{"product_id":"vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-beef-chicken-entree-for-cats","title":"Vital Essentials (VE) - Soft Nibs - Freeze-Dried Beef \u0026 Chicken Entree (For Cats)","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n        \/* Scope everything to this container ONLY *\/\n        .collapsible-sections details {\n            margin-bottom: 10px;\n            border: 1px solid #ccc;\n            border-radius: 5px;\n            overflow: hidden;\n        }\n\n        .collapsible-sections summary {\n            font-weight: bold;\n            cursor: pointer;\n            list-style: none;\n            display: flex;\n            align-items: center;\n            padding: 10px;\n            background-color: #f2f2f2;\n        }\n\n        .collapsible-sections summary::before {\n            content: \"+\";\n            font-size: 18px;\n            margin-right: 8px;\n        }\n\n        .collapsible-sections details[open] summary::before {\n            content: \"−\";\n        }\n\n        .collapsible-sections summary::-webkit-details-marker {\n            display: none;\n        }\n\n        .collapsible-sections .content {\n            padding: 10px;\n            background-color: #ffffff;\n        }\n    \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"collapsible-sections\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDescription\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eLet’s get real about feline biology: your cat is a desert-evolved apex predator currently lounging on a velvet sofa. They don't need corn; they need muscle, organ, and bone. Vital Essentials hits the mark here with a 99% animal-protein ratio that bypasses the filler-heavy trap most commercial brands fall into. By utilizing a 48-hour \"slow\" freeze-drying process, the cellular integrity of the beef and chicken remains intact. This isn't just about protein; it’s about the bioavailability of amino acids like taurine, which are often degraded by the high-heat extrusion used in standard kibble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe texture is the real MVP. In the Canadian market, we see a lot of \"hockey puck\" freeze-dried rounds that require a hammer to break. These Soft Nibs provide a unique mechanical advantage for senior cats or those with gingivitis. The \"give\" in the morsel allows for easy mastication without the pain associated with hard textures. Furthermore, the inclusion of ground bone provides a natural calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that supports skeletal health in a way synthetic supplements simply can't mimic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eFrom a gut-health perspective, the simplicity is the science. By limiting the ingredient deck to raw beef, chicken, and organs, you are significantly reducing the antigenic load on your cat’s digestive system. This means smaller, less \"fragrant\" litter box deposits—a win for both cat and human. It’s raw power. Zero filler drama. Peak feline performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Spec\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent Detail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePet-Parent Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePrimary Protein\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,1,0\"\u003eBeef \u0026amp; Chicken\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,2,0\"\u003eBalanced, high-palatability energy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,1,0\"\u003eSoft-Dried Nibs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,2,0\"\u003eVersatile: Meal, topper, or treat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDigestibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,1,0\"\u003eGrain \u0026amp; Gluten Free\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,2,0\"\u003eLess bloating; cleaner litter boxes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eBenefits\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Spec\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e99% Raw Beef \u0026amp; Chicken\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,1,1,0\"\u003eNo more decoding labels; you're feeding pure meat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFreeze-Dried (No Heat)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,2,1,0\"\u003eMaximum nutrient density with zero \"wet raw\" mess.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTender \"Soft Nib\" Texture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,3,1,0\"\u003ePerfect for picky eaters or cats with dental sensitivity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrgan-Rich Formula\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,4,1,0\"\u003eNatural vitamins mean no synthetic \"vitamin pack\" jitters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIngredients\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ProductInfoTab-product_information_tab_7gpgbP\" class=\"wt-collapse__target\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wt-collapse__target--text\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-product-info-content=\"product_information_tab_7gpgbP\" class=\"wt-collapse__target__content rte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-lg\"\u003eBeef with bone, chicken with bone, beef liver, beef kidney, fish oil, mixed tocopherols (preservative), vitamin E supplement, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wt-product__separator-block\" data-block-id=\"separator_nWnfDA\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eGuaranteed Analysis\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 88.3752px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.9972%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCrude Protein \/ Protéines brutes (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 23.2202%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e38%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.9972%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCrude Fat \/ Matières grasses brutes (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 23.2202%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e36%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.9972%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCrude Fiber \/ Fibres brutes (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 23.2202%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e6%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.9972%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMoisture \/ Humidité (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 23.2202%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e8%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 73.9972%; height: 10px;\"\u003eEnergy \/ Énergie\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 23.2202%; height: 10px;\"\u003e4980 kcal\/kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eFeeding Guideline\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery cat is unique, and their raw feeding plan should be too. Factors like age, weight, and activity level all play a role in how much to feed. Kittens, pregnant, and nursing cats may need up to twice as much as an adult cat. Cats can be more selective eaters than dogs, so transitioning to raw often takes extra patience and time. A gradual approach is the best way to help your cat adjust to new flavors and textures while supporting healthy digestion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull Raw Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen transitioning completely to raw, start with 25% raw and 75% current food. Increase the raw portion gradually each day until you reach 100% raw over 7–10 days. This slow transition helps your cat's digestive system adjust comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed Feeding (Raw + Kibble or Canned)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also feed raw alongside your cat’s current diet. Begin with a small amount of raw (such as a spoonful mixed in) and slowly increase the portion at a pace your cat accepts. Some cats adjust quickly, while others may need more time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePicky Eater or Sensitive Stomach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a single protein and extend the transition period to 2–3 weeks or longer. This slower approach helps with digestion and allows your cat to get comfortable with the taste, smell, and texture of raw food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot Sure Where To Start?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse our Nutrition Calculator to get personalized feeding amounts based on your cat's weight, activity level, and current diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePet Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFull Raw Feeding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMixed Feeding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Small (6 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall (8 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium (10 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 1\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/3 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge (12 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 1\/3 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/3 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Large (14 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 1\/2 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"font-bold\"\u003e12oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e bag contains about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"font-bold\"\u003e7\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003ePro-Tip\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe \"Warm-Scent\" Hack: If your cat is ignoring the bowl, don't just add cold water. Spritz the Soft Nibs with warm (not boiling) bone broth. The heat re-activates the fats in the beef and chicken organs, creating a scent profile that is practically irresistible to a cat’s olfactory sensors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eFrequent Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIs Vital Essentials good for cats with sensitive stomachs?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eYes. Because it uses a limited-ingredient, 99% raw meat formula without grains or fillers, it is highly digestible and reduces the likelihood of digestive upset or food sensitivities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHow do I feed freeze-dried soft nibs to my cat?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003eYou can serve them exactly as they are for a crunchy-yet-tender meal, or crumble them over current food as a topper. For cats who need extra hydration, simply add a splash of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhat is the difference between Soft Nibs and regular freeze-dried cat food?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eSoft Nibs are specifically formulated to have a more pliable, tender texture compared to traditional hard-pressed freeze-dried nuggets, making them easier to eat for seniors or picky cats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat Pet Parents Are Saying About This Product\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\"\u003eUsers report that even the most stubborn \"kibble-addicted\" cats are pivoting to these Soft Nibs due to the concentrated aromatic profile of the freeze-dried organs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003eBcause these are \"Soft Nibs\" and not hard nuggets, the bottom of the bag can accumulate \"nib-dust.\" Pro-tip: Don't toss it; it’s a high-value topper for boring Wednesday dinners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"smart-tabs-content-block smart-tabs-content-block-clone\" id=\"smart-tabs-content-1\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"link-id1\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff8000;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/collections\/vital-essentials\" title=\"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/collections\/vital-essentials\" style=\"color: #ff8000;\"\u003eSee All Items by Vital Essentials \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"handling\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"descriptions__content cw-tabs__content--left\"\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Freedom Pet Supplies","offers":[{"title":"12oz","offer_id":42004671168547,"sku":"360-69013","price":48.19,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0054\/7320\/6307\/files\/VitalEssentials_VE_-SoftNibs-Freeze-DriedBeef_ChickenEntree_ForCats.webp?v=1773402701","url":"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/products\/vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-beef-chicken-entree-for-cats","provider":"ARMOR THE POOCH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}