Header

Press or Media inquiries? Email us at: media@vitalessentialsraw.com

Explore Vital Essentials awards and accolades in pet nutrition. Discover why our raw food is recognized as a top choice among pet owners and experts.

Awards | In The News

Awards

We’ve got some cool news to share! Vital Essentials® is proud to announce Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Duck Heads have been nominated for the <a href="https://vitalessentialsraw.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ff2695e1b79c7210d14f95d6&amp;id=84e1c2c159&amp;e=99d4425cb4" target="_blank" linktype="url"> Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin</a> contest.  As you know, our<a href="https://vitalessentialsraw.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4ff2695e1b79c7210d14f95d6&amp;id=a8f3800b81&amp;e=99d4425cb4" target="_blank" linktype="url"> </a><a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/products/freeze-dried-raw-bar-duck-heads-dog-snacks" target="_blank" linktype="url">Freeze-Dried Duck Heads </a>have been the talk of the town since they were added to our award-winning VE RAW BAR in 2017. This item has been recognized by the industry since then and now we&#39;re in the running for statewide recognition along with 130 other nominees.  The contest is judged based on popular vote with the first round of voting through September 20. The top 16 products will then compete against one another in head-to-head match-ups based on votes. The winner will be announced on October 14, 2020.  <h4>Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Duck Heads</h4> Duck Heads are everything they’re quacked up to be — and more. Pets love the taste and they are a great natural toothbrush to help clean your pet&#39;s teeth. Plus, this snack is an excellent source of protein to help keep your pup healthy and strong. It’s shocking how good they are! Haven’t seen a <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/products/freeze-dried-raw-bar-duck-heads-dog-snacks" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Head</a> in person? Then duck into your local pet store to find this unique treat at the bar! Visit our <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy" target="_blank" linktype="url">store locator</a> to find a <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy" target="_blank" linktype="url">VE RAW BAR</a> retailer near you. For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalessentialsraw" linktype="url">TikTok</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vitalessentialsraw/?hl=en" linktype="url">Instagram</a>. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.

Freeze-Dried Duck Heads have been nominated for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Learn more about this awesome product and how it benefits your dog.

Press Room l VE Duck Heads Nominated for Coolest Thing in Wisconsin

VE Duck Heads Nominated for Coolest Thing in Wisconsin

GREEN BAY WI (March 22, 2021) – Inc. magazine today revealed that Carnivore Meat Company is No. 155 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest growing independent small businesses by region. States that are a part of the Midwest list include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Midwest economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. “Our organization is blessed in so many ways,” commented Lanny Viegut, CEO and Owner of Carnivore Meat Company. “Our trusted vendor partners, our steadfast clients all across the US and abroad, and our employees, all go above and beyond the call of duty, every day, to make it all happen.”   Viegut says making the 2021 Inc. 5000 regionals list is a testament to the success and growth of Carnivore Meat Company’s innovative and industry-leading raw pet foods. “This achievement has enabled us to give more to our community and to those in need, and to provide more great paying job opportunities for those who wish to work and invest in our company’s continued growth,” he says.The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in the 12 Midwest states. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 199 percent and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 43,000 people and added more than $11 billion to the Midwest economy.  “This list proves the power of companies in Midwest states no matter the industry,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”As a leading manufacturer in the raw pet food category, Carnivore Meat Company has experienced tremendous growth, with a 93% 2-year growth rate. The company has worked to increase awareness of their brand, with their raw dog and cat food products available online, in independent pet retailers nationwide and in 14 international markets.  Lanny and Cheryl Viegut founded Carnivore Meat Company in 2012.

Midwest Fastest Growing Private Company 

 Inc 5000 Midwest Region Fastest Growing Private Companies

Leaders in the freeze-dried pet food category continue to gain momentum as pet owners prioritize high-quality nutrition, transparency, and convenience. Rachel D’Agostino of BIXBI Pet stepped into the CEO role and implemented a major brand and business transition. She noted, “We took the time to rethink positioning, refresh our packaging, and make sure our story was coming through consistently across every touchpoint.”And that story is critical. “Pet parents trust us. That’s the foundation of everything,” said D’Agostino. “They know exactly what they’re getting with BIXBI Pet. Real meat, clean products, and a level of testing and quality standards that goes beyond what’s typical in the category. That transparency matters.”“In terms of excitement, our freeze-dried products continue to stand out,” she said. “They offer the benefits of raw feeding in a way that feels approachable and convenient. And with innovations like ProteinBlend, we’re bridging the gap between traditional kibble and whole food nutrition, which is where we’re seeing a lot of momentum.”D’Agostino discussed where she saw the category moving. “I see freeze-dried becoming more mainstream as more pet parents look for minimally processed, whole food options. The barrier has traditionally been accessibility, whether that’s price, format, or understanding. That’s starting to shift.” McLovin’s Pet has gained distribution in more than 4,000 doors in national and regional retailers across the US this last year. Jack Brettell, Vice President of Sales for McLovin’s Pet, revealed what makes the company unique. “What makes McLovin’s stand out in the freeze-dried category is our ability to deliver a high-quality meal for pets at an affordable price. Many shoppers are reluctant to trade up into the category due to price barriers. However, we were able to lower that barrier and allow shoppers to feed their pets with nutritious and palatable freeze-dried meals at an affordable price.”He continued, “Pet owners love our meals for dogs and cats. Not only are they made with premium ingredients, but they are also almost 50 percent less than many competitors in the market.”Brettell sees the category becoming more accessible. He noted, “Freeze-dried premium pet foods will become more affordable for the everyday shopper as the technology used for freeze-drying becomes more advanced and automated. We are already seeing freeze-dried pet foods showing up on shelves in grocery and mass retailers across the US.” Vital Essentials has been leading the way in helping pet owners understand their choices in pet food. CEO Heather Govea stated, “With so many options available, it can be difficult to understand what truly fuels their pets, especially as cost has become a more important consideration. Over the past year, we focused on simplifying that conversation and listening closely to what pet parents are asking for. Many are looking to improve their pet’s nutrition, but do not want to completely change their routine or take on something that feels out of reach financially. We worked to meet them in a more practical way through accessible formats such as larger bag sizes and easier-to-open packaging, along with flexible options like Soft Nibs that can be used as a mixer or topper.”Vital Essentials reinforces that small changes can have a meaningful impact. “Helping pet parents understand that adding about 20 percent of their bowl with nutrient-dense, whole-animal protein can support their pet’s health without overcomplicating feeding gives them confidence in what they are providing,” said Govea.Govea elaborated on how pet owners appreciate the simplicity and transparency in their products. “Recipes made with up to 99 percent meat, organs and bone make it easy to understand exactly what they are feeding without second-guessing the ingredient list.”“While simplicity and nutrition remain at the center of our approach, we are equally focused on making raw feeding more accessible. We continue to expand flexible feeding options, introduce larger pack sizes, and support retailers at the shelf to make it easier for pet parents to adopt. At the same time, we are bringing in new, novel proteins like our Quail Soft Nibs, now a Neighborhood Pet exclusive, and our Silver Carp Filet RAW Bar, offering more ways to make high-quality, raw nutrition feel practical for everyday routines.”

Vanguard Awards: Freeze Dried Premium Foods

Vital Essentials has been leading the way in helping pet owners understand their choices in pet food.

Introducing the BlogPaws Best Award Winners at Global Pet Expo 2023

Next Up

VE Duck Heads Nominated for Coolest Thing in Wisconsin

Inc 5000 Midwest Region Fastest Growing Private Companies

Vanguard Awards: Freeze Dried Premium Foods

Get Help

Raw Guide

Our Story

Contact