Pet Treats Best Overall
Vital Essentials Minnows Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Vital Essentials Minnows Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

By Vital Essentials 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 87% confidence
8.0 /10
Quality
8.5
Value
8.0
Design
7.5
Function
8.8
Durability
7.5

In a Nutshell

  • Excellent for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs
  • Consistency and smell concerns reported
  • Most pets love the taste and nutrition

Quick Verdict

Vital Essentials Minnows are excellent treats for both dogs and cats, with a high quality rating. However, there are concerns about consistency in taste and smell.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 90%
Would Buy Again 90%

Pet Compatibility

πŸ• Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Suitable

Critical Warnings

high

Changing formula has led to pets refusing the treats.

Prevention: None available, as the issue is with the product's consistency.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High-quality ingredients (4)

    The treats are made from just one ingredient, pure fish, with no fillers.

  • Picky eaters (3)

    Pets who are typically picky seem to love these treats.

  • Versatile for cats and dogs (4)

    These treats are enjoyed by both cats and dogs.

Cons

  • Consistency issues (3) major

    Some reviews mention that the taste and smell have changed, causing pets to refuse the treats.

  • Strong smell (2) minor

    The smell of the treats can be overpowering.

Quality Trend: Declining

Some recent reviews indicate a decline in quality due to changes in taste and smell.

Older Reviews Said:

positive

Newer Reviews Say:

negative

Who Is This For?

βœ“ Best For

  • β€’ Owners with picky eaters β€” These treats are often loved by pets who are typically finicky.
  • β€’ Multi-pet households β€” Both dogs and cats enjoy these treats, making them versatile for multi-pet homes.

βœ— Skip If

  • β€’ Owners sensitive to strong smells β€” The treats have a strong fishy smell that some may find off-putting.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan Not applicable. Treats are consumed in one session.

Cleaning Methods

βœ— Machine wash
βœ— Hand wash
βœ— Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • πŸ’‘ Some users recommend using these treats to give cats medicine by poking a small hole and inserting the medicine inside.

Floor Compatibility

βœ“ Hardwood
βœ“ Tile
βœ“ Carpet
βœ“ Vinyl
βœ“ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.5
9 reviews
5β˜…
78%
4β˜…
0%
3β˜…
0%
2β˜…
0%
1β˜…
22%
dental benefit (1) quality change (2)

Common Questions

Are these treats safe for cats?

Yes, cats love these treats and they are mentioned as good for dental health.

Will the smell be too strong for my pet?

Yes, the smell is strong and noted by both pets and humans.

Can I use these treats for my picky eater?

Yes, picky eaters love these treats.

Highlighted Reviews

β€” Kimberly

"My dog absolutely loves these! The VITAL ESSENTIALS Freeze-Dried Minnows are pure, healthy, and perfect for picky eaters or sensitive stomachs. I love that they’re just one ingredient - no fillers, no junk, just real fish. They make great high-value training treats, and I feel good knowing I’m g..."

β€” Anna

"My cats used to LOVE these minnows. However, the last bag we bought, they won’t touch them. Not sure if it’s a bad batch but what was once their favorite treat is now a no go :("

Bottom Line

These are great treats with some quality concerns that potential buyers should be aware of. Overall, a high-quality product with minor inconsistencies.

8.0 /10
β€” Excellent