FREE DELIVERY on orders over £50
01793 887 555
FREE DELIVERY on orders over £50

01793 887555

Have a dog over 7 years old? - They qualify for FREE membership to our Senior Dog Club

Your Questions

There is a little Vet Know-how in every product we create, as we know the challenges that owning a pet can present. Our Frequently Asked Questions page contains answers to some of our most common questions.

If you have any other qustions about our food or service, please reach out via email or phone - Contact Us

What's happened to treats in 2024?

Statement regarding Vet’s Kitchen Little Stars treats for dogs and Little Hearts treats for cats.

We regret to inform you that we will be discontinuing our dog and cat treats (Little Stars and Little Hearts). This decision was not made lightly and unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have led us to this point.

As a small company without our own facility to produce treats, we've encountered a challenge with our current manufacturer, who no longer wishes to produce our Little Stars and Little Hearts. Despite our efforts to secure an alternative manufacturer that meets our recipe standards and maintains the quality you've come to expect, we have faced insurmountable difficulties.

After careful consideration, we've had to make the tough decision to discontinue these treats for the foreseeable future. Limited stock of the Active Salmon Little Stars and Sensitive Pork Little Stars is still available on our website, but once depleted, they will no longer be offered.

We understand the disappointment this may cause, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate through this situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Update: We are working hard to bring back your favourite treats. During April we will be embarking on some production trials and if successful we hope to be able to re-introduce a small range of Little Stars and Little Hearts before summer. However, we won’t compromise on quality so at this time we cannot make any guarantees. We will communicate any progress via social media or you can drop us a line at contact@vetskitchen.co.uk if you would like us to add you to our mailing list to be first to hear any new product updates.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

The Vet’s Kitchen team

Who tests out your products?

Our food has paws-up approval; none of our food is tested at or in laboratory settings with unwilling participants. All of our products are taste-tested by willing volunteers. We have a huge pool of four-legged companions to try our products (who are more than willing to try tasty treats), including our own pets, our Klinic clients and our partners.

Do Vets design your food?

We’re passionate about keeping your pets healthy, and proud to be the only pet food brand with an in-house Vet's practice. We combine high quality, natural ingredients with our veterinary team’s expertise, and the latest advances in technologies and research, to create foods designed to give your companions long and healthy lives.

What is the difference between meat meal and fresh meat in pet foods?

Meat meal is a dried product which involves removing most of the water and fat from the meat and leaving primarily protein and minerals. In addition to cooking, the products are ground down to form a powder or ‘meal’ before they are included in the food. Freshly prepared meat is ground down into a paste before being added to the formulation. It contains more water and less ash (minerals) than dried meat so much more of it needs to be added to the final recipe to get the appropropriate nutrient levels.

Aren't all dry pet foods the same?

Dry pet foods come in all sorts of different recipes and formulations. There are different life stages for example, a puppy food will have more nutrients than a senior food. There are dry foods that are natural and others that use colourings or artificial flavourings, there are low fat foods for pets prone to weight gain and higher protein foods for active pets. There are basic pet foods with simple ingredients and then there are foods with added extras such as joint supplements or prebiotics for digestive health. There are hypoallergenic and grain free diets for sensitive dogs and cats too. The quality of the ingredients is usually reflected in the cost, however you often have to feed less of a good quality diet (because it is easier to digest) so it is best to compare dry diets on a daily feeding cost.

What are FOS and MOS?

FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) and MOS (Mannanoligosaccharides) are both prebiotics. A prebiotic is an ingredient (usually plant based) that provides energy/nutrients that feed the 'good' or 'healthy' bacteria in the gut. This can help maintain a healthy digestive system. You can read more here: www.vetskitchen.co.uk/blogs/nutrition/prebiotics-and-probiotics-for-a-healthy-digestion

Can I mix dry and wet food together?

Yes, there is no problem mixing dry and wet food. As long as the two diets are of equal quality. If your pet has a health condition then both the wet and dry food must be suitable for that condition. When mixing two foods, the feeding amounts for both must be adjusted so your pet is not eating too much. A mix of wet food and dry for cats can help increase their water intake. Cats don't tend to drink as much as dogs and can be prone to urinary conditions.

Where is your food made and where are your ingredients sourced from?

          We are proud to be independent. Our products are manufactured and packed in Great Britain using the highest quality ingredients.

 

Can I give more than one of your sauce supplements at once?

Yes you can, but add in the additional supplements slowly, as increasing the moisture in the diet could cause their stools to become a little runny.

Can I give my pet your supplement sauces even though they are allergic to chicken?

Yes! Our supplement sauces are made with ‘chicken flavouring’ which is suitable for vegetarians and is made from herbs and spices and doesn’t contain any chicken protein..

Can I give the glucosamine supplement to my cat?

Unfortunately, we currently don’t have a joint supplement for cats, and our joint supplement for dogs is not formulated at therapeutic levels for cats. Having said that, there are no ingredients in the supplement which would be harmful to cats and we are aware that there are customers out there who regularly give it to their cats and seem to find it beneficial.

Can my diabetic pet have your food?

It is definitely possible that your pet can be fed our food. All of our diets have highly digestible protein and complex carbohydrates, like rice, potato, oats or sweet potato, which help to stabilize blood glucose levels. Because each case is so different, we would recommend chatting to your local vet and getting in touch with us so we are able to make appropriate recommendations based on your individual pet’s needs.

How much do I need to feed my pet?

We understand that is can be a little difficult to know how much to feed your pets so we've added a handy calorie calculator on our website - this can be used for adult dogs: www.vetskichen.co.uk/pages/calorie-calculator To work out feeding amounts for puppies and our feline friends, please get in touch with us and we can design a unique feeding plan, even incorporating the occasional treat into their daily calorie allowance.

Is my cat with urinary issues able to eat your food?

Your cat with urine issues might well be able to eat our ultra-fresh cat food. High protein diets like our ultra -fresh mean that the PH of their urine will be relatively acidic, meaning that it will be an undesirable environment for certain types of crystals to form. Our diets also contain moderate ash levels as well as parsley and dandelion to help support urinary health and encourage water intake. Because each case is so different, we would recommend chatting to your local vet and getting in touch with us so we are able to make appropriate recommendations based on your individual pet’s needs.

My dog has developed diarrhoea after switching his food - is this normal?

Nutritional diarrhoea can be common with changes of diet. Because of this, we would always recommend to gradually transition from your pet’s old diets onto ours over a period of 7-14 days, longer if they are known to have digestibility issues or a particularly sensitive tummy.

My dog is on the grain free food but my vet has advised me to put him on a diet. Should I change to the light diet?

Our advice is that if your dog’s skin condition is controlled on our grain free diet stick with it! It is likely that you are feeding him slightly more calories than what he needs, and in order to lose weight you need to be feeding less than his daily calorie allowance. Head to our calorie calculator and enter in his details, including current weight and body condition or contact us for a more detailed diet plan.

My pet has kidney issues is your food OK to feed?

This will largely depend on each pet’s specific kidney values and the recommendations that have been made to you by your own vet. We would advise that you get in touch with us so we are able to make appropriate recommendations based on your individual pet’s needs.

What is the difference between food intolerances and food allergies in pets?

Both food allergies and intolerances come under the general term adverse food reactions (AFR). The symptoms of food intolerances can be the same as food allergies, however the way the body reacts to them is different. A food allergy involves the immune system, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. This is why an allergy test would not be able to diagnose a food intolerance. The only true way to determine what your dog or cat is reacting to is by feeding an elimination diet. Contact us for help.

Can Vet’s Kitchen food help with my dogs flatulence?

Flatulence can be caused by a number of factors including a high fibre diet, a poorly digestible diet, food sensitivity or malabsorption conditions. Lifestyle changes which have been shown to reduce flatulence include increasing exercise and feeding smaller, more frequent meals instead of one meal per day. Changing to a highly digestible, lower fat, lower fibre food can also help some pets.

Can any foods help with my dogs behaviour?

Historically it was thought that too much protein could cause dogs to become hyperactive, however the evidence just isn't there to support this claim. The same goes for colours in food. However, there are some ingredients that are thought to have an effect on behaviour. For example, there is a calming medication that uses milk protein. Other research suggests that herbal remedies such as lemon balm, lavender and chamomile might help. More recently studies have looked into the link between mental health and gut health in both humans and animals (this is called the gut-brain axis). It has been found that aggressive dogs have different types of bacteria in their gut to non-aggressive dogs for example. More research is needed but it improving the health of our pet's digestion may influence their behaviour.

Do you do food for specific breeds/size dogs?

All sizes and breeds of dogs require the same nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. Occasionally there may be a breed that is prone to certain health conditions ( e.g. the Dalmatian) which may need a different balance of these nutrients. However, we have a range of different wet and dry diets with different fat, fibre and protein levels and there will usually be one that is suitable for your dog's individual needs. Please contact us for further advice.

What food do you suggest for pregnant dogs?

Pregnant bitches require a higher calorie intake during the final trimester (final third of the pregnancy) and whilst lactating (nursing). One way of increasing their energy is to feed them on a higher calorie diet such as our Puppy Grow and Develop food, however daily feeding amounts will also need adjusting as they may need 2-3 times more food than normal, so please contact us for further advice.

How should dry food be stored?

Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Once, opened the food should be used within 2 months of opening. The bag should be resealed after each meal to retain freshness.

How should I introduce my dog to new food?

As pet owners ourselves, we know the importance of finding the right diet to suit your dog. If you’re trying out a new recipe or pet food, our vets recommend that you introduce it slowly. Gradually replace your dog's old food over the course of 10 days to help avoid stomach upsets or other digestive issues.

How should I introduce my cat to new food?

As pet owners ourselves, we know the importance of finding the right diet to suit your cat. If you’re trying out a new recipe or pet food, our vets recommend that you introduce it slowly. Gradually replace your cat's old food over the course of 10 days to help avoid stomach upsets or other digestive issues.

Is there special food I should be giving to my puppy?

To support their development and growth, puppies require a diet higher in calories, vitamins and minerals than adult dogs. A specific puppy food is the best way to get this extra nutrition into them. Don't be tempted to add any supplements unless specifically advised to by your vet. Additional calories and minerals during growth can cause skeletal problems.

Why are the feeding amounts higher for puppies under 4 months old?

Puppies under 4 months old are growing faster than puppies over 4 months old. Young puppies will need more calories and a larger amount of food to sustain this growth.

How much water should my dog/cat drink?

Fresh water should always be available for your dog or cat. Pets on dry food will drink more than those on a wet food. Water can be added to dry food if you prefer. If your pet suddenly starts drinking more than normal, we recommend you contact your vet. Water bowls for cats should be placed away from litter trays.

Is your packaging recyclable?

We are a small company that is committed to making our packaging more sustainable and to reduce our carbon footprint. We are proud to be leading the way in pet food packaging. Changing the design of our packs gave us the perfect opportunity to adopt 100% recyclable material across all our dry dog and cat lines, and wet dog food.

What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

Vet’s Kitchen is striving to reduce its carbon footprint with numerous measures. With our new branding we have taken the opportunity to review our packaging and adopt 100% recyclable material across all our dry dog and cat lines, and wet dog food. On our dry dog food, we have replaced cartons with shrink-wrap. This reduces packaging material and makes shipping more efficient. We are also active members of OPRL that promotes clarity about recycling on pack.

What is your packaging made of?

PE/PE 2-layer laminate, with EVOH (3%) – barrier against oxygen and water vapor, PTC Zipper (Press to Close).

Is all of your packaging recyclable?

We are a small company that is committed to making our packaging more sustaninable and to reduce our carbon foot print. We are proud to be leading the way in pet food packaging. Currently our dry and wet dog and dry cat food packaging is 100% recyclable. This is the first step in our journey to become more sustainable, and our plan is to make our dog and cat treats fully recyclable by the end of 2022.

Why have you removed the zip lock on the bags?

In order for us to move to fully recyclable packs we had to replace the zip lock with a press and seal alternative.

Can the packaging go in my kerbside recycling?

Please check the individual bags and your local waste collection for recycling options. Our dry dog and cat food bags can be recycled at supermarket recycling centres.

Why didn't you change to paper-based packaging which is more environmentally friendly than plastic?

We considered a variety of options before making the change to our packaging. We wanted to pick the best material for us from a sustainability point of view and product freshness. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to use paper bags for pet food as the oils from the food can soak through the paper and if the bag gets wet it can spoil the food inside.

The packaging has changed, has my product?

We have updated our packging, but you can rest assured that it is still the sames delicious & nutritious food inside.

Do I have to pay for delivery?

Delivery costs to UK mainland are at different thresholds. Orders over £50 are subject to FREE DELIVERY. Orders £35-£49.99, delivery costs £1.99. Orders £34.99 and under cost £5.99.

For areas outside of the UK, this will vary based on order size and location - send us an email or give us a call and we will help you.

How quickly will my order be delivered?

Our standard delivery terms are 1 - 2 working days for UK mainland addresses. Our products are shipped by courier. They will text/email you a 1hr delivery notification which you can amend if needed.

You can provide special delivery instructions by filling out the comments section on your order form.

 

Can you deliver at the weekend?

Unfortunately we do not deliver over the weekend. This means if you place orders late thursday, or Friday, you may not receive your delivery until the following week.

Can I return products if my pet isn’t happy with them?

We want you and your four legged friend to be delighted each time you open a pack of Vet’s Kitchen’s products. If you are unhappy with your order in any way, please get in touch with us and we can advise you on how to proceed.

I want to sign up as a trade customer- how do I do this?

If you’re a Trader that loves our product and our values, then we want to help you introduce your customers to the benefits of feeding Vet’s Kitchen. As direct traders, we’ll support you in spreading the word about our high quality, affordable nutrition that, with added vet know-how, will improve the health and wellbeing of your customer’s four legged companions. Contact us for more information.

What are you able to offer for breeders?

At Vet’s Kitchen, we know how much hard work breeders put into getting puppies ready for their new lives ahead; it’s these first few weeks that are vital in giving them the best start in life. We want to reward breeders who breed responsibly please contact us directly for more information at: contact@vetskitchen.co.uk or call 01793 887 555.

Can I get my order delivered regularly on a subscription?

We offer a 10% discount on all subscriptions. You can choose exactly the frequency you want (between 2-16 weeks).

What payment methods can I use to buy online at Vet’s Kitchen™?

We are able to take payment on all major debit and credit cards and also by Shopify Payments, Apple and Google pay.

Where can I buy Vet’s Kitchen™ pet food?

You can buy Vets Kitchen foods online. We are also available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Wilko, Booths, Pets at Home and Ocado.

How much does delivery cost?

FREE DELIVERY on orders over £50. Orders between £35-£49.99 will cost £1.99. Orders under £34.99 are charged at £5.99 to mainland UK address. For full details on deliveries outside mainland UK please see our Delivery Info.

If my dog/cat doesn't like your food can I return it?

Here at Pets' Kitchen we want you to be delighted every time you shop with us. If for whatever reason you are unhappy with your delivery, then please contact us on 01793 887 555 and we will be happy to help.

I'm unhappy with my products what should I do?

If upon receiving your order you are dissatisfied for any reason whatsoever, and would like to return it and cancel your order, please send the product back in their original condition, and we will reimburse you for the full value of your order, less postage costs. Please ensure that the item is returned to us within 7 days of the date the item is delivered to you.

My order was damaged what should I do?

Free returns are available for damaged or incorrectly shipped items. If any item of your order is damaged or not the item ordered, we will replace the item, providing the original product is returned to us within 7 days of delivery. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Can I exchange my product?

If you’d like to exchange a product, please return your order in its original condition, along with a note explaining the reason for return and your request for the new product you would like exchanged. Your card will be charged/refunded any difference in cost.ur standard delivery terms are 1 - 2 working days for UK mainland addresses. Our products are shipped by courier. They will text/email you a 1hr delivery notification which you can amend if needed. You can provide special delivery instructions by filling out the comments section on your order form.

How long does delivery take?

Our standard delivery terms are 1 - 2 working days for UK mainland addresses. Our products are shipped by courier. They will text/email you a 1hr delivery notification which you can amend if needed. You can provide special delivery instructions by filling out the comments section on your order form.

Does Vet’s Kitchen make vegetarian or vegan pet food?

We don't produce a vegan or vegetarian option for dogs as although dogs are omnivores and can absorb nutrients from plant based ingredients, they are able to digest animal proteins more easily. They can get a better balance of the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) from meat and fish and the correct type of fats from these diets. With cats, this goes even further.

Cats are obligate carnivores, this means that they must eat meat to survive. There are essential amino acids such as taurine and arginine that they can only get from meat. For optimum feline health, we believe a diet high in meat or fish is important.

Why don't Vet’s Kitchen do raw pet food?

At Vet's Kitchen we want to produce diets that are as accessible and affordable as possible. Raw food diets can be useful for some dogs and cats as they are not as processed and are often free from common allergens, making them suitable for sensitive pets. However, for some owners, they are just not suitable. They are more expensive than dry food, they take up more space to store and there is more preparation time involved. They do come with a risk of bacteria, so more care is required when handling them. At Vet's Kitchen we provide high quality, hypoallergenic, cooked dry and wet foods that can deliver real health benefits to your pet of any age.

Does Vet’s Kitchen food use any artificial colours or ingredients?

We do not use any artificial colours or flavourings in our foods, al our food is naturally nutritious. Our dry foods are preserved with Rosemary oil extract and mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). When formulating our foods, everything is sourced with the pet's health as the most important consideration and we believe that a balanced, natural diet is the best way to do this.

Does Vet’s Kitchen test on animals?

Our food has paws-up approval; our products are taste-tested by willing volunteers. We have a huge pool of four-legged companions to try our products, including our own pets, our Klinic clients and our Partners who are more than willing to try tasty food and treats.

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