What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Vital Essentials Offer
Vital Essentials food is made from frozen or freeze-dried meat, bones, and organs. Theyre foods are formed into a variety of shapes, including mini patties, mini nibs, chubs, and food toppers.
Mimicking the nutrient-packed mix of tissues found in a prey-based diet, most Vital Essentials recipes are 45% muscle meat, 45% organs, and 10% bone.
All Vital Essentials cat food contains raw goats milk. The company says this ingredient adds texture and nutrients. Raw goats milk contains enzymes that help digest lactose, so it shouldnt cause digestive distress, and according to the customer reviews, it doesnt.
Instinct Vs Vital Essentials
In this comparison article for Instinct vs Vital Essentials, we’ll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Instinct and Vital Essentials, we’ll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Vital Essentials vs Instinct comparison, we’ve utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you’d like to see individual product reviews, visit our Instinct Review Page orVital Essentials Review Page.
How Much Does Vital Essentials Cat Food Cost
Vital Essentials cat food isnt cheap. In fact, its one of the most expensive brands on the market. Lets break it down in terms of cost per day. The following cost per day estimates are based on a typical 10-lb cat who needs about 200 calories per day.
Depending on which type of protein you choose, whether you want freeze-dried or frozen, and whether you opt for nibs or patties, Vital Essentials will cost you something between $3.64 and $10.16 per day.
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Product Safety: Recall History Of Primal & Vital Essentials
Primal has been recalled 2 times.
Vital Essentials has been recalled 4 times.
$0.0216 | $0.0221 |
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand’s food products . However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you’d like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Primal or Vital Essentials, input your pet’s weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you’ll pay for Primal or Vital Essentials will depend on your shopping habits.
Cost Analyzer Widget
Vital Essentials Dog Food Vs Whole Earth Farms Dog Food
Dry Dog Food |
6.8% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
The comparison table above shows that Vital Essentials dry dog foods provide significantly more protein than Whole Earth Farms. More specifically, Vital Essentials guarantees at least 21.58% more protein. Similarly, Vital Essentials wet dog foods provide significantly more protein than Whole Earth Farms wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog’s body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.
Vital Essentials dry dog foods clearly provides more fat than Whole Earth Farms. In fact, the difference between the fat content is roughly 13.92%, which is a significant amount. Similarly, Vital Essentials wet dog foods provide significantly more protein than Whole Earth Farms wet foods.
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. With regards to wet dog food, Whole Earth Farms and Vital Essentials also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
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Guaranteed Analysis: Whole Earth Farms Vs Vital Essentials
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
Instinct Dog Food Vs Vital Essentials Dog Food
Dry Dog Food |
6.4% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your dog’s diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
Vital Essentials dry dog foods clearly provides more protein than Instinct. In fact, the difference between the protein content is roughly 16.22%, which is a significant amount. Similarly, Vital Essentials wet dog foods provide significantly more protein than Instinct wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Dietary fats serves a multitude of roles in the proper development and function of our canine companions. Here are some of the benefits :
- Help produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among other critical functions.
- Aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Improve skin and coat health
- Improve the palatially of your dog’s food
On average, Vital Essentials dry dog food recipes contain 8.11% more fat than Instinct recipes. Clearly, there is a significant difference between the fat content of Instinct and Vital Essentials. For wet dog foods, Vital Essentials provides more fat .
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. For wet dog foods, Instinct typically provides a little more fiber .
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Instinct Cat Food Vs Vital Essentials Cat Food
Dry Cat Food |
2.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your cat’s diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
When you look at the average percentages of crude protein for dry cat food, it’s clear that Vital Essentials provides significantly more protein. On average, Vital Essentials guarantees about 14.28% more protein than Instinct. For wet cat foods, Vital Essentials typically provides a little more protein .
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats :
- Aid in the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Improve the health of skin/coat
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Slow the development and spread of certain type of cancers.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
As you can see, Vital Essentials and Instinct guarantee a similar amount of crude fat. For wet cat foods, Instinct provides more fat .
Instinct and Vital Essentials both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. For wet cat foods, Instinct provides more fiber .
Youve Discovered The Worlds Finest Frozen And Freeze
Follow your instincts. Youre here because you love your pet. You do everything you can to ensure a long, happy life for your favorite family member .
Perhaps youre thinking about what youre feeding your dog or cat. Could you be choosing better? Maybe youve even heard about how raw pet food can help solve certain pet problems, provide more energy, and help your pet be healthier.
Welcome to family-owned Vital Essentials®, a raw pet food leader. More than that, were a leader in healthy pet food. Our products help transform your dogs or cats health, are made with locally sourced ingredients.; Are your instincts telling you to read on?
Health problems happen. Explore just how many pet problem areas Vital Essentials can help solve.
Hair loss is downright embarrassing ; the right diet can inspire a silky, shiny coat
Less frequent poops, smaller and firmer stool, and fewer foul smells; yes, please!
Tartar is ugly, and dental disease is painful and costly; plus, everyone loves fresh breath
Digestive issues are no fun for anyone; raw diets can create a healthy balance of probiotics that sensitive stomachs love
The right diet can help improve energy and vitality; thats a life worth living
Dandruff is so unflattering; lets get your pet flake- and itch-free
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Guaranteed Analysis: Vital Essentials Vs Primal
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
Guaranteed Analysis: Vital Essentials Vs Ziwi Peak
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
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How Many Treats Should I Give My Pet Per Day
While treating your pet can be fun and enjoyable, please keep in mind that vital essential products are purely raw. Should your pet not have had exposure to a raw product previously, we advise to take it slow at first. An abrupt change to a new treat or snack can disrupt an animals digestive system. Once your pet is acclimated to their treats and snacks, we advise to use your best judgement on how many treats are too much for your pet. We also recommend to pick a treat or snack thats appropriate for your pets size and weight.
Primal Vs Vital Essentials
In this comparison article for Primal vs Vital Essentials, we’ll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Primal and Vital Essentials, we’ll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Vital Essentials vs Primal comparison, we’ve utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you’d like to see individual product reviews, visit our Primal Review Page orVital Essentials Review Page.
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Product Safety: Recall History Of Ziwi Peak & Vital Essentials
According to our records, Ziwi Peak has never been recalled.
Vital Essentials has been recalled 4 times.
$0.0125 | $0.0221 |
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand’s food products . However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you’d like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Ziwi Peak or Vital Essentials, input your pet’s weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you’ll pay for Ziwi Peak or Vital Essentials will depend on your shopping habits.
Cost Analyzer Widget
Overall Is Vital Essentials A Good Choice
Vital Essentials is a good option if youre looking for accessible, expertly-formulated raw food. Each meal is inspired by the natural feline diet, featuring a balanced combination of muscle meat, organs, and bones. Its one of the only raw cat food brands that doesnt use excessive bone.
Vital Essentials nutritional excellence comes at a steep price. With some recipes exceeding $10 per day, this brand may be out of reach for some multiple cat homes or people on a tight budget.
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Primal Cat Food Vs Vital Essentials Cat Food
Dry Cat Food |
2.5% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your cat’s diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
Vital Essentials dry cat foods clearly provides more protein than Primal. In fact, the difference between the protein content is roughly 8.28%, which is a significant amount. For wet cat foods, Primal typically provides a little more protein .
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats :
- Aid in the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Improve the health of skin/coat
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Slow the development and spread of certain type of cancers.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
According to our data, Primal guarantees 3.38% more fat than Vital Essentials. Although this difference is relatively small, it’s still a notable difference. In addition, Primal wet cat foods also provide more fat than Vital Essentials wet foods.
As you can see, Vital Essentials and Primal guarantee a similar amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet cat food, Primal and Vital Essentials also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Vital Essentials Raw Frozen Dog Food Review
Judging by its ingredients alone, Vital Essentials raw frozen dog food looks like an above-average raw product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 56%, a fat level of 35% and estimated carbohydrates of about 2%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 53% and a mean fat level of 35%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 5% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
Which means this Vital Essentials product line contains
Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical raw dog food.
Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a raw product containing an abundance of meat.
Bottom line?
Vital Essentials is a grain-free raw dog food using a generous amount of named meats and organs as its source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
Enthusiastically recommended.
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The Were All About Cats Standardrating Vital Essentials On What Matters
Weve analyzed Vital Essentials and graded it according to the Were All About Cats standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Heres how it rates in each of these six key areas.
- Recall History 4/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
We give Vital Essentials cat food a 47 out of 60 rating or a B+ grade.
Vital Essentials Dog Foodrecall History
The following list includes all dog food recalls since 2009 directly related to Vital Essentials. If there are no recalls listed in this section, we have not yet reported any events.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls sorted by date. Or view the same list sorted alphabetically by brand.
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Guaranteed Analysis: Vital Essentials Vs Instinct
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
See What Pet Parents Are Saying About Vital
Jax is a rescue. I got him at 6 weeks. all the puppies had adoption papers. Jax didn’t. He was visible sick. The shelter had started working on him trying to save him. He had been exposed to parvo. The shelter cleared a room and put us in it while they got the papers ready. At the time I didn’t know how sick he was. It turned out he was loaded with mites and different parasites. He had disgestive problems. Never seen anything like it. He went through intensive treatment to get rid of them. It made him so sick he wouldn’t eat. He snubbed everything I got. I researched on line about healthy and holistic food and treatments. I found Fresh Pet. He would only eat the bison. But he was eating. His digestion was so messed up. At one point the Doctor told me he wasn’t going to make it. I said that wasn’t an option. I stopped their medicene and fed him Fresh Pet and Organic Virgin Coconut oil solid in a treat ball 3 times a day. a month later we went in for a checkup. The vet did a double take and said, “What happened. What did you do? We didn’t do this! I said, “No you didn’t.” Fresh pet food got him through a very hard first year. I will always be greatful that your company took it upon yourself to make a food that was tasty and nutritional.Thank you,Susan Brown
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Why We Love It
- OUR DOG FOOD IS ONLY 100% USA SOURCED: from the freshest, high quality, USDA meats + bones + whole organ meats. We never use cheap grains, fillers, preservatives, coloring or rendered by-products in any of our products.
- SINGLE SOURCE PROTEIN DOG FOOD – CHECK OUR LABEL! Ultimate limited ingredients for your fur babies. Prepared from pasture fed, farm raised Beef, from America’s Heartland! No cheap fillers, preservatives, flavorings or rendered by products. More food absorbed by your pup, means less poo in your yard.
- CONVENIENT, EASY TO SERVE DOG FOOD: feed as is or re-hydrate with warm water, let stand and serve. Freeze dryed means light-weight, no 40# bag to lug around to the cabin or the mountains. Space-saving 1.14# bag, fits anywhere.
Instinct Pet Food Ingredients Vs Vital Essentials Pet Food Ingredients
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Instinct.
Garlic
Garlic in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Tomato Pomace
Tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It’s considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Dried Tomato Pomace
Canola Oil
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
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