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Explore Vital Essentials awards and accolades in pet nutrition. Discover why our raw food is recognized as a top choice among pet owners and experts.

Awards | In The News

Awards

Carnivore Meat Company was listed in Inc 5000&#39;s list of fastest growing private companies for 5th year in a row...

Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies

Vital Essentials is a featured winner in the 2023 Pet Innovation Awards for Dog Treat Alternative Product of The Year...

2023 Dog Treat Alternative Product of The Year

Featured Winner in 2023 Pet Innovation Awards

GREEN BAY, WI (December 1, 2021) – Carnivore Meat Company, industry-leading manufacturer of raw pet food and treats, has won the 2021 Pet Business Industry Recognition Award in the Raw Cat Food category for their new highly popular product Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs. The award marks the third consecutive year and fourth time overall that Vital Cat or its parent brand, Vital Essentials®, has earned the prestigious award.Pork, a novel protein, was added to the Vital Cat line in April to give new and current cat parents more flexibility and variety in their cat’s diet. Pet parents can feed their cat’s crunchy cravings with the award-winning Mini Nibs or lap up delectable Dinner Patties that can be fed wet or dry, providing multiple choices to meet the whole family’s needs and preferences. Pork is an alternative protein option for picky felines or cats who have allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef. Pork may be beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs because it is easier to digest, and it contains many key nutrients, such as taurine for heart health and thiamine to regulate metabolism.“Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs Cat Food has quickly become one of the best selling products in our cat food line and we’ve received amazing feedback about the high quality and palatability of both Pork cat food options,” stated Melissa Olson, VP Marketing &amp; Sales. “We’re honored to be recognized by Pet Business with the 2021 Industry Recognition Award.” Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs not only earned Pet Business industry recognition, but this cat food item also received the 2021 Pet Innovation Award for Raw Cat Food of the Year in honor of the product’s creativity, quality and popularity.This marks the second award Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs Cat Food earned in 2021 from two different prestigious recognition platforms within the pet industry. Only products that represent the ‘best of the best’ rise above the rigorous evaluation process and steep competition found in both platforms.2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the highly-respected Pet Business Industry Recognition Awards. A panel of industry experts evaluate hundreds of pet products each year before extending the award to “the most exciting and functional products that the industry has to offer.”Vital Essentials has now earned a Pet Business Industry Recognition Award four times in three different categories. Vital Essentials previously won in the Merchandising Displays category in 2016 for the newly-released VE RAW BAR, and then again in 2019 for the VE RAW BAR Freestanding Display. In 2020, Vital Essentials Family Size Treats earned the award in the Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Category.Each Pet Business Industry Recognition Award is a testament to the innovation and drive of Carnivore Meat Company, as the most tenured raw pet food manufacturer in the nation continues to release new high-quality products under the Vital Essentials and Vital Cat brands at groundbreaking speeds. About the Pet Business Industry Recognition AwardsPet Business is the most trusted trade media brand in the pet industry. Through a diverse and evolving set of platforms including print magazines, websites, e-newsletters and social media, Pet Business covers every facet of the industry, providing valuable, actionable advice to pet specialty retailers along the way. Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards program highlights the pet industry’s most innovative and functional products across a variety of categories. The winners are selected by the Pet Business editors after scouring the industry for the most exciting and functional products on the market.About Carnivore Meat CompanyCarnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats.  Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company’s rapidly growing brands include Nature’s Advantage®, Vital Essentials®, VE RAW BAR and Vital Cat®, which are distributed to over 6,000 retailers nationwide, in 14 international markets and online to Chewy.com, Amazon, PetFlow.com and others.  Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company’s freeze-dried products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients to customers globally.  Carnivore Meat Company is family owned and has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with a number of awards in recent years, including Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor’s Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction and Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies.

Vital Essentials is an award-winning raw cat food brand. Discover the power of raw nutrition. Order now!

Vital Essentials Wins Industry Award

Vital Essentials Pork Cat Food Wins Second Prestigious Industry Award

Vital Cat® Pork Cat Food Wins Second Prestigious Industry Award

From a cleaner freight train to an automated beehive, a way to recycle fabric, and other bold, new technologies, the 5th annual awards honor the products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that are pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet.GREEN BAY, WI (May 5, 2021) – The winners of Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards were announced today, honoring the businesses, policies, projects, and concepts that are actively engaged and deeply committed to pursuing innovation when it comes to solving health and climate crises, social injustice, or economic inequality.Carnivore Meat Company received Honorable Mention in the Pandemic Response Category for their donation of UV equipment to two local healthcare systems. The donation was in response to the alarming shortage of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year.Working with local health professionals, Carnivore Meat Company CEO &amp; Owner Lanny Viegut organized the relocation of the equipment to a clean room facility on March 29, 2020, which became the first known fully operational, continuous in-line UV PPE sterilization facility in the United States.In the past year, the facility has processed thousands of masks for health care facilities, police and fire departments, dental offices and local businesses throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, allowing them to safely and confidently serve their communities. Nearly 70 organizations have benefited from services provided by the UV sterilization facility. And, the Wisconsin State Hygiene Lab considered replicating the facility to aid communities in other parts of the state.Now in its fifth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 33 winners, more than 400 finalists, and more than 800 honorable mentions with Health and Wellness, AI &amp; Data among the most popular categories. A panel of eminent Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 4,000 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology and more. Plus, several new categories were added, including Pandemic Response, Urban Design and Architecture. The 2021 awards feature entries from across the globe ranging from Brazil to Denmark to Vietnam.Showcasing some of the world’s most inventive entrepreneurs and companies tackling exigent global challenges, Fast Company’s Summer 2021 issue highlights, among others, a lifesaving bassinet; the world’s largest carbon sink, thanks to carbon-eating concrete; 3D-printed schools; an at-home COVID-19 testing kit; a mobile voting app; and the world’s cleanest milk.“I’m grateful that Carnivore Meat Company was in a position to donate our UV sterilization machine and provide help to our community in a time of great need,” commented Viegut. “We had no idea of the number of first responders, front-line workers and other organizations that would ultimately benefit from the services provided by the UV machine when we first came up with the concept. This recognition is a testament to our innovation and dedication to supporting our community and hopefully an inspiration for other companies to follow our lead.”“There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, it’s important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems,” says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “Our journalists, under the leadership of senior editor Morgan Clendaniel, have discovered some of the most groundbreaking projects that have launched since the start of 2020.”About the World Changing Ideas AwardsWorld Changing Ideas is one of Fast Company’s major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to start working on solving the problems that affect us all.

Carnivore Meat Company received Honorable Mention in the Pandemic Response Category for their donation of UV equipment to two local healthcare systems. 

Changing Ideas Award l Vital Essentials

World Changing Ideas Awards Honorable Mention to Carnivore Meat Company

Introducing the BlogPaws Best Award Winners at Global Pet Expo 2023

GREEN BAY WI (February 22, 2018) –Carnivore Meat Company, the manufacturer of <a href="http://vitalessentialsraw.com" linktype="url">Vital Essentials®</a> and <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/cat/all-cat-products/" linktype="url">Vital Cat™</a> brands, was one of seven Wisconsin companies awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award. This year’s special categories included: exceptional growth and service, enterprise-wide precision and global brand growth. Out of 23 nominees ranging in size from mega (800+ employees) to small (1-99 employees), Carnivore Meat Company took home the special award for Global Brand Growth for the phenomenal growth of its Vital Essentials pet food. Carnivore Meat Company is one of the fastest growing contenders in the pet food industry, specializing in the raw food category. This company has experienced explosive growth in the United States and globally over the past few years. Their products are available in over 6,000 independent pet retail outlets around the world, sold direct on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Chewy.com, and are exported internationally to 14 countries.  “International growth is a focus for 2018 and we’re proud to have been recognized for our accomplishments globally,” commented Ron Franklin, International Sales Director. The company and its leadership invest extensively in the development of new, unique and innovative raw pet foods. Under its consumer brand, Vital Essentials®, there have been many &quot;first to market&quot; pet food options that are not offered by any other manufacturer. In fact, there are over 20 products manufactured in its Green Bay, Wisconsin facilities that are not made anywhere else in the world. While this company&#39;s export achievement is most impressive, they remain committed to investing in the state of Wisconsin. They expanded operations in 2017 with the addition of a 20,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center located that includes a 90,000 cubic foot freezer. Most recently, the company broke ground in December 2017 on a 5,350 plant expansion that will double their freeze-drying capacity along with adding at least 20 new jobs in the greater Green Bay area. This latest expansion will be complete by the end of March. <img alt="" src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002562/626x470/83c92dcfc1/vital-essentials-recognized-for-global-brand-growth_2.jpg" title="" /> Pictured from left:  Brett Simmons, Plant Manager; Kevin Malnor, VP Sales &amp; Marketing; Melissa Olson, Marketing Director; Ron Franklin, International Sales Director; Cheryl Viegut, CFO &amp; Owner; Lanny Viegut, CEO &amp; Owner; and Mike Carter, VP Operations About the Manufacturer of the Year Awards The Manufacturer of the Year Awards are sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers &amp; Commerce - the state chamber and manufacturers&#39; association - the law firm of Michael Best &amp; Friedrich LLP and the accounting and advisory firm of Baker Tilly. Additional information can be found online at www.wimoty.com. About Vital Essentials® Vital Essentials is the most tenured RAW pet food in the nation.  The family owned company located in Green Bay, WI, manufactures high quality RAW frozen and freeze-dried pet food, snacks and treats. Sourced, made and packaged in the USA, every Vital Essentials product stands up to the same promise – Purely RAW, Instinctively Healthy.  To learn more, visit www.www.vitalessentialsraw.com

Carnivore Meat Company, manufacturer of Vital Essentials® and Vital Cat™, was awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Press Room l Vital Essentials Recognized for Global Brand Growth

Vital Essentials Recognized for Global Brand Growth

We’ve got some cool news to share! Vital Essentials® is proud to announce Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Duck Heads have been nominated for the <a href="https://vitalessentialsraw.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ff2695e1b79c7210d14f95d6&id=84e1c2c159&e=99d4425cb4" target="_blank" linktype="url"> Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin</a> contest.  As you know, our<a href="https://vitalessentialsraw.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ff2695e1b79c7210d14f95d6&id=a8f3800b81&e=99d4425cb4" target="_blank" linktype="url"> </a><a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/products/freeze-dried-raw-bar-duck-heads-dog-snacks" target="_blank" linktype="url">Freeze-Dried Duck Heads </a>have been the talk of the town since they were added to our award-winning VE RAW BAR in 2017. This item has been recognized by the industry since then and now we&#39;re in the running for statewide recognition along with 130 other nominees.  The contest is judged based on popular vote with the first round of voting through September 20. The top 16 products will then compete against one another in head-to-head match-ups based on votes. The winner will be announced on October 14, 2020.  <h4>Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Duck Heads</h4> Duck Heads are everything they’re quacked up to be — and more. Pets love the taste and they are a great natural toothbrush to help clean your pet&#39;s teeth. Plus, this snack is an excellent source of protein to help keep your pup healthy and strong. It’s shocking how good they are! Haven’t seen a <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/products/freeze-dried-raw-bar-duck-heads-dog-snacks" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Head</a> in person? Then duck into your local pet store to find this unique treat at the bar! Visit our <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy" target="_blank" linktype="url">store locator</a> to find a <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy" target="_blank" linktype="url">VE RAW BAR</a> retailer near you. For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalessentialsraw" linktype="url">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vitalessentialsraw/?hl=en" linktype="url">Instagram</a>. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.

Freeze-Dried Duck Heads have been nominated for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Learn more about this awesome product and how it benefits your dog.

Press Room l VE Duck Heads Nominated for Coolest Thing in Wisconsin

VE Duck Heads Nominated for Coolest Thing in Wisconsin

Vital Essentials is again recognized for its innovative <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/dog/treats-snacks/" target="_blank" linktype="url">VE RAW BAR</a> display, this time at SuperZoo trade show. The custom product display features twelve<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tme4-zXyfo8" target="_blank" linktype="url"> freeze-dried snacks</a> for pets, and is available at thousands of independently owned pet stores across North America.<img alt="" src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002562/2560x1707/ffe344dbbd/ve-0284-scaled.jpg" title="" />A panel of leading industry experts and influencers judged and selected the unique display as the most Innovative Point of Purchase display entered in the New Product Showcase. Vital Essentials and other award winners were announced on Tuesday afternoon at the trade show, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Our retail partners strive to create the very best experience possible for their customers. This high-impact, display has positively impacted the sales and success of their stores,” stated Melissa Olson, Vital Essentials Marketing Director. “With the competition from  eCommerce rising, stores need to ‘wow&#39; their customers. The VE RAW BAR catches their attention, and provides an experience for them to interact with their pets and store team members when purchasing the product.” The VE RAW BAR display is available at <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy/" target="_blank" linktype="url">independent retailers</a> across North America, and features a wide variety of novelty freeze-dried snacks, including: <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-duck-heads/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Heads</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-moo-sticks/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Moo Sticks</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-bully-twists/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Bully Twists</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-duck-hearts/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Hearts</a>, and more.For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalessentialsraw" linktype="url">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vitalessentialsraw/?hl=en" linktype="url">Instagram</a>. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.

Vital Essentials VE RAW BAR receives recognition from pet food industry for raw dog chew retail display for small breed and large breed dogs.

VE RAW BAR Gets Top Recognition in Pet Food Industry

GREEN BAY WI (March 22, 2021) – Inc. magazine today revealed that Carnivore Meat Company is No. 155 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest growing independent small businesses by region. States that are a part of the Midwest list include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Midwest economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. “Our organization is blessed in so many ways,” commented Lanny Viegut, CEO and Owner of Carnivore Meat Company. “Our trusted vendor partners, our steadfast clients all across the US and abroad, and our employees, all go above and beyond the call of duty, every day, to make it all happen.”   Viegut says making the 2021 Inc. 5000 regionals list is a testament to the success and growth of Carnivore Meat Company’s innovative and industry-leading raw pet foods. “This achievement has enabled us to give more to our community and to those in need, and to provide more great paying job opportunities for those who wish to work and invest in our company’s continued growth,” he says.The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in the 12 Midwest states. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 199 percent and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 43,000 people and added more than $11 billion to the Midwest economy.  “This list proves the power of companies in Midwest states no matter the industry,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”As a leading manufacturer in the raw pet food category, Carnivore Meat Company has experienced tremendous growth, with a 93% 2-year growth rate. The company has worked to increase awareness of their brand, with their raw dog and cat food products available online, in independent pet retailers nationwide and in 14 international markets.  Lanny and Cheryl Viegut founded Carnivore Meat Company in 2012.

Awards

Every accolade is a testament to our employees and culture

Awards