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Vital Essentials Frozen Raw Patties Grain-Free Duck Entree Dog Food, 9.4-lb bundle
Vital Essentials

Frozen Raw Patties Grain-Free Duck Entree Dog Food, 9.4-lb bundle

Evidence Fair
wet $12.06/lb

Vital Essentials Frozen Raw Patties Grain-Free Duck Entree Dog Food, 9.4-lb bundle earns a Sniff Score of 59/100 (C) with Fair evidence. Zero controversial ingredients flagged. Score capped at 59 due to no AAFCO statement.

Graded by The Sniff System

Why this score

Reasonable protein quality. duck delivers solid amino acid coverage.

PQI

Quality fat sources: named fat with marine oil (EPA and DHA source).

FQI

Includes egg, named fish, or organ meat for diverse high-bioavailability protein.

STACK

Score capped at 59 due to no AAFCO statement.

CAP why?

No AAFCO statement. Nutritional completeness unverified.

ACF
Guaranteed analysis
Dry-matter protein: 48% ⓘ
Protein
13%
min (as fed)
Fat
10%
min (as fed)
Fiber
1%
max (as fed)
Moisture
73%
max

Wet and fresh foods contain more water than kibble (typically 65-78%). On a dry-matter basis, this food's protein content is roughly 48%, comparable to premium kibble (typically 30-45% DMB protein).

Ingredients

Read why each ingredient is good or bad for dogs.

9 total
Good Neutral Watch Flagged
  1. 1
    duck

    Real meat. Often used as a novel protein for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef.

  2. 2
    duck gizzard
  3. 3
    duck liver
  4. 4
    herring oil

    Concentrated omega-3 from herring. Same role as salmon oil, skin and coat support.

  5. 5
    vitamin e supplement

    Required nutrient and a natural antioxidant. Often pulls double duty as a preservative.

  6. 6
    zinc amino acid complex

    Zinc bound to amino acids for better absorption. Same idea as zinc proteinate, the premium form of the mineral.

  7. 7
    iron amino acid complex

    Iron bound to amino acids for better absorption. Premium form versus inorganic iron sulfate.

  8. 8
    copper amino acid complex

    Copper bound to amino acids for better absorption. Premium form versus copper sulfate.

  9. 9
    manganese amino acid complex

    Manganese bound to amino acids for better absorption. The chelated form most premium brands use.

7 of 9 ingredients have a curated note. Coverage grows over time.