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

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Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck 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. Duck is an excellent source of lean, easily-digestible protein and contains essential amino acids that your cat requires.

2. Duck Gizzards are a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a high-quality source of protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients contribute to your cat's overall health, supporting muscle development, immune function, and energy production.

3. Duck liver is a highly nutritious organ meat that provides a rich source of vitamins A, B, and iron, which are essential for your cat's overall health, immune system, and energy levels.

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

The Crude Protein minimum of 48.00% is quite high, which is typical for a freeze-dried raw diet. This high protein content is primarily due to the first ingredient, duck, which is a rich source of animal protein, as well as duck gizzard and duck liver, which are also high in protein. These ingredients are muscle meats and organs that naturally contain a lot of proteins, which are essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health.

The Crude Fat minimum of 21.00% is contributed to by both the duck, which is naturally fatty, especially if the skin is included, and the herring oil. Herring oil is a concentrated source of fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a cat's skin, coat, and immune system. The fat content in this food is important for providing energy as well as aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 5.00% is relatively low, which is typical for a carnivorous diet. Cats do not require a lot of fiber, and the ingredients listed do not include traditional fiber sources like grains or vegetables. The minimal fiber present could be incidental from the duck ingredients, as raw diets do not usually contain added fiber sources. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in carnivorous diets, it is kept to a minimum as cats have a short digestive tract designed for high protein, low fiber diets.

The calorie content of 4205.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet. Given the high protein and fat content, it's clear that the majority of the calories in this cat food are derived from these macronutrients, with fat being the most calorie-dense component. The herring oil, in addition to the duck meat, contributes significantly to the caloric content of the food.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis reflects a diet high in protein and fat, with minimal fiber, which aligns with the natural dietary needs of cats as obligate carnivores. The ingredients used in this product are focused on providing these macronutrients from animal sources, which is typical for a species-appropriate diet for cats.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Cat Food Mini Nibs costs approximately $44.85 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.