Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Entree Dog Food Nibs Review

Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Entree Dog Food 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 Chicken Entree Dog Food 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 Chicken Entree Dog Food 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

2. Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.

3. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

4. 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.

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 50.00% is a substantial amount, indicating that this dog food is high in protein. The primary sources contributing to this value are the chicken, chicken heart, and chicken liver listed as the first ingredients. These are all high-quality animal proteins that are rich in essential amino acids necessary for a dog's muscle development and overall health.

The Crude Fat minimum of 21.00% is also a significant level, which is important for providing energy as well as supporting cell function and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The chicken ingredients contribute to this fat content, but the herring oil is also a major contributor. Herring oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's skin, coat, and joint health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 6.00% indicates the amount of indigestible plant material in the food. While the product does not list specific fiber sources like vegetables or grains, the fiber content is likely derived from the connective tissues and other less digestible components of the chicken ingredients. This level of fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements.

Lastly, the caloric content of 4152.00 per kg provides information on the energy density of the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients in the product – protein, fat, and carbohydrates (though the latter is not listed in the guaranteed analysis or ingredients). Given the high protein and fat content, it's clear that this food is energy-dense, suitable for active dogs or those requiring a higher calorie diet to maintain weight. The chicken, being the main ingredient, along with the chicken fat and herring oil, are likely the major contributors to the calorie content.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Entree Dog Food Nibs costs approximately $48.24 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.