Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Entree Dog Food Mini Nibs Review

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

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Entree Dog Food Mini Nibs, we'll examine all 14 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 protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.

  3. Beef heart is a highly nutritious organ meat, providing your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall well-being.

  4. Beef lung is a protein-rich organ meat that provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's overall health.

  5. Beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a concentrated source of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting your dog's immune system, cognitive function, and overall health.

  6. Beef fat is a high-quality source of energy and essential fatty acids that support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  7. Beef tripe is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids for your dog. It also contains beneficial probiotics that can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

  8. Herring oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy skin and coat, support brain function, and contribute to overall heart health in your dog.

  9. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  10. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  11. Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.

  12. Iron amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of iron for dogs, which supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body. It helps maintain overall health and vitality for your furry friend.

  13. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  14. Manganese amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, an essential trace mineral that supports healthy bones, joints, and metabolism. This ingredient ensures that your dog receives the proper amount of manganese for optimal health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 40.00% is quite high and reflects the meat-centric formulation of this dog food. The primary contributors to this protein content are the beef, beef liver, heart, lung, kidney, and tripe. These are all rich sources of animal protein, which not only meet the dog's dietary requirements for protein but also provide a broad spectrum of amino acids essential for canine health.

The Crude Fat minimum of 32.00% suggests a rich and energy-dense food, which is typical for a freeze-dried raw diet. The beef fat and herring oil are the most likely contributors to this fat content. Beef fat is a natural byproduct of the meat processing and provides a high-quality source of energy. Herring oil not only contributes to the fat content but also provides essential fatty acids, including omega-3s, which are beneficial for a dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 8.00% indicates the presence of some indigestible plant or animal matter, although this is relatively low compared to diets that include more plant-based ingredients. Given the ingredient list, the fiber content likely comes from the connective tissues associated with the meat products rather than from added plant fibers, as no specific plant ingredients are listed.

The calorie content of 4364.00 per kg shows that this is a high-energy food, which is consistent with the high levels of protein and fat. This calorie density makes it particularly suitable for active dogs or those that require a calorie-dense diet to maintain their weight. The main contributors to this caloric value are the aforementioned protein and fat sources, as they are more calorie-dense than carbohydrates or fibers.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Entree Dog Food Mini Nibs costs approximately $47.78 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $136.27$212.93
10 lbs $229.18$358.10
15 lbs $310.64$485.37
20 lbs $385.44$602.25
30 lbs $522.42$816.29
40 lbs $648.23$1012.86
50 lbs $766.32$1197.38
60 lbs $878.61$1372.83
70 lbs $986.29$1541.08
80 lbs $1090.18$1703.41
90 lbs $1190.87$1860.74
100 lbs $1288.79$2013.74

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.