Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Hearts Cat Treats, 2.75 oz

Name: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Hearts Cat Treats, 2.75 oz Bag
Brand: Vital Essentials
SKU: B0GRD1SXSH
Price: 15.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Vital Essentials · 0.172 lb · Cat

$92.97/lb·$15.99total

Verified 15 days ago on Amazon.

View on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate, petfoodprice.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Overview

Vital Essentials offers a highly focused and minimalist treating experience with their Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Hearts Cat Treats. This 2.75 oz bag contains just one ingredient: raw chicken hearts, preserved through a freeze-drying process that removes moisture while locking in nutrients, flavor, and texture. This approach provides a high-protein, carnivore-appropriate snack that aligns with a cat's natural dietary needs. By avoiding fillers, grains, artificial flavors, and preservatives, these treats offer a pure and simple way to reward your pet. The result is a crunchy, nutrient-dense morsel that can be used for training, as a food topper to entice picky eaters, or simply as a special snack that taps into your cat's instinctual craving for meat.

Key features

Single Ingredient: Contains only freeze-dried raw chicken hearts.
100% USA Sourced & Made: The chicken is sourced, and the treats are made and packaged, in the USA.
Grain-Free and Gluten-Free: Contains no grains, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
Rich in Protein and Taurine: Chicken hearts are a natural source of high-quality animal protein and taurine, an essential amino acid for feline heart health and vision.
Versatile Use: Can be given as a standalone treat or crumbled over food as an appetite enhancer.
Supports a Raw Diet: Aligns with the principles of a raw-food diet (BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

Pros

Excellent for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, thanks to the single-ingredient formula.
Very high in animal-based protein, which is ideal for a cat's carnivorous nature.
The freeze-drying process preserves nutritional value and taste without needing artificial preservatives.
Natural source of taurine, which is critical for feline health and often added synthetically to other foods.
Extremely palatable for most cats, making it a high-value reward.

Cons

Significantly more expensive per pound compared to conventional cat treats or dry food.
The rich nature of organ meat might cause digestive upset in some cats if introduced too quickly or given in large quantities.
The 2.75 oz bag is very small, requiring frequent repurchasing for regular use.
As a treat, it is not a complete and balanced meal and should not be used as a primary food source.

Best for

These treats are best for cat owners seeking an ultra-premium, single-ingredient snack for their pets. They are particularly well-suited for cats on limited-ingredient diets, those with allergies to grains or specific proteins other than chicken, or owners who follow a raw-feeding philosophy. Their high palatability makes them an excellent choice for training, medication administration, or simply as a high-value reward for the discerning feline.

Feeding guide

As these are treats, they should not replace a complete and balanced meal. Offer 1-3 chicken hearts per day as a general guideline, depending on the size and activity level of your cat. When introducing any new, rich food, start with a small amount to ensure it agrees with your pet's digestive system. Always provide access to fresh, clean water. These treats are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Ingredients & nutrition note

The sole ingredient listed is freeze-dried chicken hearts. This minimalist approach avoids the complex ingredient panels of many processed treats. Chicken hearts are a nutrient-dense organ meat, naturally rich in protein, iron, and essential amino acids like taurine. As this product is not a complete meal, it does not need to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, but it offers a potent, carnivore-appropriate nutritional boost.

Price comparison

Priced at approximately $92.97 per pound, this 2.75 oz bag of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts sits at the premium end of the cat treat market. Within the broader category of small-bag dry cat foods and treats on our site, the average price is around $64.31/lb, with a median of just $8.25/lb. This product's cost is substantially higher than the average, reflecting its specialized nature as a single-ingredient, freeze-dried raw product rather than a conventional kibble.

Frequently asked questions

Are these treats safe since they are "raw"?

Yes, they are considered safe. The freeze-drying process is a recognized method for controlling pathogens. It removes moisture, which bacteria need to thrive, making the product shelf-stable and safe for your cat to consume without the risks associated with fresh raw meat.

Can I use these treats for my kitten?

Yes, these treats are generally suitable for kittens as well as adult cats. Because they are pure meat, they are a great high-protein snack. Just be sure to break them into smaller, kitten-sized pieces if needed and introduce them slowly, as with any new food.

My cat is a picky eater. Will she like these?

While no treat is universally loved, single-ingredient, freeze-dried meat treats like these chicken hearts have a very high success rate with picky cats. The intense, natural flavor and aroma are very appealing to a cat's carnivorous instincts. Many owners use them as a topper to encourage eating.

What is taurine and why is it important?

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, meaning they cannot produce it themselves and must get it from their diet. It is vital for heart muscle function, vision, digestion, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Organ meats like chicken hearts are an excellent natural source of taurine.

How should I store the treats after opening the bag?

After opening, it is best to seal the bag tightly and store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a pantry. Do not refrigerate the treats, as this can introduce moisture and degrade their crunchy, freeze-dried texture.

Can these be rehydrated?

Yes, you can rehydrate these treats by soaking them in a small amount of warm water for a few minutes. This will create a softer, chewier texture that some cats prefer, and it can also help add a little extra hydration to your cat's diet.

Ready to buy?