In the wild, dogs are carnivorous predators and instinctively eat fresh raw meat, meaty bones and essential whole organs meats that naturally provide the vital balance of nutrients they need to thrive. The healthy benefits of Vital Essentials include promoting weight control, thick glossy coats, healthy digestive system, firm muscles, strong bones, white teeth, healthy gums, high energy and a long, happy, healthy life.

The Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Large Patties Entree is available in a 6 lb. package.

Ingredients: Beef, beef tripe, beef lung, ground beef bone, beef liver, beef heart, beef kidney, beef blood, beef fat, herring oil (natural source of vitamin D), d-alpha tocopherol (natural vitamin E), mixed tocopherols (natural antioxidant)

Guaranteed Analysis:  Crude Protein, min. 16%; Crude Fat, min. 10%; Crude Fiber, max. 2.2%; Moisture, max. 70.3%  Please note that this is a Low Glycemic Index Food as it is very low in carbohydrates.

Suggested Feeding:  6 lb Dog--1/4 large patty; 12 lb Dog--1/2 large patty; 25 lb Dog--1 large patty; 50 lb Dog--2 large patties; 100 lb Dog--4 large patties.

Feeding Guidelines:  Keep Frozen until ready to use.  Thaw, in refrigerator, only the portion you intend to feed the next meal.  Wash hands thoroughly in hot, soapy water before and after handling raw pet food to prevent contamination.  Keep fresh meat and meat juices away from other foods, both in the refrigerator and during  preparation.  Wash all utensils, counters and feeding dishes with hot, soapy water after each use or contact with raw meat and poultry products.  If your pet does not consume all the food offered within 30 minutes, remove and discard any leftovers.  Please note that these are guidelines.  Always consult your veterinarian, especially for pregnant or nursing dogs.

Raw materials are derived from Wisconsin - free-ranging, open-grazing, hormone & antibiotic free cattle and poultry. These animals that have been inspected and passed for human and pet consumption at federally inspected USDA facilities.

Humane treatment and animal handling is paramount. Harvest facilities designed by Temple Grandin, world-renowed animal behaviorist. Post-mortem (carcass) inspections performed by USDA veterinarians on every harvested animal ensure wholesomeness. At the harvest facility there are more than 15 pathogen reduction stations .  Raw materials are subjected to highly-sensitive metal detection at the USDA inspected meat processing plants.  Commitment to quality is not taken lightly as more than 30 USDA and plant quality assurance technicians are on staff to inspect, audit and ensure that all quality criteria are met.

Dry ice is applied to raw materials immediately after removal from the freshly harvested animal to initiate the cooling process. Raw materials are placed in sanitized, earth-friendly, re-usable totes and immediately placed into a blast freezer @ -10F to "lock in" freshness. Raw materials are removed and processed after 24 hours of blast freezing. Meat temperature is maintained at or below 32 degrees F throughout processing. All finished products are inspected, real-time, in-line by trained plant personnel.

The facility & equipment are cleaned, sanitized & inspected after each production run.

To protect yourself from bacteria that may be found in raw food, be sure to keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash hands, working surfaces, bowls and utensils that come in contact with raw meat with soap and hot water.