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- Description
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows are a single-ingredient dog treat made from 100% whole minnow. Freeze-dried to preserve the raw nutritional profile, these treats deliver 60% crude protein alongside naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids from whole fish sourcing. At just 2 kcal per piece, they are a practical high-value training reward for dogs of all sizes and a clean novel protein option for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins. Available in 1oz and 2.5oz sizes.
Quick Product Snapshot
| Primary Ingredient | Whole Minnow |
| Treat Type | Freeze-Dried Whole Fish Treat |
| Texture | Light, Crunchy (Freeze-Dried) |
| Flavor | Fish (Minnow) |
| Life Stage | All Life Stages |
| Dog Size Suitability | All Sizes |
| Diet Positioning | Single Ingredient, Novel Protein, Grain-Free, Raw |
| Key Feature | 60% Protein, 2 kcal/pc, Omega-3 Rich, No Fillers |
| Package Size | 1oz | 2.5oz |
Why Pet Owners Choose This Treat
- Single-ingredient whole minnow: 100% minnow with no fillers, binders, or additives - the ingredient list begins and ends with minnow.
- 60% crude protein from whole fish: One of the highest protein concentrations available in a freeze-dried treat format, from a complete whole-animal fish source.
- Naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids: Whole minnow sourcing provides naturally occurring omega-3s without synthetic supplementation or fish oil additives.
- Novel protein for sensitive dogs: Fish is a less common protein that works well for dogs with sensitivities to chicken, beef, or other standard proteins.
- Ultra-low calorie per piece: At just 2 kcal per piece, these treats can be used generously during training sessions without significantly impacting daily caloric intake.
- Freeze-dried raw preservation: The freeze-drying process retains the raw nutritional profile of whole minnow without artificial preservatives.
- Dual-use versatility: Works as a standalone training treat or crumbled over food as a meal topper to increase palatability.
Ingredient Transparency
The sole ingredient is minnow. There are no secondary ingredients, fillers, binders, or preservatives of any kind. The freeze-drying process is used in place of artificial preservation methods, maintaining the raw nutritional profile of the whole fish including naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This makes the ingredient panel as straightforward as possible for owners evaluating treats for dogs with food sensitivities, novel protein requirements, or those following a raw or limited ingredient diet.
Texture, Size, and Feeding Experience
Freeze-dried whole minnows have a light, crunchy texture that dogs find highly palatable. The small whole-fish format is easy to handle and dispense quickly during training sessions. Pieces can be broken in half for very small breeds or used whole for standard reward delivery. At 2 kcal per piece, even high-frequency reward delivery during training stays within manageable daily limits for most dogs. These treats can also be crumbled over kibble or wet food as a meal topper. Owners should be aware that fish treats carry a natural seafood aroma - this is characteristic of the ingredient and contributes to its palatability for dogs.
Feeding Guidance and Safety
- Supervise your dog during treat time.
- Provide fresh water alongside treat feeding.
- Adjust daily treat portions based on your dog's size, weight, and activity level.
- Can be crumbled over food as a meal topper - adjust meal portions accordingly.
- Treats should complement, not replace, a complete and balanced diet.
- Store in a cool, dry place and reseal packaging after each use.
Product Highlights
- Single-ingredient freeze-dried whole minnows
- 60% crude protein, 5% crude fat
- Only 2 kcal per piece - ideal for high-frequency training rewards
- Naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids from whole fish
- Novel protein - suitable for dogs with common protein sensitivities
- No fillers, grains, or artificial additives
- Suitable for all dog sizes and life stages
- Works as treat or meal topper
- Available in 1oz and 2.5oz sizes
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows offer one of the cleanest single-ingredient treat options available - 100% whole minnow, freeze-dried raw, with no fillers or additives. Use as a high-frequency training reward or crumble over food as a meal topper, and always supervise treat feeding for a safe experience.
Product Specifications
Commercial
- Brand: Vital Essentials
- SKU (1oz): S002980B002392P000039V001 | Barcode: 840199684113
- SKU (2.5oz): S002980B002392P000039V002 | Barcode: 840199684120
Physical
- Package Sizes: 1oz | 2.5oz
- Texture: Light, Crunchy (Freeze-Dried)
- Form: Whole freeze-dried minnows
Nutritional
- Primary Ingredient: Minnow
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (Min) 60%, Crude Fat (Min) 5%, Crude Fiber (Max) 3%, Moisture (Max) 8%
- Caloric Content: 2892 kcal/kg | 2 kcal/pc
Dietary
- Single Ingredient: Yes
- Grain-Free: Yes
- Novel Protein: Yes (Fish)
- No Artificial Additives: Yes
Suitability
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Dog Size: All Sizes
Ingredients
- Minnow
