FAQ’s
ABOUT VSN
Why is VSN dog food better for your dog than supermarket dog food
VSN has high quality meat proteins at a level of more than 20% which means that it builds and maintains strong muscles
VSN has a lower and more optimal calcium level, which promotes your dog’s ability to repair and maintain the correct bone density, strong teeth and skeletal structure as it moves into its senior years
VSN has only meat proteins and is free of other vegetable proteins, which ensures the formulation is more digestible and therefore your dog is able to absorb more nutrients per meal
The digestibility of VSN is approximately 85%, so only 15% of what your dog eats will be passed through resulting in less mess on the lawn.
VSN is enriched with at least 25% more vitamins and minerals compared to certain supermarket products, which aids your dog’s immune system and means less visits to the vet
VSN contains no synthetic colours and flavours so if your dog is prone towards allergies and skin disorders these will be reduced
VSN has a lower fibre content compared to various supermarket products, resulting in better digestion
VSN uses natural palatability enhancers coated on the outside of the kibble, so your dog will look forward to meal times
Do you only supply Veterinary Science Nutrition Adult in 7.5kg bags?
Due to the fact that we are offering this food primarily as an online order solution with a delivery option, we currently only offer the 7.5kg bag to allow flexibility for our clients. This weight also allows optimum flexibility with the delivery service companies. We also understand that it very difficult to handle bags heavier than 10kg’s.
We will be offering alternative bag sizes in the future along with the planned introduction of more Veterinary Science Nutrition products.
Is VSN suitable for all dog breeds?
Yes, we have made sure that the kibble size of 10mm allows, small, medium and large breed dogs to comfortably eat the VSN Adult product.
Natural palatability enhancers are coated on the outside of the kibble, which ensures VSN Adult is free of synthetic flavourants.
Why is the VSN daily feeding requirement less in comparison to other brands?
VSN was set up by our Chief Veterinarian and Nutritionist and is therefore a high quality product. The nutrition content and digestibility is of at least 85%, which means the dog can absorb more nutrients per meal. Therefore in comparison to Supermarket brands the feeding requirements are less.
Where is VSN manufactured?
VSN is manufactured at our Durban factory, therefore we are proudly South African. It is then shipped directly to our warehouse from where we distribute directly to the customer. There are no middle-men or unnecessary costs, which enables us to provide a quality product at an affordable price.
Where do I buy VSN?
VSN Can be bought through our online store. We are however looking to expand to new digital marketplaces for the shoppers convenience. More to come that will be communicated via VSN Marketing.
HEALTH
What should I do when my pet is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea?
Vomiting or diarrhoea are both potentially very serious, primarily from the point of view of dehydration. If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhoea, remove access to food for 24 hours (Unless your pet is a puppy or kitten). Water must, of course, always be available. The smaller the animal, the more closely you need to watch them. At the first sign of depression or marked listlessness, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If the vomiting and/or diarrhoea abates within 24 hours, start by feeding small meals of bland foods such as boiled chicken and rice. Do not feed fatty foods. After 24 hours, if all is still well, you can go resume their regular diet, gradually stepping up to full size meals.
I feed my dog a regular supermarket brand but lately his stomach is runny?
“Runny stomachs” or diarrhoea can be caused by many factors including the diet, bacterial infections or worm infestations etc. From your description it sounds like this has been going on for a while and that it is low grade. It may be that your dog had eaten something that was “off” and this has caused a low level enteritis (or inflammation of the intestine).
Take your dog off the bought food and feed small amounts of boiled chicken and rice for two days. If the diarrhoea persists (or becomes worse) see your veterinarian. If the runny stomach stops, introduce the same food. If the diarrhoea reappears, you have your answer!
I have a small dog, how often do I need to exercise it if I feed it VSN?
All dog’s need exercise, irrespective of what you’re feeding them. Small dogs are usually more active than large dogs and all younger dogs are more active than when they become older (just as in humans). If you have a sufficiently large garden then “out walks” may not be that necessary for exercise per se.
However, it is important that dogs, as with all animals (again including humans) need mental stimulation. Walks are just as important for this as for exercise – dogs need to smell and see and explore and hopefully also interact with other dogs and people to maintain their mental health and equilibrium. The amount of actual exercise depends on the energy levels of your dog and this is determined by the breed, age and health status of the animal. Obviously the higher the energy levels of your friend the more exercise he or she needs.
Can I give my dog chocolate?
Definitely not! Chocolate (also cola, tea, coffee) contains theobromine which dogs metabolize rather slowly. An excess of this can make your dog incredibly ill and, in severe cases, even lead to death. Rather give your best friends treats formulated specifically for them.
What causes flatulence in dogs?
Flatulence is the presence of excessive gas in the intestine or stomach. This is NOT only caused by fermentation of food but also by aerophagia, which is the term used when air is swallowed. There are two routes for this gas to move: through the mouth ( belching) or out the “back door”. Gas moves faster than food through the intestinal tract and may move right through in 30 minutes. Aerophagia occurs commonly in the flat faced dogs, in working / sporting /very active dogs, in dogs which are greedy eaters and also in some forms of intestinal disease. Fermentation of carbohydrate based foods produces an odourless gas.
99% of gas thus found in the intestine is therefore odourless. The bad smell is caused by fermentation of substances like bile and dietary sources such as onions (which should not be fed to dogs in any case) cruciferous vegetables (cabbages, broccholi) and dietary proteins.
This problem will usually respond well to management. If excessive flatulence is also accompanied by weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea then it is recommended that you visit a vet to check for intestinal disease. Some intestinal conditions cause mal-digestion and absorption and this results in abnormal fermentation in the intestine.
With flat faced dogs like bulldogs, boxers and pugs, they cannot breathe through their noses effectively and take in air through the mouth as they eat. Surgical correction of some of the excessive folds inside the throat and nose may facilitate breathing and then also decrease the amount of air taken in when eating.
Dogs which are very active will also swallow air, especially when breathing very fast . Due to their activity though, this air will also be passed very quickly, also hopefully also outside. Moderate exercise increases the activity of the bowel and will facilitate passing of wind. Exercise within 30 minutes of eating will encourage defaecation and passing of gas.
Animals which are greedy eaters and gulp their food down too quickly will also take in a large amount of air. It is important to try and slow down feeding behaviour. This can be done by feeding twice a day and also placing objects inside the bowl so that the dog has to nibble around it to get at the pellets. Ideal objects are a large stone/brick or an upturned bowl. An immediate improvement should be noted. Be careful not to use smaller objects as these dogs aren’t fussy and will swallow anything which will fit. Special durable dishes have been marketed.
Diets to be avoided are those containing legumes, cruciferous vegetables, airy products, fruit, canned foods with carrageen , a thickening agent.
What causes diarrhoea in puppies?
Diarrhoea in puppies is common and can be classified into simple and complex disease processes.
Puppies are sensitive to their diet and do not tolerate rich fatty food or many dietary changes. The enzyme to digest milk is also lost as they mature and this undigested milk ferments and cause diarrhoea. Ideally a young puppy should be fed an appropriate puppy diet and no other scraps. Pronutro is not a good diet for a puppy. Symptoms include a soft stool which often looks like porridge. Vomiting is uncommon and the puppy still eats well.
Worms and puppies go together like the proverbial horse and carriage. Both round worm and hookworm larvae (immature stages) are transferred to the puppy through the mothers’ milk. Infected mothers are not easily treated as the tissue larval stages present in their muscles are very resistant to deworming, unlike the mature stages present in the intestine. Most dogs have these tissue stages in their systems and they become activated when the dog is in her last trimester of pregnancy. It can be assumed that all puppies will thus become infected. Worms passed to the puppies via the milk reach maturity within 2 weeks, whereas it takes 3 weeks with the normal oral route of infection. The puppies are also a source of reinfection for the mother as she cleans them and looks after them in those first 6 weeks. Hookworms attach to the intestine lining and eat blood whereas roundworms attach and take in nutrients from the ingest in the small intestine. The effects on small puppies can be quite devastating with vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal swelling from fluid accumulation and severe anaemia occurring in severe infestations. It is thus vital that puppies are dewormed every 2 weeks from birth until about 8 weeks old and at least monthly there-after until 6 months of age.
Parvo-virus diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes a very severe small intestinal damage. The virus enters the lining cells of the small intestine and causes them to die off which causes the intestine to leak out essential salts, proteins and blood resulting in a very foul smelling, bloody diarrhoea. The damage the virus causes to the intestinal lining also allows other bacteria to translocate from the intestine into the bloodstream. Additionally parvo-virus also damages the bone marrow causing a decrease in the number of white cells which are responsible for fighting infection. Thus the puppy with parvo-virus infection is extremely vulnerable to septicaemia. Management is targeted at managing the dehydration by giving
intravenous fluids as well as supplementing certain salts and proteins which are lost from the body in the diarrhoea. Multiple antibiotics, anti-nausea and anti-acid medications are also required. Often feeding via a naso-oesophageal tube is necessary as early feeding is essential for recovery. Puppys’ with parvovirus usually have severe diarrhoea and vomit frequently. They are hunched up and listless and disinterested in food. This disease can only be prevented by effective vaccination. The puppy is most vulnerable at about 6-8 weeks as the maternal resistance has decreased and the protection offered by vaccination is still developing. The protective antibodies are only truly set at the third vaccination so it is important not to expose young puppies to a risky environment like a park. The virus is extremely resistant and can survive for months even in harsh weather conditions. Hypochlorite mixtures (Jik) can be used to disinfect courtyards.
So bottom line – Preventative care is the way to go – and it is also much cheaper in the end as managing these cases at the veterinarian can be a costly exercise due to the intensive nature of the treatment. Also don’t wait too long – these little puppies don’t have much reserves and deteriorate quickly.
Does VSN contain Vitamins and Minerals, which my dog needs to maintain good health?
Veterinary Science Nutrition (VSN) Adult product certainly contains the prescribed vitamins and minerals for your family pet.
Our Vitamin and mineral levels are enriched with at least 25% higher content, compared to certain supermarket products.
What does "May Contain GMO" actually mean?
Most of the dog foods manufactured in SA contain maize and soya (VSN DOES NOT CONTAIN SOYA), and much of the maize and soya grown in SA is GMO. Maize is taken from the farms into the large co-op maize storage silos, and from there to the manufacturer. This is why most dog food will say “may contain”. The truth is we are not sure exactly how much of the maize we use is GMO. GMO regulation in South Africa is still not clearly defined, thus some of the farmers are still buying GMO seed – usually as a way to minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides (both of which are definitely harmful to health). GMO testing of every batch would indicate the exact quantity, however testing is extremely complex and requires a specific test for each of the possible genetic modifications. Test results can take several weeks, and it is not practical to hold stock for this length of time. While GMO seed is definitely used in SA, in general most products stay below 5% GMO, as do we.
We have taken the stance to place “May Contain GMO” on our packaging, although currently it is not a legal requirement, until the legislation comes in to ascertain levels of GMO in S.A. pet foods. This is why you may not see it on other S.A. manufactured pet foods.
The fact is most human food in SA and in first world countries contains GMO including some of our premium food stores.
Should I be worried about Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins is the toxin released by certain species of fungi/mould. This occurs most commonly on maize that is not properly dried in the field before harvesting. With South Africa’s sunny climate, Aflatoxin is not often a problem here, although we have of late (last 18 months) seen an increase in another mycotoxin (mould toxin) called DON – which caused a recent recall of one popular brand. This has occurred on lower grade maize. We buy only grade Y1 maize, which contains no or only very microscopic and harmless levels of mycotoxins. We additionally test every batch of maize we receive on site for both of these toxins before we accept the load. In this way we can be sure we never release feed into the market that has mycotoxins. The food safety and quality policy is adhered to all the way through the production process of VSN with multiple checks and finished product testing taking place. The result is a final product that is safe for both pets and their owners.
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
For a dog to lose weight the same rule that applies to people should be used; decrease the food intake and increase the amount of exercise given. This should be well thought out, as less food must still ensure a balanced diet. This might not be as difficult as it sounds. Simple rules apply; don’t feed the dog between meals (unless of course your are using a tit bit as a reward for a particular good behavior), don’t feed the dog from the table (both these points can be quite difficult when there are children around) and do not replace dog food with human food such as sweet biscuits.
There are a number of visual guides to assessing a dog’s physical state of weight (see below) but if there is any doubt a vet will always be happy to advise.
NUTRITION
Are all pet foods equal?
Certainly not. A truly great pet food is determined by the quality of it’s raw materials, the process by which it is prepared and the equipment that is used in the production process. These 3 factors must all be of the highest quality in order to create a pet food that is highly nutritious, digestible and delicious.
Why should dogs be fed twice a day?
All dogs should preferably be fed twice a day. One large meal a day will “over fill” their stomach and make them uncomfortable. They would also be inclined to “wolf” down their food because they had not eaten in 24 hours!
This is of particular importance where large and giant breed dogs are concerned. They need to eat a lot of food in a 24 hour period and one very large meal is extremely heavy sitting in the stomach. If this dog now exercises or even rolls on its back, a stomach torsion can occur that could be fatal, but in any case will almost invariably require expensive emergency surgery.
Is there really a difference between puppy, adult and senior dog foods?
There is a big difference . Just as with human babies versus adults, puppies have very different needs to adult dogs. And in dogs the difference is that much greater because puppies grow many times faster than human babies. This growth rate is even more pronounced in the “Large” and “Giant” breeds dogs. So all puppies have special needs and the levels of many nutrients need to be different in Puppy food than Adult food. “Senior” dogs are dogs more than half of their expected lifetime, but mostly taken as dogs from 7 years and older. These dogs require additives in the food to maintain muscle mass, stop them from becoming obese (because their activity levels and metabolism slows down) and ease any joint discomfort that they may have. They also require different levels, and ratios, of the various constituents of “nutrition”.
I am interested in feeding my dog VSN, can I just change brands?
VSN’s is an excellent formulation made from superior ingredients so you could probably simply change over. However, as foods can vary quite markedly in the quality of their ingredients and ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ (percentage protein, fat and the like) it is advisable to introduce VSN over a few days starting with 25% VSN and 75% the current food, gradually increasing the proportion of VSN (You can refer to the side panel of our bag for specific details).
I feed my dog leftovers, isn't that better than dry biscuits/kibbles/chunks?
Leftovers may be perfectly tasty and nutritious but are definitely NOT balanced. You may give them an occasional treat but please do not feed them as a regular occurrence. If you want to give your pets a better treat, try a balanced moist (tinned) food from a reputable manufacturer and mix a little in with the normal diet.
I heard some dog foods contain beaks and hooves, is this true?
Most definitely not! Reputable pet food manufacturers spend a lot of time and money formulating their diets to give your friend the very best nutrition that your Rand can buy. The formulation is also very carefully balanced in terms of the ratios of the various constituents of nutrition, and their source – protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Is there maize or rice in the Veterinary Science Nutrition product?
Veterinary Science Nutrition does contain maize and rice as the carbohydrate sources, as this product has been prepared for the general dog population, even though the level of maize is lower compared to the supermarket commercial products. The meat content of the product is also higher and therefore the nutritional content and digestibility is of at least 85%, similar to other veterinarian products.
If your dog is allergic to maize, this product would not be suitable for that dog.
What are the benefits of the VSN Dog Food ingredients?
| Ingredient | Benefits |
| Maize | Maize is an excellent ingredient because of the benefits it brings to the product. Maize is a highly nutritious ingredient chosen as a source of protein (for muscle and tissue growth), carbohydrates (for energy), fibre, antioxidants (Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Lutein) and linoleic acid – an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and a luxurious coat. Most grains, including maize, are poorly digested before they are cooked. Once cooked, however, they become highly digestible. |
| Rice | Rice is an excellent source for dog food, easily digestible and rich in nutrients, although the protein content of rice is lower than that of wheat and other cereals, that is easily digested (because it does not contain gluten) caused by their slow digestion and makes it the basic carbohydrate with meat and vegetables, in appropriate proportions, daily demand for nutrients (vitamins, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin). Rice is also, besides the content of essential amino acids, an important source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the body to function at optimum level. |
| Meat & Bone Meal | Meat and bone meal remains a good source of animal-based protein with a fairly consistent protein level of a minimum of 50%. One will often find measurable quantities of omega-3 fatty acids in meat and bone meal of ruminant origin. Due to the more saturated nature of the fatty acids in meat and bone meal it is inherently more resistant to oxidation than many of the other rendered meat meals. |
| Poultry Meal | Protein, carbohydrate, and essential fats are key ingredients in your dog’s food that gives him energy, stamina, and overall health. Your dog also needs beneficial vitamins and minerals to keep him strong and happy. Poultry meal is a rich source of many of the nutrients your dog needs in a complete and balanced diet. Provides a rich source of protein and healthy fats in addition to essential vitamins and minerals |
| Wheat Bran | Wheat is commonly used in dog food because it is readily available and it provides a great source of energy and a good source of protein when blended with an animal protein such as chicken. Contains fibre that may be helpful in aiding the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut or intestines. Fibre found in wheat is also helpful in keeping your dog’s bowel movements regular. Wheat also packs a burst of energy — the carbohydrates found in this grain are great when it comes to fuelling muscular and metabolic activities. |
| Salt | Sodium and chloride help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside individual cells of the body. Sodium aids in the transfer of nutrients to cells and the removal of waste products. Chloride helps maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body. Chloride is also necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps in the digestion of protein. |
| Poultry Digest Liquid | Common pet food ingredient because it provides natural flavour. This natural palatability enhancer ensures that dogs and cats will find the diet appealing day after day and eat appropriate amounts of food to receive essential nutrients.Digest is especially important in therapeutic diets where special ingredients required for the health of the animal may be less appealing to dogs or cats. Digest also is a source of valuable proteins and fats and essential amino and fatty acids. |
| Tallow | For high heat cooking this is one of the best fats because it remains stable with a high smoke point and will avoid generating free radicals. Using beef tallow will help make strong bones as there is a lot of vitamin D in this fat. |
| Vegetable Oil | Fats have many important functions in the canine body. Not only do they provide energy, but they are also necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues. They are important components in the body’s production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins work to reduce inflammation, as well as perform many other important functions in the body. Fats are part of the reason that dog foods taste good and smell good too (at least to your dog). Fats and oils also give structure to foods. They help the body to absorb certain vitamins called the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Fats and oils in the diet keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy and are also important in reproduction. |
| Flax Seed Oil | It is well known that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for humans, but they’re good for dogs, too. In fact, this substance, found in several foods including soybeans, salmon and sardines can boost your dog’s health and play a major role in maintaining the immune system. Flaxseed oil is especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Sunflower Oil | Sunflower oil is low in saturated fat, which makes it a better choice than oils and fats that are high in saturated fat. Sunflower oil is among several ingredients food manufacturers add to dog food to provide essential fatty acids. |
| Linseed Oil | Linseed Oil provides the omega-3 which is more than a supplement, it’s essential for every system throughout the body, throughout life. Omega-3 is in short supply in our own food and dogs food. Increasing omega-3 increases the anti-inflammatory hormones which strengthens the immune system and maintains healthy skin, bones, tendons and organs. |
| Vitamin A | Assists in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, vision, bone growth, teeth development and reproduction and mucous membranes. The absence of this vitamin can lead to night blindness and dryness of eyes; rough skin and infection of mucous membranes, impaired bone growth and tooth enamel. |
| Vitamin C | Promotes healthy teeth and gums and helps in the absorption of iron and the maintenance of connective tissue and wound healing. |
| Vitamin D | Essential for the growth and maintenance of teeth and bones and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. |
| Vitamin E | Helps in the formation of red blood cells, muscles and other tissues. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids and is an antioxidant. |
| Thiamine | Is a water-soluble B vitamin, previously known as Vitamin B1. Thiamine plays an important role in helping the body metabolize carbohydrates and fat to produce energy. It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems. |
| Riboflavin | Also known as Vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in animals. Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy metabolism and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketones, carbohydrates and proteins. |
| Niacin | Is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3. Niacin helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. |
| Pyridoxine | Also known as vitamin B6, It assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production. It is linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the formation of homocysteine. |
| Vitamin B12 | Like the other B vitamins, it is important for metabolism and helps with red blood cell formation and maintenance of the central nervous system. |
| D-Pantothenic Acid | It is essential for the metabolism of food and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. |
| Folic Acid | Folacin acts with B12 in the formation of haemoglobin of red blood cells. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and tissue and bone growth in cell production |
| D-Biotin | It is also made by microorganisms in the intestinal tract. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. |
| Calcium | Needed for the formation and maintenance of bones, teeth and healthy gums, stabilizes many body functions and has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect. It is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat, the transmission of nerve impulses, helps muscular growth and normal blood clotting. It also provides energy, breaks down fats, maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity, stops lead from being absorbed into bone and keeps the skin healthy. The correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus and magnesium is very important for a dog’s health and needs to be carefully balanced. |
| Phosphorous | Together with calcium, phosphorus is required for formation and maintenance of bones and teeth as well as most metabolic actions in the body, including kidney function, cell growth and the contraction of the heart muscle. Assists the body in vitamin use (especially some B group vitamins) and is also involved in converting food to energy. |
| Magnesium | Helps with formation of bone and teeth, maintains a healthy heart and assists the absorption of calcium and potassium. While calcium stimulates the muscles, magnesium is used to relax them. Also needed for cellular metabolism, absorption of calcium, vitamins C, E and B complex and the production of energy. It is also required for the production of enzymes and helps the body to rid itself of lead that has accumulated in bones and tissue due to environmental contamination. |
| Potassium & Sodium | These two minerals work together in so many body functions. They are required to maintain fluid balance in the body cells, muscle functions, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity and production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. |
| Copper | Bone growth and maintenance, conversion of iron into haemoglobin, immune function. |
| Iodine | Production of thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism. |
| Iron | Required for the production of haemoglobin (together with copper, vitamin B12 and protein) and myoglobin and for the oxygenation of red blood cells. It also aids in maintaining a healthy immune system and energy production. |
| Manganese | Necessary for the utilization of vitamin C, biotin, vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Required for normal reproduction, bone and cartilage growth, collagen formation, fat metabolism and production of fatty acids. |
| Zinc | Required for proper utilization of copper, B complex vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus. Required for production of many enzymes, supports the immune system, improves antibody response, regulates white blood cells, aids protein digestion, is important for skin and coat health, protects the liver from heavy metal and copper damage. Together with vitamin C it greatly aids in wound healing. |
My dog seems to be a fussy eater
Very few dogs are ‘fussy’ feeders and very few dogs will allow themselves to starve but
occasionally a healthy dog will lose its appetite. The owner feeding it too many titbits (or
helping itself to the bread, on the bird table) may be the cause of the problem. So by the time
its regular mealtime comes around, it is no longer hungry. Children are very good at sharing
their snacks with their dog, unfortunately it is not that unusual for children to give dogs vast
quantities of unsuitable food such as chocolate resulting in severe problems.
Warming food up to blood heat is a good way of encouraging a dog to eat. If the dog does not
want to eat the food put down for it, the food should be cleared away after about half an hour.
The same type of food (not the same food) should be put down at the next mealtime. If you
pander to the dog by giving it some expensive human food it will soon learn that he can
manipulate you into changing his diet to what he wants instead of what he requires. Children
want sweets and ice-cream all the time, this does not mean that these are a suitable alternative
to their normal diet!
It is worth mentioning that some of the smaller breeds (the toys for example) are very good at
manipulating their owners. Fussy eaters are often actually encouraged by the anxiety they
cause their owners and the subsequent fuss the owners make of them to encourage them to eat
DELIVERY
Do you deliver to my area?
We have launched in Gauteng and primarily deliver from here at this stage.
As our product is manufactured in either the Durban or Cape Town factories, the plan is to roll out to distribute from the other major city centres in the future, then we could facilitate the local delivery dynamic.
If you place your order at www.ilovemydogs.co.za you will be able to verify the delivery charges based on your location.
Once you have registered or when you get to the “Checkout” page and enter your shipping address, you will see what the delivery charges are as they are based on your proximity to Johannesburg at this stage. Please enter your address details correctly to get the correct delivery costing.
If a delivery option is not available and you see the following message:
“Shipping Town/City unknown – Delivery requires special arrangement. Please contact VSN Offices for delivery quote (Free)“
This means that your delivery address is not identifiable and a delivery cost cannot be determined.
Check your delivery address and if unresolved, please contact VSN offices on 0861 4888 66 for assistance.
Feel free to click onto our “Add me to your mailing List” button on our website to keep up to date with all our developments.
Can I collect?
As we operate a direct to consumer model, our food can be purchased directly from our webshop on www.ilovemydogs.co.za.
What are the delivery charges?
The delivery is calculated based on your proximity to our Johannesburg distribution center.
A delivery within the Johannesburg area would constitute a Local Delivery.
Our mission is to keep the delivery charges as low as is practically possible. Distribution centers will be setup in the other major cities in the future which will allow for Local Deliveries to be available across the country.
Delivery Charge within Johannesburg area (Local Delivery):
– 7.5kg’s (1 bag) FREE DELIVERY
– 15kg’s (2 bags) FREE DELIVERY
– 22.5kg’s (3 bags) FREE DELIVERY
– 30kg’s (4 bags) FREE DELIVERY
Delivery Charge to Major City centres (Sponsored):
This will be calculated on our webshop, please enter your delivery address and the shipping costs will be calculated based on your area.
Delivery charges are represented in RSA Rands and are calculated in 30kg increments. That means you pay the same delivery charges for ONE, TWO, THREE or FOUR 7.5kg bags The VSN product is currently only available for shipping from the Johannesburg distribution center and the shipping costs are calculated based on your proximity to this distribution center as well as the weight of the parcel. Local deliveries should not exceed the day following the order date. No deliveries on Weekends or Public Holidays. Tracking numbers will be available for tracking purposes if required. Note that a valid “Shipping Address” is required to be specified to allow for a delivery option. It is possible to distribute anywhere in South Africa but there will be higher shipping costs outside of the Gauteng area. VSN product distribution centers will be setup in the major cities allowing for the same cost effective “local delivery” shipping costs around the country. Select this text should you like to register to receive information regarding our roll out to the other city centers.
Experiencing problems with PayFast payment process?
If you have opted to make a payment using the “Credit Card (Processed by PayFast)” and you experience any problems on the PayFast payment portal, please make a record of the problems by making a screen shot of the error when it happens and contact PayFast directly:
Phone: 0861 729 327
Email: support@payfast.co.za
