Vital Essentials · Freeze-dried topper
Duck Entree Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs
For an adult dog that is moderately active and holding its weight, Vital Essentials Duck Entree Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs scores 67.8 out of 100. That is a topper’s score: a topper is scored on other parts than a meal. A score is for one dog: the same food scores differently for another.
Score it for your dog
Who it is for
Made for dogs of every age and every size.
What it scores, and why
For the 9 commonest kinds of dog it is made for. Each row opens to the six parts of that score, in the scoring’s own sentences.
An adult dog, moderately active, holding its weight67.8
The 67.8 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Balanced protein (45.0%) for this dog's moderate activityBalanced fat (24.0%) supports this dog's maintenance goal
15 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.8 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
An adult dog, moderately active, losing weight59.3
The 59.3 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. For this dog, a moderately active dog losing weight, full points need fat under 13.5%.
6.4 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.9 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
A senior dog, calm, holding its weight59.6
The 59.6 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Moderate fat (24.0%) prevents weight gain for this dogProtein is 48.9% of dry matter. For this dog, a calm dog holding weight, full points are given between 22% and 45%.
7.5 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.1 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
An adult dog, very active, building muscle72.8
The 72.8 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
High protein (45.0%) supports this dog's muscle building goalHigh fat (24.0%) fuels this dog's active lifestyle
15 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.8 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
High protein (45.0%) fuels this dog's muscle/activity goalAAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
15 of 25
An adult dog, very active, holding its weight72.8
The 72.8 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Great protein (45.0%) for this dog's active lifestyleBalanced fat (24.0%) supports this dog's maintenance goal
15 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.8 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
High protein (45.0%) fuels this dog's muscle/activity goalAAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
15 of 25
An adult dog, moderately active, building muscle72.8
The 72.8 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
High protein (45.0%) supports this dog's muscle building goalGood fat (24.0%) provides energy for this dog
15 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.8 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
High protein (45.0%) fuels this dog's muscle/activity goalAAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
15 of 25
A senior dog, moderately active, holding its weight67.1
The 67.1 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Balanced protein (45.0%) for this dog's moderate activityBalanced fat (24.0%) supports this dog's maintenance goal
15 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.1 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
An adult dog, calm, holding its weight60.3
The 60.3 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Moderate fat (24.0%) prevents weight gain for this dogProtein is 48.9% of dry matter. For this dog, a calm dog holding weight, full points are given between 22% and 45%.
7.5 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.8 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
An adult dog, calm, losing weight58.5
The 58.5 out of 100, a topper’s score, part by part:
- Activity and goal
Adequate protein (45.0%) for this dog's lower activity levelFat is 26.1% of dry matter and fibre is 5.0% as fed. For this dog, a calm dog losing weight, full points need fat under 13.5% with fibre of 5% or more.
5.6 of 15 - Nutritional quality
Premium protein content (45.0%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 4,641 kcal per kg of dry matter. For freeze-dried food, full points are given between 5,000 and 6,200.Fat is 26.1% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.
13 of 25 - Life stage
The label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.
3.9 of 5 - Formulation integrity
Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog
20 of 20 - Format suitability
Format suitability calibrated for freeze driedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.
6 of 10 - Complement fit
AAFCO-complete formulation backs up this dog's base dietThe label gives no omega-3 figure. The points for it start at 1.5% and are given for a senior dog.Its protein (48.9% of dry matter) earns points here only for a very active dog or a dog building muscle.With 2 main proteins it earns points here only for a dog that has an allergy on its profile.Its duck earns points here only for a dog allergic to chicken or beef.
10 of 25
Every kind of dog
Each number is a topper’s score out of 100 for that dog.
| Dog | Score |
|---|---|
| An adult dog, moderately active, holding its weight | 67.8 |
| An adult dog, moderately active, losing weight | 59.3 |
| A senior dog, calm, holding its weight | 59.6 |
| An adult dog, very active, building muscle | 72.8 |
| An adult dog, very active, holding its weight | 72.8 |
| An adult dog, moderately active, building muscle | 72.8 |
| A senior dog, moderately active, holding its weight | 67.1 |
| An adult dog, calm, holding its weight | 60.3 |
| An adult dog, calm, losing weight | 58.5 |
| A puppy, calm, holding its weight | 58.8 |
| A senior dog, calm, building muscle | 72.1 |
| A senior dog, very active, building muscle | 72.1 |
| A senior dog, moderately active, losing weight | 58.5 |
| An adult dog, calm, building muscle | 72.8 |
| A puppy, moderately active, holding its weight | 66.3 |
| A senior dog, very active, holding its weight | 72.1 |
| A puppy, moderately active, losing weight | 57.8 |
| A puppy, very active, losing weight | 63.8 |
| A senior dog, calm, losing weight | 57.7 |
| A puppy, calm, losing weight | 57 |
| A puppy, moderately active, building muscle | 71.3 |
| An adult dog, very active, losing weight | 65.3 |
| A senior dog, moderately active, building muscle | 72.1 |
| A puppy, very active, holding its weight | 71.3 |
| A puppy, very active, building muscle | 71.3 |
| A puppy, calm, building muscle | 71.3 |
| A senior dog, very active, losing weight | 64.6 |
What the label says
- Protein45%
- Fat24%
- Fibre5%
- Moisture8%
- Calories4,270 kcal per kg
- Feeding statementComplete and balanced for all life stages, by nutrient profile.
Ingredients
Duck 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
BowlWise takes it off the list of a dog allergic to: duck and fish.
Compared with vitalessentials.com on October 8, 2026: ingredients, protein, fat, fibre, moisture and calories.
Price
On June 21, 2026 Pet Valu listed the 0.454 kg pack at $67.99 in Canadian dollars.
Shop at Pet ValuHow to read this
These scores are BowlWise’s own, worked out from each food’s label for one kind of dog at a time. They are not veterinary advice. How a score is worked out: How we score.
Scores as of October 12, 2026.
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