Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Protein Mix-In Beef Recipe For Dogs Review

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Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Protein Mix-In Beef Recipe For Dogs

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 Protein Mix-In Beef Recipe For Dogs 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 Protein Mix-In Beef Recipe For Dogs, 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 a substantial amount, indicating that this pet food is high in protein. The primary contributors to this value are the beef, beef liver, beef heart, beef lung, and beef kidney. These are all muscle meats and organ meats that are naturally high in protein, essential for a dog's muscle development and overall maintenance.

The Crude Fat minimum of 32.00% is also significant, reflecting the high-energy content of the food. This fat content is mostly derived from beef fat, which is listed among the ingredients, as well as the natural fats present in the beef and organ meats. Additionally, herring oil contributes to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a dog's skin, coat, and immune system.

Crude Fiber maximum of 8.00% indicates the amount of indigestible or partially digestible plant or synthetic material in the pet food that aids in the digestive process. However, looking at the ingredients list, there are no traditional fiber sources such as vegetables or grains. The fiber present is likely minimal and incidental, stemming from the connective tissues associated with the meats or possibly the beef tripe, which can contain some digestive plant matter from the animal's diet.

Calories of 4364.00 per kg show the energy density of the food. This high caloric content is consistent with the high levels of protein and fat, as both are calorie-dense nutrients. The beef and its associated organs, along with the beef fat and herring oil, are the primary contributors to the overall caloric value of the food.

The inclusion of mixed tocopherols as a preservative is a source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant in the food and in the dog's body. The vitamin E supplement and various amino acid complexes (zinc, iron, copper, manganese) are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for dogs, but they do not significantly contribute to the crude protein, fat, or fiber values.