{"product_id":"vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-duck-entree-for-cats","title":"Vital Essentials (VE) - Soft Nibs - Freeze-Dried Duck 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\"\u003eDuck is often misunderstood as just \"fatty chicken,\" but from a metabolic standpoint, it’s far more complex. It is a rich source of iron and contains a significantly higher concentration of B vitamins, which are essential for the neurological health of an aging feline. Vital Essentials leverages this by utilizing 99% whole-prey duck, including the gizzard and liver. This isn't just a meal; it's a \"Limited Ingredient Diet\" (LID) powerhouse that bypasses the synthetic fillers that typically trigger IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) in urban cat populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThe \"Soft Nib\" architecture is technically superior for rehydration. While traditional freeze-dried nuggets often have a \"hydrophobic\" core—meaning the outside gets mushy while the inside stays like a brick—the Soft Nibs feature a porous micro-structure. When you add water, the capillary action ensures the morsel hydrates evenly in under 60 seconds. This is critical for maintaining the renal health of cats who historically \"forget\" to drink water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eFurthermore, the inclusion of herring oil provides a direct source of DHA and EPA. For a Canadian cat staying indoors during a six-month winter, these fatty acids are the frontline defense against dander and dull coats. It’s clean, exotic energy. No filler fluff. Just raw, ancestral dominance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0,0\"\u003eCaloric Density\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,1,0\"\u003e4,205 kcal\/kg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,2,0\"\u003eLess food required per meal; bag lasts longer.\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0,0\"\u003ePrimary Protein\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,1,0\"\u003eWhole Duck (with bone)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,2,0\"\u003eNatural calcium source for skeletal strength.\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0,0\"\u003ePathogen Safety\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,1,0\"\u003e48-Hour Flash Freeze\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,2,0\"\u003eRaw benefits with zero \"kitchen cross-contamination.\"\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0,0\"\u003e99% Raw Duck \u0026amp; Organs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,1,1,0\"\u003eA novel protein that stops \"the itch\" in allergic cats.\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"13,2,0,0\"\u003ePorous Soft Nib Texture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,2,1,0\"\u003eHydrates instantly—no more waiting for \"soaking\" meals.\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"13,3,0,0\"\u003eHerring Oil Infusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,3,1,0\"\u003eNoticeably shinier coats and less winter dander.\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-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"13,4,0,0\"\u003eNo \"Mechanical Separated\" Meat\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,4,1,0\"\u003eReal butcher-cut quality you can actually see and smell.\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 class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-lg\"\u003eDuck with bone, duck gizzard, duck liver, 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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\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;\"\u003e48%\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;\"\u003e21%\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;\"\u003e5%\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;\"\u003e4100 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 style=\"width: 100%; height: 117.563px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003ePet Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eFull Raw Feeding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMixed Feeding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eX-Small (6 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eSmall (8 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1 1\/3 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMedium (10 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1 1\/2 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e3\/8 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eLarge (12 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1 3\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e3\/8 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 31.1935%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eX-Large (14 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 34.8072%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e2 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 30.021%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e1\/2 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 \"Scent-Trail\" Strategy: If you have a cat that is \"bored\" of food, hide 5-6 dry Duck Soft Nibs around their cat tree. Duck has a much heavier aromatic footprint than chicken; it triggers the \"hunting\" drive more effectively, turning mealtime into a dopamine-releasing activity.\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=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs duck better than chicken for cats with allergies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eYes. Duck is considered a novel protein, meaning most cats haven't been overexposed to it. This makes it an ideal choice for cats with food sensitivities or skin irritations caused by common proteins like chicken or beef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does a bag of Vital Essentials Soft Nibs last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eOnce opened, it is best to use the bag within 30 days to ensure peak freshness of the raw fats. Because it is nutrient-dense, you will likely feed smaller portions than standard kibble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I have to add water to Vital Essentials Duck Soft Nibs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eYou don't have to, but it is highly recommended. While cats love the crunch, rehydrating the nibs ensures your cat gets the moisture they need to support healthy kidney function.\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\"\u003eBecause duck is a \"novel\" protein for most domestic cats, owners report a drastic reduction in chin acne and over-grooming within three weeks of switching. It’s the \"reset button\" for itchy cats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003eThe high fat content of duck combined with the freeze-drying process can make these nibs feel slightly \"greasy\" to the touch compared to beef. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"163\"\u003ePro-tip:\u003c\/b\u003e Use a scoop rather than your fingers if you're sensitive to textures.\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":42004678508579,"sku":"360-69015","price":59.89,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0054\/7320\/6307\/files\/VitalEssentials_VE_-SoftNibs-Freeze-DriedDuckEntree_ForCats_8d84fd34-3cbf-4ea0-8ea1-ba116125d50c.webp?v=1773416615","url":"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/products\/vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-duck-entree-for-cats","provider":"ARMOR THE POOCH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}