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<p>Our complete and balanced frozen and freeze-dried food is formulated as a Prey-Model Diet which is based on 45% meat, 45% organ and 10% bone.  We follow these percentages as a general guideline when crafting our food, however these percentages may vary based on the specific protein in each of our recipes.</p>

 What are the percentages of meat, organ and bone in your food?

<p>Although picking up dog poop is never fun, it is a necessary part of dog ownership. Cleaning up after our pets is also a way we can assess their health by making sure their stool is normal. But imagine going outside to clean up your dog’s poop and noticing all of the little landmines in the yard have turned white. You may wonder: “Is something wrong with my dog? <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/raw-guide/why-is-my-dog-s-poop-white" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why is my dog’s poop white</a>?”</p>
<p>Dogs that are fed a raw diet often produce stool that is white, because a raw diet contains bone, a natural source of calcium. If you’re feeding your dog an AAFCO regulated raw diet, such as Vital Essentials, the diet is already formulated with the right amount of calcium and nutrients that your dog’s body needs.</p>
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My dog's poop is white.  Why does this happen?

<p>Vital Essentials branded cat and dog food, treats and snacks are sold in independent pet stores throughout the United States and Canada.  You can find a retailer new you with our Store Locator.</p>

Where can I purchase Vital Essentials products?

<p>We make 100% of our own food, treats and snacks. There are no third-party processors or co-packers involved with Vital Essentials. We own and operate 100% of our manufacturing, freeze-drying, and finished products storage facilities in Green Bay, Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Packaging is vitally important to ensuring the delivery of fresh, safe, and marketable raw pet food, treats, and snacks. Because Vital Essentials packages its own products at its facility, consumers can be assured that they are getting the freshest food, treats, and snacks possible.</p>

How is product quality affected by being made and packaged in the U.S.A.?

<p>Allergies occur when the microflora in your pet’s stomach becomes used to receiving unnatural ingredients from regular dry kibble. With a raw diet, the lack of unnatural ingredients allows your pet’s microflora to reset to what it naturally should be, which helps control allergies.</p>

How does a raw diet benefit pets with skin allergies?

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<p>There are a variety of factors that could be playing into this odd habit of “Coprophagia” (the act of eating feces). While it’s a common behavior for many animals, particularly dogs, here are a few common reasons for the behavior:  a lacking diet, boredom and simply behavior.  Learn more <a href="www.vitalessentialsraw.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why is my dog eating poop? BLOG</a></p>
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Why is my dog eating poop?

<p>Yes, absolutely! All of our treats are certified gluten free and grain free!  Made with purely raw ingredients your dog or cat can’t resist the meaty snacks we have to offer. As a recommendation, choose a treat or snack that is appropriately sized for your pet.</p>

Can I use the dog treats on my cats? Or can I use the cat treats on my dog?

<p>While we provide feeding guidelines, we understand that each pet is a unique individual. Dr. Richard Patton, PhD, explains this concept perfectly: “Feed with your eyes, the pet will talk to you. Does it look the way you want? Does it act the way you want? Then you’re feeding the right amount.” </p>

How much should I feed my dog or cat?

<p>While treating your pet can be fun and enjoyable, please keep in mind that our 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 animal’s digestive system. Once your pet is acclimated to our 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 that’s appropriate for your pet’s size and weight.</p>

How many treats should I give my pet per day?

<p>According to Dr. Robert Patton Ph.D., our nutritionist, any of the freeze-dried poultry necks that are available in the VE RAW BAR are safe for dogs or cats to eat. “Freeze-dried necks do not have any long bones. They are all vertebrae and soft, short bones and they crunch up just fine,” states Dr. Patton. Additionally, this snack has nutritional benefits like protein and fatty acids. Chicken Necks provide a source of calcium, phosphorous and trace minerals. Like all other VE RAW BAR snacks, Chicken Necks are Certified Gluten Free®, grain free and are made with no added hormones or fillers.  Most importantly, pets enjoy these types of snacks.</p>

Is it safe to give dogs freeze-dried Chicken Necks?

<p>Yes, Bully Sticks are safe and help support your dog’s health. Made from raw, freeze-dried beef pizzle, these single ingredient treats help support teeth and gums. Offer your dog this snack as a great source of protein and energy. They are USA sourced and packed, made with no added fillers or flavorings, no artificial preservatives or colors, no synthetic vitamins or minerals and no rendered by-products.</p>

Are Bully Sticks good for dogs?

<p>Yes, freeze-dried Moo Sticks are a great source of hydroxyproline, which helps support healthy joints. Offer this treat to your dog to help with healthy teeth and gums as a delicious snack between meals. Moo Sticks are USA sourced, made &amp; packed, and are made with no added hormones or antibiotics, no added fillers or flavorings, no artificial preservatives or colors, no synthetic vitamins or minerals and no rendered by-products. Moo Sticks are made from beef esophagus and are Certified Gluten Free® and grain free.</p>

Are freeze-dried Moo Sticks okay for dogs to have?

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<p>In the wild, when a pack of carnivores catches prey, the alpha eats first - usually the vital organs (heart, lungs, kidneys), meat and bone. These are loaded with essential nutrients, so the stronger, healthier animal develops the best immune system and makes healthy offspring. A raw meat diet is exactly what nature designed dogs and cats to consume.</p>
<p>Premium quality protein is essential to life-long vitality for your pet. That’s why at VE we source butcher cut, whole animal, raw protein from the best of the best. </p>
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What is an “Alpha Prey-Model Diet”?

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<p>If you’re feeding your pet a quality source of protein (such as a raw meat diet), there are no health benefits to switching proteins, which is mostly a matter of preference among you and your pet.</p>
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Is it beneficial for me to regularly switch proteins that I feed to my pet dog or cat?

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<p>In the wild, herbivores consume a large number of plants, and carnivores consume a small number of herbivores. In the process, carnivores indirectly receive all of the vitamins and nutrients of fruits and vegetables.  Vital Essentials complete and balanced diets are specially formulated to re-create the natural, whole protein diet for cats and dogs.</p>
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How is a raw food dog or cat diet complete and balanced without fruits or vegetables?

<p>Of course! A grain free, high-protein, raw meat diet is much healthier for your pet because of the lack of insoluble carbohydrates that it contains. However, a strictly raw meat diet can be fairly expensive. An easy solution is to mix raw and dry pet food together to make a meal that both your pet and your wallet enjoy. Read this blog post about how to incorporate raw food into your pet’s diet.</p>

Can you mix raw food with kibble?

<p>Savvy dog and cat people know a high quality, high protein diet supports more energetic playtimes, healthier skin, shinier coats, stronger teeth and gut health.  </p>

What are the benefits of a raw diet for a cat or dog?

<p>VE RAW BAR Freeze-Dried Duck Heads are a crunchy, nutritious dog snack that makes use of the whole animal as these parts are not thrown away. Dogs love the taste of the duck heads and it is good for your dog’s teeth as well. They are USA sourced, made &amp; packed and are made with no added hormones or antibiotics, no added fillers or flavorings, no artificial preservatives or colors, no synthetic vitamins or minerals and no rendered by-products.</p>
<p>When you get over the icky factor, this is a really good dog treat.</p>

Are freeze-dried Duck Heads good for dogs?

<p>Yes, Duck Hearts are rich in minerals that are nutritious for your dog’s health. This snack helps support the immune system and it’s packed with iron. Give this treat to your dog between meals as a gluten free and grain free snack. Freeze-dried raw Duck Hearts are made with no added hormones or antibiotics, no added fillers or flavorings, no artificial preservatives or colors, no synthetic vitamins or minerals and no rendered by-products.</p>

Are freeze-dried Duck Hearts good for dogs?

<p>Yes, freeze-dried Salmon Skins are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids that can help support a healthy coat making your pet’s fur shine!  Salmon Skins are USA sourced, made &amp; packed, and are made with no added hormones or antibiotics, no added fillers or flavorings, no artificial preservatives or colors, no synthetic vitamins or minerals and no rendered by-products. </p>

Are freeze-dried Salmon Skins good for dogs?

<p>There are 12 individual frozen patties per bag and each weighs 8 oz.</p>

How many patties are in a 6 lbs. bag of frozen dog entrees?

<p>Pets don’t need the excess soluble carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables.  They receive all the nutrition they need from our foods.  Any beneficial nutrients found in plants are contained in the proteins used to make our foods.  </p>

Why don’t you use fruits and vegetables in your pet foods?

<p>Thank you for your interest in Vital Essentials and feeding your pet a raw food diet. Occasionally, we will have samples of our products, but it’s best if you check with your local Vital Essentials retailer to see if they have any in stock.</p>

I’m interested in your brand to use on my pet, do you provide samples of your products?

<p>Actually, Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs should be served “as is” without adding water, unlike other similar products you may find at your local pet store.  Freeze-dried Mini Nibs offer a great crunchy option for those dogs and cats that have a preference for dry foods, but with an added boost of raw goodness. This is an excellent option for pet parents looking to feed complete and balanced meal or for those who want to add in the mini nibs to their pets’ current diet to get added nutrients and protein.</p>
<p>As with any diet, please be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your pet at all times.</p>

I’ve tried to add water to the freeze-dried mini nibs, but they don’t seem to rehydrate.  How should I feed Vital Essentials Mini Nibs to my pet dog or cat?

<p>Depending on your pet’s preference, there are two great options: mini nibs and mini patties. The mini nibs are great “as is” with no water needed. The freeze-dried mini patties are great with water added to them before serving to your pet. If your dog or cat rarely uses the water bowl, choose the mini patty option with water to help balance out moisture intake.</p>

Do I have to add water to the freeze-dried entrées?

<p>Although this product is packaged based on weight, there are approximately 14-15 mini patties per bag. Each package contains enough food for 7 meals.</p>

How many mini patties for cats are in the freeze-dried and frozen packages?

<p>Freeze-Dried Moo Sticks are cow esophagus. These freeze-dried snacks are approximately 10″ long,  high in digestive enzymes, and make a great alternative to bully sticks. All of the VE RAW BAR chews offer raw functional benefits, so they give your dog more than just something to chew on.</p>

What is a Moo Stick?

<p>Although this product is packaged based on weight, there are approximately 20-25 mini patties per bag.</p>

How many freeze dried mini patties are in a 14 oz bag for dogs?

<p>Not at all, the beauty of freeze-dried food is that it’s a convenient way to feed your pet a raw diet, without the thaw. We advise to store freeze-dried food in the original packaging in your pantry, out of direct sunlight.</p>

Is it required to store freeze-dried pet food in the refrigerator?

<p>Once a product has been opened, we recommend to use the product within 30 days after opening to maintain optimal freshness.</p>

How long does freeze-dried product last once the food or treat bag is opened?

<p>All of our freeze-dried food, treats and snacks are made from ingredients that are flash frozen within 45 minutes of harvest to capture peak freshness, nutrient richness and flavor.  Once through the blending and preparation stages, our products are processed in our custom-built freeze-dryers for 48 hours from start to finish. </p>

What is freeze-drying and how does it work?

<p>Vital Essentials has always considered itself as a butcher shop for cats and dogs. Now, our new packaging more closely reflects our brand promise of delivering butcher cut protein.</p>

Why did Vital Essentials branding change?

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<p>Vital Essentials raw <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/dog/food">dog food products</a> and raw <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/cat/food">cat food products</a> are made meat and organs from animals that have been raised without added hormones or antibiotics. We are proud to source from the USA and EU.  Our suppliers provide us with whole animal protein that is farm-raised or wild-caught.</p>
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Where do your meats come from?

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<p><strong>Change products in your subscription</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Open <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/">https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/</a>
</li>
<li>Log into your account using the user icon at the top right of your screen (between the search and shopping bag icons)</li>
<li>Click on the Subscriptions tab</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Products in My Subscription section and select SWAP PRODUCT next to the product you would like to change</li>
<li>Flip through the product pages to find the product you would like to swap with and click Select Product</li>
<li>Refresh the page to ensure the product has been updated on all upcoming orders</li>
</ol>
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<p><strong>Add products to your subscription</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Open <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/">https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/</a>
</li>
<li>Log into your account using the user icon at the top right of your screen (between the search and shopping bag icons)</li>
<li>Click on the Subscriptions tab</li>
<li>Under the MY SUBSCRIPTIONS summary, you can click ADD PRODUCTS or you can scroll down to the Products in My Subscription section and click ADD PRODUCTS</li>
<li>Flip through the product pages to find the product you would like to add and then click Select Product</li>
<li>Refresh the page to ensure the product has been added all upcoming orders</li>
</ol>
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<p><strong>Remove products from your subscription</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Open <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/">https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/</a>
</li>
<li>Log into your account using the user icon at the top right of your screen (between the search and shopping bag icons)</li>
<li>Click on the Subscriptions tab</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Products in My Subscription section and select REMOVE PRODUCT**<br>**NOTE: REMOVE PRODUCT will not show if you only have one item in your subscription.</li>
<li>Refresh the page to ensure the product has been removed on all upcoming orders</li>
</ol>

How can I update the products on my Vital Essentials subscription?

<p>Because Vital Essentials frozen and freeze-dried prey-model diet entrees do not contain any fruits, vegetables, or grains, there is less than 1% carbohydrate content. This small amount of carbohydrates is naturally occurring from animal tissues. <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/raw-guide/4-reasons-why-you-should-switch-to-a-raw-food-diet-for-your-pet-improved-health-longevity-and-more" target="_self">Read more about dog nutrition and a raw food diet.</a></p>

What is the carbohydrate content of your dog and cat foods?

General

Product

Raw Feeding

Feeding Guidelines

Nutrition

Ingredients

Discover the answers to common questions about Vital Essentials raw pet food, including ingredients, feeding instructions, and storage tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Product Questions

Raw Feeding Questions

Feeding Guidelines Questions

Nutrition Questions

Ingredients Questions