If dogs and cats could talk … well, our homes would be completely different. Imagine what they’d say about your outfit yesterday. Of course, they would rave about Vital Essentials®. It’s amazing what a balanced, raw food diet does for your cat, or how healthy, high-protein, grain free food changes your dog’s well-being.
Here, we’ve collected dozens of real stories that we’ve received over the years, each celebrating a unique bond and fulfilling life. Click “read more” for the complete real pet story. Or, click a specific pet type to only see stories from dogs or cats.
Thanks Vital Essentials for making high quality products my cats love and this momma can trust. This was our first time trying the prepared kitty raw diet. My crew was crying for me to hurry as soon as I opened the bag of Turkey Mini Patties. My kitties devoured those patties like they hadn’t eaten in weeks. I caved and gave everyone an extra portion! I love watching my beloved cats enjoy life.
– James
We adopted Ivy and Ella from the same foster home when they were 4 and 5 months old. As soon as we brought them home, we began transitioning them to a Vital Essentials raw food diet. It didn’t take much transitioning though because they absolutely loved the chicken and rabbit patties! They also snack on all of Vital Essential chicken and rabbit treats and go nuts over the chicken hearts. They have the silkiest, shiniest coats and have never had any serious health problems and I attribute it to their diets. Thank you Vital Essentials!
-Mariah
We recently lost our 15 year old Tortie shell persian to lung cancer and shortly after adopted 3 sibling rescue kittens from a high kill shelter through a rescue organization. they are a little over 5 months old. we decided to get them off of dry/wet food and on to vital essentials. in just a little over a day i can’t believe the difference in their poop. before, i felt like scooping poop was a part time job not to mention the real bad stink. now, they poop so much less, smaller and barely any odor. they absolutely love all of the patties you make and we feel so good about what we are feeding them. thank you so much for a wonderful healthy product! pictured are ginger and storm (shadow is black).
– Jeffery
I never really knew too much about the raw feeding community until I came across products like yours. I saw so many others rave about it that I knew I had to give it a try. Zeus is not 100% raw, but that is the ultimate goal. Your products have been a lifesaver. He is a very picky eater and he didn’t even hesitate when I put it in his bowl. He knew he was eating the best of the best. I started on this raw journey when I found out he was a carrier for DCM in dogs. I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO LOOSE MY BEST FRIEND. He always ate very well, don’t get me wrong but I really decided to do something about it when I got the news. I always wanted to put him on raw I just didn’t really know where to start. Now I have a much better idea and I’m never turning back.
IT IS NOW MY MISSION TO FEED HIM THE BEST FOOD I CAN WITH THE BRANDS WE TRUST AND YOU HAVE EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO WITH OUR DOGS (ALL PETS) HEALTH IN MIND! YOU’RE ALL ROCKSTARS!
-Katrina
Our working dog/handler teams absolutely love Vital Essential Mini Nibs! They are the perfect size for training are made from high-quality ingredients in our home state (Go Wisconsin!). The freeze dried process allows us to safely keep the food with us at all times (we don’t have to worry about it spoiling if we leave it in our bag overnight) and it’s lightweight, which helps when we are trekking through the woods. AND our dogs go absolutely nuts for them! Thank you for making an excellent product that is healthy for our dogs!
– Laura Holder
My dogs, Buster and Bolter, have been eating #rawdogfood for years now, and we can’t say enough good things about it: shinier coats, heathy skin, cleaner teeth, and high energy level!! It’s still a controversial topic, and even some vets lack the knowledge and information; for us, year ago, after struggling to find the right kibble, and having to try out so many different brands of kibble, we decided to try raw… and we have no regrets! 😊
-@Buster40K
My 10 year old Heinz 57 mix Nico was on deaths doorstep in the beginning of this year, he was diagnosed with IMHA. After a vigorous five month battle and switching his diet to VE, he’s almost weaned from every medicine and he’s doing GREAT. Through his journey your food and products allowed us to also naturally supplement him for things like his joints and bones. He was on Prednisone and Omeprazole which causes muscle loss and brittle bones. The duck feet and heads were a great way of ensuring he got plenty of chondroitin and glucosamine. He adores chicken necks (but sometimes if he’s not quick enough one of my cats will run off with it.) I’ve got my baby back. I can’t thank you enough!
– Jennifer
I am so happy I was introduced to your products! My dogs go nuts over your treats! Your nibs are the perfect size to put in their puzzle toys and to keep on hand when I am brushing them outside. (Like today)
I just wanted to send these pics showing you one of your favorite customers who can’t get enough of your treats!
Keep up the great work! We can’t wait to see what new products you may have to offer in the future.
-Maria
This is Phoenix. She is a year and a half old Lab Terrier mix. I broke her out of doggy jail at the Humane Society in the Fox Valley at the end of June. When I got her you could see all of her ribs. She was very timid and shy. She now is a very happy, healthy, energetic dog. You cannot see her ribs and her coat is nice and shiny. She loves playing with kids. I have a 7 year old that she adores. She is a lap dog. She loves snuggling in blankets. She is very good playing with dogs her size or bigger as she likes to play rough and run fast. We are very happy to have her as an addition to our family.
-Scott
We’re truly humbled by the praise. After all, Vital Essentials is simply sharing the best parts of what nature created. We’re just thrilled that so many pet families appreciate our efforts. When pet parents experience the benefits of Vital Essentials, they naturally want to talk about it. And, we invite you to share your story, too! Share Your Story with Us! 
