Header

Carnivore Meat Company, the parent company of Vital Essentials, today announced the results of persistent efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global sustainability efforts. In partnering with Green Bay Packaging, the company has moved to 100% corrugated boxes made from recycled fiber, resulting in a 51% reduction in greenhouse gasses, which is equivalent to 290 fewer cars on the road per year. 

Carnivore Meat Company knows that consumers want to buy from a company that cares about its environmental footprint. According to a 

 60% of respondents said they’d pay more for sustainable packaging products.  

“We’re seeing an increasing trend in consumer behavior to buy from and support companies that care about their environmental impact,” said Steve Marcelle, senior supply chain manager at Carnivore Meat Company. “Beyond packaging, consumers want to know their pet’s food is sourced sustainably. In addition to focusing on more sustainable packaging, we’re continuing to focus on working with suppliers that can sustainably source their products. All in all, we’re making numerous efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.” 

This sustainability initiative follows a recent rollout of new packaging from the company’s flagship brand, Vital Essentials, at last month’s Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL. 

For more information about Carnivore Meat Company, including their flagship brand Vital Essentials, please visit 

Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company's freeze-dried products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients to customers globally. The company's rapidly growing brands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, include Vital Essentials® and VE RAW BAR, distributed to more than 7,000 retailers nationwide, in 14 international markets and online. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with several awards in recent years, including the Greater Green Bay Chamber Growth Award, Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award, Governor's Export Achievement Award, Greater Green Bay Chamber Manufacturing Award of Distinction and Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at 

Packed with whole animal butcher cut protein, these high-value freeze-dried treats are full of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, because your pet deserves the best. Our butcher cut raw protein is the perfect guilt-free treat that also builds strong muscles for more play, naturally supports digestive and oral health, and provides essential nutrients to support your dogs vitality.

package front vital essentials®_freeze-dried raw_rabbit_bites__dog treats

package back vital essentials®_freeze-dried raw_rabbit_bites__dog treats

8413_VE_Dog_FD_RabbitBites_Treats_2oz_23 v.2.jpg

8414_VE_Dog_FD_RabbitBites_Treats_5oz_23 v.2.jpg

Protein

Freeze-Dried Rabbit Bites Dog Treats

Subscribe and save

2 oz

5 oz

Carbon Footprint Reduction

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

Press Room | In The News

Press Release

Green Bay, WI, April 11, 2023—Vital Essentials, the flagship brand of the Carnivore Meat Company, announced a strategic partnership with NEMA, Inc., to expand the company’s sales teams and foster greater connection with more retail partners across the country. Vital Essentials has been a pioneer in the raw, freeze-dried and frozen pet foods category. Its vast variety of dog and cat food, treats, meal toppers, and snacks are purely raw, ensuring that pets are provided the highest quality whole animal protein available, supporting energetic playtimes; healthier &amp; shinier coats; lean, strong muscles; digestive and oral health; and immune system &amp; heart health. As the leading manufacturer’s representative and consulting firm in the eastern half of the United States and with a combined 320 years of pet industry experience, NEMA, Inc. will help Vital Essentials reach more retailers across the country.“As we look to expand operations and connect with more retail partners across the country, NEMA will help us achieve that goal,” said Nick Ebert, Vice President of Sales at Vital Essentials. “Mark and the NEMA team are experts in the pet industry. Their deep industry expertise will help expand our sales touchpoints, increase our revenue, and allow us to continue to be the premier provider of raw, freeze-dried pet food. Our expectation is that Vital Essentials will be the most compelling and customer centric brand in the industry and NEMA helps us to bring that to life”The partnership will increase Vital Essentials’ market share in the eastern half of the country and increase the customer facing sales team for Vital Essentials to a great degree. The NEMA service area expands through 37 states, with a team of 14 business development professionals covering 75% of the population in the USA.“As the leader in the raw pet foods space, we are proud to partner with Vital Essentials and help support their growth,” said Mark Pustizzi, Owner of NEMA Pet Associates. “We believe in their mission to only offer the finest quality butcher cut protein and we look forward to helping them expand their offerings across our focus markets.”This announcement comes on the heels of a rebrand for Vital Essentials. Just last week, Vital Essentials unveiled its new packaging at the Global Pet Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The award-winning dog, cat food and treats unwrapped a new look highlighting premium kraft paper packaging to resemble the experience of visiting a butcher shop for butcher cut protein. The new packaging will arrive at retail this spring.For more information about Vital Essentials, please visit <a href="http://www.vitalessentialsraw.com" linktype="url">www.vitalessentialsraw.com</a>. About Carnivore Meat Company Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company&#39;s freeze-dried products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients to customers globally. The company&#39;s rapidly growing brands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, include Vital Essentials® and VE RAW BAR, distributed to more than 7,000 retailers nationwide, in 14 international markets and online. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with several awards in recent years, 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 Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at <a href="http://carnivoremeat.com" linktype="url">carnivoremeat.com</a>. About NEMA Inc. NEMA, Inc. is a manufacturer’s rep group founded in 1977. We have grown our service area to 37 States East of the Rockies. Our relationships span manufacturers, distributors, and every type of pet product retailer. We lead all other brokers with the most experienced sales team with industry leading experience and relationships. Our sales team is made up 13 industry leading specialists with over 320 years of combined experience specifically in the pet industry. We offer a class leading sales team equipped with the latest technology for maximum efficiency and productivity in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide our distinctly unique expertise to our manufacturer partners, and every customer in the channel to result in the growth of healthy, happy, successful pet parents.### Media Contact: Brianna M. Gillard <a href="mailto:vitalessentials@facteurpr.com" linktype="url">vitalessentials@facteurpr.com</a> (786) 897-7106

NEMA Sales Group

Discover Vital Essentials' strategic collaboration with NEMA Inc. Expanding sales presence for premium pet products. Learn more.

Vital Essentials Announces Collaboration with NEMA, Inc.

Vital Essentials Announces Strategic Collaboration with NEMA, Inc. To Expand Sales Presence 

New branding and packaging signal premium quality to uncompromising pet owners looking for the protein pets need Green Bay, WI, June 15, 2023 – Vital Essentials, the flagship brand of Carnivore Meat Company, has unleashed a rebrand to better communicate its point of difference to uncompromising pet owners: premium quality butcher cut protein for the health benefits dogs and cats deserve. Today marks the official launch of the revitalized brand and packaging, bringing a “butcher shop” experience to pet shops across the nation.<img alt="" src="https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1002562/2640x2000/bae4801152/ve-launches-freeze-dried-raw-pet-food-rebrand.jpg" title="" />Vital Essentials has been a pioneer in freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food since 2009 – sourcing only whole-animal, butcher cut protein that is minimally processed to preserve vital nutrients and minerals for the diet pets need to live their best lives. With an extensive range of high-quality proteins in food entrees, protein mix-in toppers, raw bar snacks, and treats, Vital Essentials ensures that every pet’s dietary needs are met.For pet owners looking for care without compromise, the rebrand makes it easy to find premium protein to support more energetic playtimes, healthier skin, shinier coats, stronger teeth, and gut health. The packaging features brown kraft paper and twine, as one finds in a local butcher shop, along with animal icon view-through windows showcasing each protein variety. The rebrand also introduces &quot;Tabby,&quot; an icon that at once symbolizes a butcher shop ticket and a cherished pet.Lanny Viegut, CEO of Carnivore Meat Company, reflected on the journey leading to the rebrand, “I’ve always believed in the importance of minimally-processed, premium protein, for the health of dogs and cats. We wanted to make it easier for uncompromising pet owners to feed their pets the protein they need and this rebrand does just that, it brings the butcher shop to the pet shop.”The brand relaunch goes beyond packaging to include a renewed focus on forging deeper relationships with Vital Essentials’ customers and consumers. “There are so many brands out there, but we believe that only Vital Essentials offers the Butcher Cut protein pets need,” said Viegut. “As we say in our offices, there are no shortcuts, only butcher cuts – and we’re committed to helping our retailer partners bring the best quality protein to their customers.”Look for Vital Essentials butcher cut protein in-store at a retailer near you and on-line at vitalessentialsraw.com, Amazon, and Chewy.<hr />About Carnivore Meat CompanyCarnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A raw pet food pioneer, the company&#39;s freeze-dried and frozen product divisions supply private label, co-packing, and ingredients to customers globally. The company&#39;s growing brands include Vital Essentials®, VE RAW BAR, and Nature’s Advantage – distributed to more than 7,000 retailers in the US, online, and in 14 international markets. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth and manufacturing excellence with several recent awards 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 the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at <a href="http://carnivoremeat.com" linktype="url">carnivoremeat.com</a>.###Media Contact:Reena S. GoodwinFACTEUR PR for Vital Essentials<a href="mailto:vitalessentials@facteurpr.com" linktype="url">vitalessentials@facteurpr.com</a>216-302-8485

vital essentials launches rebranded packaging for freeze dried dog food freeze dried cat food

vital essentials launches rebranded freeze dried raw pet food

Vital Essentials Launches Rebrand of its Butcher Cut Protein Freeze-Dried Raw Pet Food

Green Bay, WI, May 16, 2024 — Carnivore Meat Company®, a leading manufacturer of premium-quality, raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats, announces the appointment of Ashley Li as Vice President of Brand Marketing for Vital Essentials®, the Company’s flagship brand. The Vital Essentials® brand has been a pioneer in the raw freeze-dried and frozen pet food category since 2009. Its vast variety of Butcher Cut Protein dog and cat food, toppers, snacks and treats are purely raw ensuring that pets are provided the highest quality whole animal protein available. The Vital Essentials® brand is distributed to over 7,200 independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada, online via Chewy and Amazon, and in 14 international markets.Li brings over a decade of brand management experience having honed her skills leading and growing consumer brands at Kraft Foods Group and The Kraft Heinz Company across various roles in the US, the UK, and globally before her most recent role as Head of Brand Marketing, Strategy &amp; Innovation at Pet Honesty.“I couldn’t be more excited to have Ashley join our team,” commented Carnivore CEO Heather Govea.  “Her training as a classical brand manager combined with her latest experience leading marketing and innovation in the pet supplement category made her the perfect fit for Vital Essentials®. This brand has strong momentum coming off its recent re-launch and I’m confident Ashley is the right leader to continue accelerating our growth.”“As a pet parent and health-conscious consumer, I’ve always been intrigued by the unrivaled benefits of feeding a raw diet,” stated Li. “Vital Essentials® has a fanatical consumer following for its premium, unmatched quality products. I look forward to helping more pet parents and retailers learn why Vital Essentials® is one of the fastest growing pet food brands in the United States.”For more information about Vital Essentials®, please visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/dfoley/AppData/Local/Packages/oice_16_974fa576_32c1d314_cb/AC/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" linktype="url">www.vitalessentials.com</a>.About Carnivore Meat CompanyCarnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats. Long considered a raw pet food pioneer, the company&#39;s freeze-dried products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients to customers globally. The company&#39;s rapidly growing brands in Green Bay, Wisconsin, include <a href="https://www.vitalessentials.com/" target="_self" linktype="url">Vital Essentials®</a> and <a href="https://www.vitalessentials.com/collections/dog-raw-bar" target="_self" linktype="url">VE RAW BAR</a>, distributed to more than 7,000 retailers nationwide, in 14 international markets and online. Carnivore Meat Company has been recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence with several awards in recent years, 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 Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Visit the Carnivore Meat Company website at carnivoremeat.com.###Media Contact:FACTEUR PR for Vital Essentials Ally Rung 716-310-4509 vitalessentials@facteurpr.com

Li brings over a decade of brand management experience having honed her skills leading and growing consumer brands at Kraft Foods Group and The Kraft Heinz Company

Carnivore Meat Company®, a leading manufacturer of premium-quality, raw frozen and freeze-dried pet food and treats, announces the appointment of Ashley Li as Vice President of Brand Marketing for Vital Essentials®, the Company’s flagship brand.    The Vital Essentials® brand has been a pioneer in the raw freeze-dried and frozen pet food category since 2009. Its vast variety of Butcher Cut Protein dog and cat food, toppers, snacks and treats are purely raw ensuring that pets are provided the highest quality whole animal protein available. The Vital Essentials® brand is distributed to over 7,200 independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada, online via Chewy and Amazon, and in 14 international markets.   Li brings over a decade of brand management experience having honed her skills leading and growing consumer brands at Kraft Foods Group and The Kraft Heinz Company across various roles in the US, the UK, and globally before her most recent role as Head of Brand Marketing, Strategy & Innovation at Pet Honesty.  “I couldn’t be more excited to have Ashley join our team,” commented Carnivore CEO Heather Govea.  “Her training as a classical brand manager combined with her latest experience leading marketing and innovation in the pet supplement category made her the perfect fit for Vital Essentials®. This brand has strong momentum coming off its recent re-launch and I’m confident Ashley is the right leader to continue accelerating our growth.”  “As a pet parent and health-conscious consumer, I’ve always been intrigued by the unrivaled benefits of feeding a raw diet,” stated Li. “Vital Essentials® has a fanatical consumer following for its premium, unmatched quality products. I look forward to helping more pet parents and retailers learn why Vital Essentials® is one of the fastest growing pet food brands in the United States.”  For more information about Vital Essentials®, please visit www.vitalessentials.com.

Carnivore Meat Company Announces Reduction in Carbon Footprint Ahead of Earth Day

Next Up

Vital Essentials Announces Strategic Collaboration with NEMA, Inc. To Expand Sales Presence

Vital Essentials Launches Rebrand of its Butcher Cut Protein Freeze-Dried Raw Pet Food

Carnivore Meat Company® Names Ashley Li Vice President of Brand Marketing for Vital Essentials®