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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

Vital Essentials is again recognized for its innovative <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/dog/treats-snacks/" target="_blank" linktype="url">VE RAW BAR</a> display, this time at SuperZoo trade show. The custom product display features twelve<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tme4-zXyfo8" target="_blank" linktype="url"> freeze-dried snacks</a> for pets, and is available at thousands of independently owned pet stores across North America.<img alt="" src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002562/2560x1707/ffe344dbbd/ve-0284-scaled.jpg" title="" />A panel of leading industry experts and influencers judged and selected the unique display as the most Innovative Point of Purchase display entered in the New Product Showcase. Vital Essentials and other award winners were announced on Tuesday afternoon at the trade show, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Our retail partners strive to create the very best experience possible for their customers. This high-impact, display has positively impacted the sales and success of their stores,” stated Melissa Olson, Vital Essentials Marketing Director. “With the competition from  eCommerce rising, stores need to ‘wow&#39; their customers. The VE RAW BAR catches their attention, and provides an experience for them to interact with their pets and store team members when purchasing the product.” The VE RAW BAR display is available at <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/where-to-buy/" target="_blank" linktype="url">independent retailers</a> across North America, and features a wide variety of novelty freeze-dried snacks, including: <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-duck-heads/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Heads</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-moo-sticks/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Moo Sticks</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-bully-twists/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Bully Twists</a>, <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/product/ve-raw-bar-freeze-dried-duck-hearts/" target="_blank" linktype="url">Duck Hearts</a>, and more.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.

Vital Essentials VE RAW BAR receives recognition from pet food industry for raw dog chew retail display for small breed and large breed dogs.

VE RAW BAR Gets Top Recognition in Pet Food Industry

Green Bay, WI – August 12, 2025– <a href="https://www.carnivoremeat.com/" target="_self" linktype="url">Carnivore Meat Company®</a>, the award-winning manufacturer behind premium raw pet food brand Vital Essentials®, has once again been named to the prestigious <a href="https://www.inc.com/profile/carnivore-meat-company" target="_self" linktype="url">Inc. 5000 list</a>, marking its sixth consecutive year among the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. The company’s recognition is driven by sustained growth trajectory, continued retail expansion, and product innovation that’s modernizing the raw pet nutrition category.“We&#39;re incredibly proud to be recognized for the sixth consecutive year by Inc. 5000,&quot; said Heather Govea, CEO of Carnivore Meat Company. &quot;This honor reflects our team&#39;s relentless commitment to democratizing raw feeding and helping pet parents discover the transformative benefits of raw nutrition for their pets.&quot;Operating the largest freeze-dried manufacturing facility for pet food in the United States, Carnivore Meat Company combines scale with quality to meet growing demand for raw nutrition nationwide. Supporting this growth trajectory, the company has significantly expanded its team over the past year, bringing on board seasoned pet industry veterans and technical experts to drive continued innovation and market expansion.Carnivore Meat Company’s sustained growth is fueled by ongoing investment in raw innovation—from category-leading freeze-dried and frozen foods to packaging, tools, and education that help pet parents feed raw with confidence. As the parent company of Vital Essentials, Carnivore Meat Company launched its new Soft Nibs line and AI-powered Nutrition Calculator at Global Pet Expo in March, and is unveiling reimagined frozen single-serve patties and RAW Bar packaging transformations at SuperZoo 2025. These efforts underscore the company&#39;s mission to help pet parents see transformative benefits in their pets&#39; health by incorporating as little as 20% raw protein into their diets.Carnivore Meat Company products are available through more than 7,000 retailers across the U.S., in 14 international markets, and online, with continued focus on supporting neighborhood pet retailers and e-commerce partners. As the company expands, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, minimally processed pet food backed by responsible sourcing and industry-leading standards.For information on Carnivore Meat Company and its brands, visit <a href="https://www.carnivoremeat.com/" target="_self" linktype="url">carnivoremeat.com</a>.About Carnivore Meat Company Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning leader in premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company is widely recognized as a pioneer in raw pet nutrition and owns and operates the largest freeze-dried manufacturing facility for pet food in NorthAmerica. The company&#39;s freeze-dried division also supplies private label, co-packing, and ingredient solutions to customers worldwide. Its rapidly growing brand, Vital Essentials®, is distributed through more than 7,000 U.S. retailers, 14 international markets, and online. Carnivore Meat Company has earned numerous accolades for growth and manufacturing excellence, including the Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor&#39;s Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction, and six consecutive placements on the Inc. 5000 list of America&#39;s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Learn more at <a href="https://www.carnivoremeat.com/" target="_self" linktype="url">CarnivoreMeat.com</a>.

Raw Pet Nutrition Leader Continues National Growth Trajectory, Earning Spot Among America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Carnivore Meat Company® Named to Inc. 5000 List for Sixth Consecutive Year

GREEN BAY WI (February 22, 2018) –Carnivore Meat Company, the manufacturer of <a href="http://vitalessentialsraw.com" linktype="url">Vital Essentials®</a> and <a href="https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/cat/all-cat-products/" linktype="url">Vital Cat™</a> brands, was one of seven Wisconsin companies awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award. This year’s special categories included: exceptional growth and service, enterprise-wide precision and global brand growth. Out of 23 nominees ranging in size from mega (800+ employees) to small (1-99 employees), Carnivore Meat Company took home the special award for Global Brand Growth for the phenomenal growth of its Vital Essentials pet food. Carnivore Meat Company is one of the fastest growing contenders in the pet food industry, specializing in the raw food category. This company has experienced explosive growth in the United States and globally over the past few years. Their products are available in over 6,000 independent pet retail outlets around the world, sold direct on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Chewy.com, and are exported internationally to 14 countries.  “International growth is a focus for 2018 and we’re proud to have been recognized for our accomplishments globally,” commented Ron Franklin, International Sales Director. The company and its leadership invest extensively in the development of new, unique and innovative raw pet foods. Under its consumer brand, Vital Essentials®, there have been many &quot;first to market&quot; pet food options that are not offered by any other manufacturer. In fact, there are over 20 products manufactured in its Green Bay, Wisconsin facilities that are not made anywhere else in the world. While this company&#39;s export achievement is most impressive, they remain committed to investing in the state of Wisconsin. They expanded operations in 2017 with the addition of a 20,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center located that includes a 90,000 cubic foot freezer. Most recently, the company broke ground in December 2017 on a 5,350 plant expansion that will double their freeze-drying capacity along with adding at least 20 new jobs in the greater Green Bay area. This latest expansion will be complete by the end of March. <img alt="" src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002562/626x470/83c92dcfc1/vital-essentials-recognized-for-global-brand-growth_2.jpg" title="" /> Pictured from left:  Brett Simmons, Plant Manager; Kevin Malnor, VP Sales &amp; Marketing; Melissa Olson, Marketing Director; Ron Franklin, International Sales Director; Cheryl Viegut, CFO &amp; Owner; Lanny Viegut, CEO &amp; Owner; and Mike Carter, VP Operations About the Manufacturer of the Year Awards The Manufacturer of the Year Awards are sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers &amp; Commerce - the state chamber and manufacturers&#39; association - the law firm of Michael Best &amp; Friedrich LLP and the accounting and advisory firm of Baker Tilly. Additional information can be found online at www.wimoty.com. About Vital Essentials® Vital Essentials is the most tenured RAW pet food in the nation.  The family owned company located in Green Bay, WI, manufactures high quality RAW frozen and freeze-dried pet food, snacks and treats. Sourced, made and packaged in the USA, every Vital Essentials product stands up to the same promise – Purely RAW, Instinctively Healthy.  To learn more, visit www.www.vitalessentialsraw.com

Carnivore Meat Company, manufacturer of Vital Essentials® and Vital Cat™, was awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Introducing the BlogPaws Best Award Winners at Global Pet Expo 2023

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VE RAW BAR Gets Top Recognition in Pet Food Industry

Carnivore Meat Company® Named to Inc. 5000 List for Sixth Consecutive Year

Vital Essentials Recognized for Global Brand Growth