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

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Review of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Cat 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 Cat Food Mini Patties 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 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.

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 guaranteed analysis of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Cat Food Mini Patties shows a high crude protein minimum of 48.00%. This high protein content is largely attributed to the first three ingredients: duck, duck gizzard, and duck liver. All of these are rich sources of animal protein, which are essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health. Duck meat itself is a lean protein, while the organs like gizzard and liver provide a concentrated source of not just protein, but also vitamins and minerals.

The crude fat minimum of 21.00% is significant and is likely contributed by both the duck meat and the added herring oil. Duck meat has a natural fat content, and herring oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3s, which are beneficial for a cat's skin and coat health. The fat content also contributes to the food's calorie density.

A crude fiber maximum of 5.00% indicates that the food is not very high in fiber, which is typical for a diet that is based on meat. The ingredients listed do not include traditional fiber sources like grains or vegetables, as this is a grain-free product focusing on a high-meat-content diet for cats. The minimal fiber present may come from the connective tissues of the duck or incidental contents from the duck's diet.

Finally, the caloric content of 4205.00 calories per kilogram is reflective of the high protein and fat content in the food. This high energy density is suitable for cats, which are obligate carnivores and have high energy needs. The calories are primarily derived from the duck meat and fat, as well as the herring oil, which are energy-dense ingredients.

The inclusion of mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) as a preservative helps maintain the freshness of the fats in the food, ensuring they don't spoil and contribute to the overall nutrition of the product. The vitamin and mineral supplements listed, such as the zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes, are added to ensure a balanced diet but do not significantly contribute to the macronutrient values provided in the guaranteed analysis.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Cat Food Mini Patties costs approximately $44.52 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.