Raw Feeding Protein Source Guide

The most natural ingredient in a dog or cat’s diet is raw meat which is high in protein and contains antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals and phytochemicals. Dogs and cats that do not receive a high protein diet often have reduced energy, dull coats and a compromised immune system.  Vital Essentials frozen and freeze-dried foods contain whole meat, organs and bones specifically formulated to replicate your pet’s ancestral dietary needs, providing them with the nutrition needed to thrive. However, with so many different animal protein sources available for your dog or cat, it can be difficult to decide which one will best fit your pet’s needs. In this guide we’ve simplified the benefits of the various protein sources Vital Essentials has available for your dog or cat so you can choose the product that’s right for your best fur-iend.

Benefits of Different Protein Sources for Raw Pet Food:

Beef

Beef is one of the most commonly fed animal protein sources and it’s high in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids including Omega 3. Pets fed a diet high in beef often experience a glossy coat, increased energy, strong bones and firm muscles. Check out Essentials products with beef.

Chicken

Chicken is a lean meat that is high in protein, low in calories and provides your pet with a boost of energy. The Omega 3 found in chicken helps your pet maintain a healthy skin and coat and can provide relief from allergies and joint pain. Chicken is often preferred by dogs and cats with digestion issues; it is a natural protein source with a high biological value. Check out Vital Essentials products with chicken for dogs and cats.

Duck

Duck is a novel protein source that is well accepted by pets that experience allergies to beef or chicken. The iron found in duck is an essential mineral for dogs and affects their physiological processes. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in duck may also contribute to a healthy skin and coat and a stronger immune system. Duck has a rich taste which is often used to entice picky eaters. Vital Cat products with duck: Check out Vital Essentials products with duck for dogs and cats.

Turkey 

The lean white meat found in turkey is high in protein, low in fat and easily digestible. It is often used as an alternative protein source for pets that experience food sensitivities and intolerance. The nutrients found in turkey may help your pet build strong muscles while the selenium found in turkey contributes to a strong immune system.  Check out Vital Essentials products with turkey for dogs and cats.

Rabbit

Rabbit is a healthy, low calorie, low sodium protein source that contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, zinc, iron and riboflavin, which may contribute to your pet’s energy, growth and development. It is often used as an alternative protein source for pets who are experiencing food allergies to common protein sources such as beef or chicken. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in rabbit contribute to a thick, glossy coat.  Check out Vital Essentials products with rabbit for dogs and cats.

Salmon

Salmon is a high-quality protein source rich in B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids which may help reduce inflammation and promote healthy energy levels. Salmon contains Vitamin D which is “an essential nutrient for canine bone, heart, joint, skin, coat, vision, dental, kidney and immune system health,” according to Whole Dog Journal. Salmon is an uncommon protein source often used as an alternative diet for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.  Vital Essentials products with salmon for dogs and cats.

Pork

Pork is a novel, lean protein source, offering pets more options to try as their main diet and more variety to add to their regular food. As obligate carnivores, a diet rich in protein is critical to a long, healthy life for cats. Pork contains thiamine and taurine, nutrients that are crucial to cats’ diets because cats are unable to make them efficiently on their own. Vital Essential products with pork for cats.

Choosing a protein source for your dog or cat

No matter what protein source you choose for your pet, they are sure to love the whole meat, organs and bones found in Vital Essentials. You can even try multiple protein sources to give your pet’s diet variety and so they reap the benefits of each protein source. Just remember to switch to a purely raw diet slowly. Some pets may take to raw immediately, while others may take longer because they are hooked on the added flavorings in traditional pet food. Take at least 10 days to 2 weeks to gradually transition your pet’s diet which gives their digestive system time to adjust to the new food.  Vital Essentials provides you with a healthy, nutritious and delicious way to feed your pet the real meat they instinctively crave. For more tips and tricks for dogs and cats be sure to check out our growing collection of blog posts. Enter your email into our mailing list to sign up to receive exclusive savings. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and contests. 

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