Cat Food
Vital Essentials Tender & Tasty Turkey Entree Nibblets Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Vital Essentials Tender & Tasty Turkey Entree Nibblets Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food

By Vital Essentials 6 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 75% confidence
4.2 /10
Quality
7.0
Value
6.0
Design
6.0
Function
7.0
Durability
5.0

In a Nutshell

  • Cats enjoy the flavor but hygiene is a challenge.
  • Hydration issues reported by multiple users.
  • High price point noted as a concern.

Quick Verdict

This freeze-dried cat food is popular among finicky eaters but has mixed reviews on hydration and hardness.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 6
Would Recommend 33%
Would Buy Again 33%
Avg Lifespan Not specified

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs
Caution
🐈 Cats
Suitable

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Enticing Flavor (5)

    Many cats enjoyed the flavor and it helped motivate finicky eaters.

  • Helps with Dental Health (2)

    Some users noted that the dry, crunchy texture helps keep teeth clean as a treat.

Cons

  • Difficult to Rehydrate (3) major

    Several users reported difficulties in rehydrating the nibblets to a soft consistency.

  • Hard Texture (2) major

    The texture is too hard for some cats, leading to refusal to eat.

    Tip: Soften by adding more water or using it dry as a treat.

Who Is This For?

Best For

  • Finicky eaters — The enticing flavor helps motivate cats to eat more.

Skip If

  • Cats with dental issues — The hard texture can be difficult for some cats to chew.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan Unspecified

Cleaning Methods

Machine wash
Hand wash
Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • 💡 Add water and soak for a few minutes
  • 💡 Use as a dry treat

Floor Compatibility

Hardwood
Tile
Carpet
Vinyl
Laminate

Rating Distribution

3.0
6 reviews
5★
33%
4★
33%
3★
0%
2★
0%
1★
33%
flavor (5) quality (2) rehydration (3) hardness (2)

Common Questions

Can these nibblets be used as a primary food source?

Not recommended due to hydration issues and hardness, better as a treat or flavor enhancer.

Highlighted Reviews

— Nini

"I feed this to my cats dry. Although they prefer the Sojo's freeze-dried turkey dog treats over this, they eat it and I know they are getting the calcium due to the bone in the food — Nini."

— Laurie11

"After adding even more warm water than what was recommended, and waiting about five minutes, these morsels never softened. I had to mash them by hand with quite a bit of force in order to soften them even just a little. They were still not rehydrated to my satisfaction. Or to the satisfaction of my ..."

Bottom Line

If your cat enjoys freeze-dried food and you can manage the hydration process, this could be a good occasional treat. However, if your cat is picky about consistency, you may want to consider alternatives.

4.2 /10
Average