.