Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Dog Food Mini Patties Review
PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.
Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Dog Food Mini Patties
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 Duck Entree Dog Food Mini Patties 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 Duck Entree Dog Food Mini Patties, 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.
Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck gizzards are a nutritious source of protein and contain various vitamins and minerals that are vital for a dog's health.
Duck liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and wellbeing.
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.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Zinc amino acid complex is a more digestible form of zinc that can support your dog's immune system, skin health, and coat quality.
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.
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.
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 45.00% is quite high, which is typical for a freeze-dried raw diet. This level of protein is primarily contributed by the first ingredient, duck, which is a dense source of animal protein. Duck gizzard and duck liver also add to the protein content. These organs are not only rich in protein but also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.
The Crude Fat minimum of 24.00% is likely due to the inclusion of duck, which has a significant amount of animal fat, especially when the skin is included. Duck liver and duck gizzard also contain fats, albeit in smaller quantities. Additionally, herring oil is a potent source of essential fatty acids, contributing to the overall fat content. This level of fat is beneficial for dogs as it provides a concentrated source of energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Crude Fiber maximum of 5.00% indicates that there is a relatively low amount of indigestible plant material in this food. Since the ingredient list does not contain typical fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, or grains, the fiber present is likely incidental from the duck ingredients or could be from the connective tissues or feathers that are sometimes included in the raw product. This low fiber content is typical of a carnivorous diet, focusing on meat rather than plant materials.
The Caloric content of 4272.00 per kg is a reflection of the high protein and fat levels in the food. Both protein and fat are calorie-dense nutrients. The duck, being the main ingredient, along with the added fats from the herring oil, contribute to the high caloric density of this pet food product. This is suitable for dogs that require a lot of energy, such as active breeds or working dogs.
The mixed tocopherols serve as a natural preservative and a source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. The vitamin E supplement further ensures that the dog's dietary needs for this essential vitamin are met. The zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes are chelated forms of these minerals, which means they are bound to amino acids for better absorption. These ingredients do not significantly contribute to the macronutrient profile (protein, fat, fiber) but are important for the overall nutritional balance and support various metabolic functions in the body.
