{"product_id":"vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-duck-entree-for-dogs","title":"Vital Essentials (VE) - Soft Nibs - Freeze-Dried Duck Entree (For Dogs)","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\u003eDuck is often categorized as a \"gourmet\" protein, but biologically, it is a metabolic powerhouse for the domestic canine. This Duck Entree utilizes 99% Butcher Cut Protein, incorporating not just the muscle meat, but the gizzards, liver, and finely ground bone. By using a single-source avian protein, Vital Essentials effectively bypasses the most common allergens found in commercial dog food. The inclusion of wild-caught fish oil provides a direct, bioavailable source of EPA and DHA, ensuring that the high-protein intake is balanced with cellular-level anti-inflammatory support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Soft Nib\" technology is particularly relevant for the 2026 Canadian market. While many freeze-dried products are flash-dried into brittle nuggets, these nibs undergo a proprietary 48-hour slow-freeze process. This preserves the delicate porcine and avian fats in their native state, resulting in a morsel that is \"squishy\" rather than \"crunchy.\" For a dog with stage-two periodontal disease—a common issue in aging Canadian pets—this mechanical advantage is the difference between a dog that skips meals and one that thrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the \"Whole Animal\" philosophy means you aren't seeing a list of synthetic mineral powders. The calcium comes from bone; the Vitamin A comes from the liver. It’s a closed-loop nutritional system. Zero filler drama. High-efficiency fuel. Pure canine vitality.\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-path-to-node=\"16,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCaloric Density\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,1,0\"\u003e4,010 kcal\/kg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,1,2,0\"\u003eConcentrated nutrition; smaller portions required.\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\"\u003eProtein Source\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,1,0\"\u003eRaw Duck \u0026amp; Liver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,2,2,0\"\u003eLean, high-iron energy for active Canadian dogs.\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\"\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,1,0\"\u003e14 oz Resealable Bag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"16,3,2,0\"\u003eShelf-stable raw power; perfect for hiking or travel.\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 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 solves \"the itch\" for allergic dogs.\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\"\u003ePliable Soft Nib Texture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,2,1,0\"\u003eEffortless chewing for seniors, puppies, and small breeds.\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\"\u003eButcher-Cut Standards\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,3,1,0\"\u003eNo \"mechanically separated\" slurry; real meat you can smell.\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\"\u003eNaturally Occurring Taurine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"13,4,1,0\"\u003eSupports heart health without synthetic \"vitamin pack\" fillers.\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 class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\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 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\/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;\"\u003e45%\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;\"\u003e15%\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;\"\u003e4010 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 dog 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. Puppies, pregnant, and nursing dogs may need up to twice as much as an adult dog. Dogs can be more selective eaters than cats, so transitioning to raw often takes extra patience and time. A gradual approach is the best way to help your dog 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 dog'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 dog’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 dog accepts. Some dogs 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 dog 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 dog’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\u003eXX-Small (6 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\u003eX-Small (12 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 3\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmall (18 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 1\/2 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium (25 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 1\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/4 cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge (50 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 1\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 1\/3 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Large (100 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 3\/4 cups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 1\/4cups\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\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"font-bold\"\u003e14oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e bag contains about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"font-bold\"\u003e8\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\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 data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eThe \"Cold-Snap\" Warm-Up: During a Canadian winter, a dog’s digestion can slow down as they conserve heat. Instead of serving these dry, add a splash of warm (not boiling) bone broth to the Duck Soft Nibs. The warmth re-activates the duck fats, creating a highly aromatic \"gravy\" that jumpstarts the metabolism and warms your dog from the inside out after a snowy walk.\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs duck better than chicken for dogs with allergies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Duck is considered a \"novel protein,\" meaning most dogs have not been overexposed to it. It is often recommended by veterinarians as a clean alternative for dogs that suffer from skin irritations or digestive upset caused by chicken or beef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I use Vital Essentials Soft Nibs as a mixer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimply replace 20% of your dog’s current kibble with the Duck Soft Nibs. This adds a boost of raw enzymes and high-quality protein to their bowl without requiring a total dietary change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Vital Essentials Soft Nibs contain bone fragments?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe formula includes finely ground bone, which is a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. While you may see small, soft pieces, they are processed to be safely digestible and are an essential part of a \"whole-prey\" raw diet.\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\u003eUsers report that the \"Duck Soft Nibs\" are a savior for senior toy breeds. The pliable texture allows dogs with significant dental wear to enjoy a 100% raw diet without the physical struggle of hard kibble or \"rock-like\" freeze-dried alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Human Friction: Because this formula is rich in natural duck fat and oils, some 2026 feedback mentions a \"dust factor\" at the bottom of the bag. Pro-tip: Don't toss the crumbs! Use a spoon to sprinkle the duck-dust over their water bowl to create a \"duck tea\" that encourages hydration.\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\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff8000;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #ff8000;\" title=\"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/collections\/vital-essentials\" href=\"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/collections\/vital-essentials\"\u003eSee All Items by Vital Essentials \u0026gt;\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Freedom Pet Supplies","offers":[{"title":"14oz","offer_id":42008039882787,"sku":"360-68022","price":51.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0054\/7320\/6307\/files\/VitalEssentials_VE_-SoftNibs-Freeze-DriedDuckEntree_ForDogs.webp?v=1773505182","url":"https:\/\/armorthepooch.ca\/products\/vital-essentials-ve-soft-nibs-freeze-dried-duck-entree-for-dogs","provider":"ARMOR THE POOCH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}