In the News

Dear Valued Customers,

We understand public concern surrounding the recent avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks and their potential impact on the raw pet food industry - and ultimately, our pets’ health. As a team full of pet parents ourselves, we believe in open and honest communication with our valued customers, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide you with more information on Vital Essentials' to commitment to food safety & quality.

Vital Essentials is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality. We go to great lengths to ensure the quality and safety of our products. To ensure the highest level of safety, every ingredient supplier undergoes a rigorous approval process that includes 3rd Party GFSI Certifications, HACCP control documents and must have a full supplier disclosure regarding the safety of their materials. 

We have been taking great lengths to further protect pets & their parents from Avian Influenza. Our poultry suppliers are part of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), which is a collaborative program involving poultry industry, state, and federal authorities that aims to monitor and stop the spread of dangerous diseases like avian influenza in captive birds, especially those raised for food. The birds are regularly tested for avian influenza, and any flocks with positive birds - even if there are only a few - are euthanized to further prevent spread of the disease. The birds are housed in open enclosures to prevent exposure to disease from wild birds and to limit possible transmission between captive flocks. Only healthy birds that test negative prior to slaughter are being processed. Our suppliers have also implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, including PPE for personnel that come into contact with birds, limiting personnel onsite, and detailed procedures minimizing risks for vehicles that enter the property.

We’ve also conducted an extensive review of our supply chain and can confirm that Vital Essentials is not implicated in any recalls related to avian influenza, and we do not source poultry from any of the affected areas. Our suppliers are fully committed to maintaining the health of their flocks and will continue to follow all recommendations to prevent avian influenza. 

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will continue to monitor all available information on this topic and update protocols as necessary. We are confident in the safety of our products, and we appreciate you placing your trust in us to provide your pets with the highest quality raw food and treats. 

Regards,

Your Partners at Vital Essentials

The Raw Pet Food Pioneer Will Offer In-Store and Online Promotions, Plus Exclusive Holiday Bundles

Green Bay, WI, November 18, 2024—Vital Essentials, the premium raw pet food brand, today announced its exclusive holiday promotions for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, along with holiday bundles. These deals are available both in-store at participating independent pet retailers and online at vitalessentials.com, giving pet owners easy access to premium raw nutrition for their pets.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday In-Store BOGO:

From November 29 through December 2, 2024, shoppers at select independent pet stores can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) deal on select Vital Essentials frozen and freeze-dried foods and treats for dogs and cats. This promotion supports local retailers while providing high-quality, nutrient-rich options for pets. Find your nearest retailer at https://www.vitalessentials.com/where-to-buy.

Exclusive Holiday Stocking Stuffer Bundles (Online Only):

Starting November 18, limited-edition Stocking Stuffer Bundles for dogs and cats will be available exclusively at vitalessentials.com. Perfect for holiday gifting, these freeze-dried treat bundles are available for purchase through December 31, 2024.

Dog Bundles:

• Surf & Turf – Minnows, Beef Bites, Salmon | $31.47

• Charcuterie Board – Chicken Hearts, Rabbit Bites, Beef Liver | $30.97

• Turducken – Turkey Giblets, Chicken Necks, Duck Hearts | $91.77

Cat Bundles:

• Seafood Tower – Minnows, Salmon Bites, Ahi Tuna | $18.87

• The Poultry Roast – Chicken Hearts, Chicken Breast, Duck Liver | $18.87

With scientifically supported benefits of feeding raw foods like healthier skin, shinier coats, and improved digestion, these minimally processed treats offer an easy way for pet parents to give their pets the gift of wellness this holiday season. For details and to explore the Stocking Stuffer Bundles, visit https://vitalessentials.com/holiday2024.

About Carnivore Meat Company

Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company's freeze-dried protein products division supplies private label, co-packing, and ingredients to customers globally. The company's rapidly growing brands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, include Vital Essentials® and VE RAW BAR distributed to more than 7,000 stores nationwide, in 14 international markets, and online. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with several awards in recent years, including the Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor’s Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction and Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at carnivoremeat.com.

Media Contact:

Erika Siemasko

FACTEUR PR for Vital Essentials

978-270-2777

vitalessentials@facteurpr.com

Leader in Pet Nutrition to honor the exceptional customer service independent retailers provide and their commitment to enriching the pet industry from September 28th to 30th

GREEN BAY, WI (September 18, 2024) – Vital Essentials, the flagship brand of Carnivore Meat Company, is excited to announce its extended celebration of Neighborhood Pet Store Day with exclusive in-store buy-one-get-one offers on Butcher Cut Protein food, toppers, and treats for dogs and cats from September 28th to 30th. This promotion is part of Neighborhood Pet Store Day, honoring the contributions of independent pet retailers who play a vital role in their communities by providing pet owners with essential education and support.

Neighborhood Pet Store Day is a celebration of the independent pet retailers who serve as the backbone of the pet industry. These retailers provide personalized services, expert advice, and enrich the idea of community by supporting local economies. By fostering relationships with customers and prioritizing the well-being of pets, independent pet retailers create a trusted space for pet owners to find high-quality products and care.

“We are thrilled to participate in Neighborhood Pet Store Day. It is important to highlight the incredible value that our independent retailers bring to their communities” said Heather Govea, CEO of Carnivore Meat Company. “These retailers go above and beyond in educating pet owners and supporting the well-being of pets. It’s an honor for Vital Essentials to celebrate their dedication,” said Govea.

Vital Essentials has been a pioneer in raw pet nutrition since 2009, with its focus on premium Butcher Cut Protein, superior nutrition, and accessibility. The company's minimal processing techniques preserve the nutritional integrity of whole-animal ingredients, delivering high-quality, nutrient-rich diets that promote tangible health benefits for pets. With a diverse range of products for both dogs and cats—including complete meals, toppers, and treats—Vital Essentials makes raw feeding accessible for all pet owners.

Visit the Vital Essentials’ store locator to find your closest retailer and take advantage of this special offer,  from September 28th to 30th.

For more information about Carnivore Meat Company, please visit carnivoremeat.com.

About Carnivore Meat Company

Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company's freeze-dried protein products division supplies private label, co-packing, and ingredients to customers globally. The company's rapidly growing brands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, include Vital Essentials® and VE RAW BAR distributed to more than 7,000 nationwide, in 14 international markets, and online. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with several awards in recent years, including the Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor’s Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction and Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at carnivoremeat.com.

Media Contact

Shayla Doane

FACTEUR PR for Vital Essentials

516-468-4057

vitalessentials@facteurpr.com

Carnivore Meat Company was listed in Inc 5000's list of fastest growing private companies for 5th year in a row...

Vital Essentials is a featured winner in the 2023 Pet Innovation Awards for Dog Treat Alternative Product of The Year...

GREEN BAY, WI (December 1, 2021) – Carnivore Meat Company, industry-leading manufacturer of raw pet food and treats, has won the 2021 Pet Business Industry Recognition Award in the Raw Cat Food category for their new highly popular product Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs. The award marks the third consecutive year and fourth time overall that Vital Cat or its parent brand, Vital Essentials®, has earned the prestigious award.

Pork, a novel protein, was added to the Vital Cat line in April to give new and current cat parents more flexibility and variety in their cat’s diet. Pet parents can feed their cat’s crunchy cravings with the award-winning Mini Nibs or lap up delectable Dinner Patties that can be fed wet or dry, providing multiple choices to meet the whole family’s needs and preferences. 

Pork is an alternative protein option for picky felines or cats who have allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef. Pork may be beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs because it is easier to digest, and it contains many key nutrients, such as taurine for heart health and thiamine to regulate metabolism.

“Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs Cat Food has quickly become one of the best selling products in our cat food line and we’ve received amazing feedback about the high quality and palatability of both Pork cat food options,” stated Melissa Olson, VP Marketing & Sales. “We’re honored to be recognized by Pet Business with the 2021 Industry Recognition Award.” 

Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs not only earned Pet Business industry recognition, but this cat food item also received the 2021 Pet Innovation Award for Raw Cat Food of the Year in honor of the product’s creativity, quality and popularity.

This marks the second award Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Pork Mini Nibs Cat Food earned in 2021 from two different prestigious recognition platforms within the pet industry. Only products that represent the ‘best of the best’ rise above the rigorous evaluation process and steep competition found in both platforms.

2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the highly-respected Pet Business Industry Recognition Awards. A panel of industry experts evaluate hundreds of pet products each year before extending the award to “the most exciting and functional products that the industry has to offer.”

Vital Essentials has now earned a Pet Business Industry Recognition Award four times in three different categories. Vital Essentials previously won in the Merchandising Displays category in 2016 for the newly-released VE RAW BAR, and then again in 2019 for the VE RAW BAR Freestanding Display. In 2020, Vital Essentials Family Size Treats earned the award in the Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Category.

Each Pet Business Industry Recognition Award is a testament to the innovation and drive of Carnivore Meat Company, as the most tenured raw pet food manufacturer in the nation continues to release new high-quality products under the Vital Essentials and Vital Cat brands at groundbreaking speeds.

About the Pet Business Industry Recognition Awards

Pet Business is the most trusted trade media brand in the pet industry. Through a diverse and evolving set of platforms including print magazines, websites, e-newsletters and social media, Pet Business covers every facet of the industry, providing valuable, actionable advice to pet specialty retailers along the way. Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards program highlights the pet industry’s most innovative and functional products across a variety of categories. The winners are selected by the Pet Business editors after scouring the industry for the most exciting and functional products on the market.

About Carnivore Meat Company

Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats.  Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company’s rapidly growing brands include Nature’s Advantage®, Vital Essentials®, VE RAW BAR and Vital Cat®, which are distributed to over 6,000 retailers nationwide, in 14 international markets and online to Chewy.com, Amazon, PetFlow.com and others.  Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company’s freeze-dried products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients to customers globally.  Carnivore Meat Company is family owned and has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with a number of awards in recent years, including Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor’s Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction and Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies.

More and more dog owners are learning about the benefits of a raw food diet for their furry family members. But feeding a raw diet is even harder than it sounds, especially when you consider what it takes to provide the right ratio of nutrients for healthy growth.

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