FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VēRUS Most Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right food for your pet can be hard. Lots of questions can come up. Here are our most common ones.
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Customer Service
All inquiries are returned within 1- 3 business days.
Please check your spam or junk mail often emails get redirected into junk or spam.
All voicemails will be returned within 1 to 3 business days.
We only return calls when a voicemail is left.
Yes, we offer samples please send an inquiry to info@veruspetfoods.com.
You may call our customer service line Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM EST. 1-888-828-3787. We are closed all holidays.
Shelf Life & Storage
All of our dry food formulas are stamped with a “Best Fed By” date; this is 18 months from the production date.
Our canned products have a 3-year shelf life.
Handling of the food is very important. Natural preservatives are sometimes very sensitive to plastic or metal containers. It is important to keep the food in the original packaging. The bag can be stored inside any pet food container. The food should also be kept in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity accelerate the spoilage process of foods.
Our canned formulas, when sealed and stored in the refrigerator, should stay good for 5 to 7 days.
Our kibble packaging is made of polyester and the sealant layer is made of linear low-density polyethylene. Please check with your local recycling facility to verify they are able to properly recycle these materials.
Our canine cans are made of steel with a paper label. Please check with your local recycling facility to verify they are able to properly recycle these materials.
Our feline cans are made of aluminum with a paper label. Please check with your local recycling facility to verify they are able to properly recycle these materials.
The Best Fed By (BFB) date is printed on the back of the bag of kibble, right below the batch number and production details. Our Best Fed By dating for our dry food reads as follows: DDMONYY.
For our canned product, the Best By dating can be found on the bottom of the can along with the batch number and production details. Our Best By dating for our wet food reads as follows: MMYYYY.
Verus Pet Foods packaging does not contain PFAS. We encourage you to keep your pet food inside the Verus Pet Food bag to protect it instead of dumping it in a plastic storage container.
Generally, this information is stamped in black ink at the top of your bag on the back or at the bottom of the bag.
We do not recommend storing kibble in the freezer. Freezers can affect the food’s integrity, taste and may even lead to mold.
Quality, Safety & Manufacturing
VēRUS Pet Foods has never been involved in any recall since its inception 30 years ago, in 1993.
The ingredients. Any label may read the same. It’s the quality that matters. VēRUS will NEVER sacrifice the nutrition and health of your pet. We are loyal to our customers. We believe that with a proper diet, pets will not only live a longer, healthier, happier life, but they will also have the opportunity to provide more love, memories and loyalty to you as well.
VēRUS Pet Foods is a veteran and family-owned and operated business since 1993 by the original owner Russell Armstrong.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions. For the most part, popular consumable products in the U.S. are largely driven by advertising dollars. We prioritized our budget to focus on the highest-quality ingredients
From the first ingredient in our formulas down to the very last, we want to provide the very best for your pet. That's why we source our ingredients from valued and trusted European Union (EU)-certified suppliers who are dedicated to providing the very highest-quality ingredients available in the market today.
VēRUS Pet Foods are manufactured in EU-certified facilities. Our dry food is manufactured in upstate New York and Ohio, while our canine and feline canned formulas are made in South Dakota.
Our goal is to maintain the nutritional integrity of the ingredients we use in our formulas, so our kibble undergoes a slow-cook process at lower temperatures. Our slow-cooking preparation retains nutrients and flavors and creates a higher starch conversion, which can lead to increased stamina and energy in pets. The higher the starch conversion, the higher the digestibility of a product. VēRUS aims for a 94% starch conversion rate for our formulas.
There is a possibility of slightly different expansion ranges with the dry extruded kibble. The differences are based on each extruder’s capabilities and the logistics of their mechanisms. You may see slight differences in the finished product, even with both extruders using the same sized die plate with the kibble being produced at to different plants.
EU (European Union) certification is a certification developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). It was created in response to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) crisis and is part of an international strategy to eradicate food-borne epidemics. EU certification requires that all animal products used in pet food be derived from animals declared fit for human consumption. This provides Vērus pet owners a level of guarantee that no fallen animals or 4D meats are used in the production of our products.
The ingredients added to our formulas are simple and provide all nutrients necessary for a dog/cat. There are no artificial preservatives, hormones, bioengineered ingredients (commonly known as GMOs) or meat by-products. For this reason, we trust the product and the ingredients in it so much that when we do complete a routine palatability test, we simply take the product home and feed it to our own pets.
All the facilities that we purchase ingredients through follow good manufacturing and processing practices. The meats are all from USDA-inspected facilities, so we are not dealing with “backyard” processors that just raise meat for the pet industry. Purchasing higher-quality meat raised for human consumption means that the processors handle the animals with much greater care so as not to damage or bruise the meat. We recognize that all creatures, even those we use to produce our foods, deserve to be killed in a humane fashion.
Our food is tested every 15 minutes during the production process. The food is then tested again at the end of production to ensure all proper values prior to packaging the food. Our foods are also tested at 3rd party facilities for additional testing which is completed quarterly.
Formulas & Nutrition
Yes, we highly recommend a rotational diet as it can be beneficial to your dog especially if they’re a picky eater or if their appetite needs to be tempted due to an illness.
Some pets are more sensitive than others. Pets with sensitive stomachs may have digestive upset with dietary changes, no matter which diet you are changing to if your dog or cat has a food allergy, ingredient sensitivity, or very sensitive stomach, it’s best to stick with the formula you know they do well with.
Pet owners ask this question very often. The answer is: No, you do not need to supplement while feeding VēRUS. Our foods are formulated to exceed standards of nutrition than those established by AAFCO. If you do choose to supplement your pet's diet of VēRUS Pet Foods, we encourage you to add fresh foods like vegetables or a balanced supplement. Avoid adding excessive amounts of meat because excessive protein is filtered through the kidneys and can lead to kidney damage. We do not recommend the use of individual mineral nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, etc., without professional direction because of the possibility of throwing off the mineral balance in your pet.
Unless your pet experiences sensitivity to a particular ingredient, there is no problem mixing formulas. Make sure both foods are complete and balanced, which all VēRUS formulas are, to ensure they are getting all the nutrients needed.
Each formula’s nutrient profile is provided in an As Fed basis and can be found on the product page, below the bag picture. If you need any additional nutrient information, please contact us here https://www.veruspetfoods.com/contact-us/.
Many factors may cause problems with dogs, including diet. All foods are not created equal, including ingredients, ingredient quality, cooking process and handling, which all may affect the performance of a food. Unless your dog was diagnosed with an allergy to a particular grain ingredient, it is most likely that your dog may have performed poorly on the food because of some other factor. Grains, like any carbohydrate, are indigestible for dogs unless they are ground and cooked properly. The most common cause of digestive problems associated with grains is undercooking. VēRUS adopts specific cooking procedures to maximize the starch conversion. Our normal cook is about 98%. This eliminates issues created by grains.
The age that you should switch your puppy to an adult formula will vary depending on the breed. When the growth plate in the leg joins, the demand for certain minerals diminishes; this is the time to move to an adult formula. For small breeds, switch at approximately 8-10 months, for medium breeds, at approximately 10-12 months and large and giant breeds at approximately 20 months.
Discoloration in your pet’s canned formula is no means an indication for concern. We recommend referring to the ingredients list on your pet’s can to see if it resembles an ingredient utilized in that specific formula. During the mixing process, it is not uncommon for the gums or other dry ingredients to clump together due to the fact that these ingredients tend to not mix as well. Rest assured, the product is sterile and safe for your pet to consume.
This is a very common problem in cats, particularly male cats. Crystals are a problem when the concentration level of crystals is so high that they irritate the urinary tract. As a result, the cat’s urinary tract becomes infected or may clog, which can prevent your cat from urinating properly. The best dietary management practice is to minimize the particular minerals in the food that form the crystals calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to produce an environment and acidic pH, in the urinary tract that minimize the risk of infection. VēRUS feline formulas are designed to accomplish both. Additionally, keeping your cat well hydrated and in proper weight are significant factors in the prevention of feline urological problems.
The chicken fat that we use is purified, which means it has zero protein constituents, therefore it is free of chicken allergen reactions.
There is only one meat protein in the formula. This is perfect for dogs with protein sensitivities and allergies. The following formulas are single-sourced meat proteins. Life Advantage, Core Advantage, Advanced Vitality, Senior Advantage, Weight Management and Puppy Advantage.
We do not offer prescription diets for dogs or cats. Our formulas may be used as a supplement or replacement for certain types of prescription diets. Please make sure you visit the Nutrition Tab and click Dietary Needs to help guide you on a specific diet for your dog or cat's needs.
Yes, we currently offer 3 small-breed formulas. Small Breed Fish, Small Chicken, Small Breed Turkey. They all have different protein sources and the kibble is the perfect size (tiny kibble) for those small and toy breeds.
Yes, we have a grain-free Large Breed Puppy formula as well as our Life Advantage formula which is grain-inclusive and can be fed to large-breed puppies. Our Life Advantage formula is formulated for large-breed puppies, it has moderate amounts of calcium & phosphorus and is a “life stage formula”.
You may feed a puppy through adulthood. This determination is made based on standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and the information is stated on a pet food’s packaging.
Very easy, we have prebiotics and probiotics in our food and that will help with sensitivity when switching formulas. We recommend feeding 75% of your old food and 25% of our food and slowly making the transition over 7 days. Gradually decreasing your old food and increasing our food. You should be able to be on our food 100% within a week. You may also add some pumpkin to aid in digestion.
We choose to not use high glycemic carbohydrates such as corn & wheat. Lentils and Chickpeas provide protein and fiber that are beneficial for your pet’s diet and are also low glycemic.
There is a possibility of slightly different expansion ranges with the dry extruded kibble. The differences are based on each extruder’s capabilities and the logistics of their mechanisms. You may see slight differences in the finished product, even with both extruders using the same sized die plate with the kibble being produced at two different plants.
Natural flavors are a concentrated flavor enhancer derived from the breakdown of protein sources into their basic amino acids. This natural flavor enhancement boosts the aroma and taste of the food.
Salt consists of sodium and chloride, which are both essential nutrients for dogs and cats. These minerals play several important roles in the body, including nerve impulse transmission, hydration and fluid balance, acid-base (pH) regulation, and immune system function.
No. None of our ingredients are preserved with ethoxyquin or any other artificial or chemical preservative. We use 100% natural antioxidants, such as mixed tocopherols.
Large-breed puppy formulas are designed for puppies expected to grow into dogs typically over 70 lbs.
Large-breed formulas typically have:
- Moderated calorie levels — to avoid too-fast weight gain
- Controlled calcium & phosphorus — important for proper bone development
- Appropriate protein levels — to support growth without excess
- Joint-support ingredients (like glucosamine/chondroitin) in some formulas
The main difference between kitten food and adult cat food is that kitten food is formulated to support rapid growth and development, while adult food is designed for maintenance.
Yes, who are diabetic can have out life advantage, adult maintenance, advanced opticoat, core advantage, advanced vitality, weight management, senior advantage, small breed chicken and small breed turkey formulas.
At VeRUS all of our kibble formulas include a freeze-dried live probiotic. This probiotic is called Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product.
This probiotic functions to prevent the colonization and growth of pathogens and to regulate and optimize the function of the natural microflora. It also increases the energy value of the feed and digestibility of nutrients. Typical pet food probiotics are dead strains that have less than 3% value. VēRUS probiotics provide over 90% value and can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees without deterioration. We use these probiotics in a freeze dried form for the purpose of them to revive in the gut and help balance the digestive microbiome.
These probiotics have many benefits:
-Improve digestive health
-support the stomach after antibiotics
-enhanced immune functions
-reduce sensitivity to food changes
Programs & Offers
We know you like to save money – so here are a few tips to help you out! Keep an eye on our Facebook page; coupons are available periodically through contests and special events.
Need another tip? Be sure to take advantage of our Buy 12, Get 1 on our original formulas and Buy 5, Get 1 free on our newly launched formulas. Free Frequent Feeder Program offered at your local retailer.
We do offer a frequent feeder program through our retail store locations.
Be sure to take advantage of our Buy 12, Get 1 on our original formulas and Buy 5, Get 1 free on our newly launched formulas. Free Frequent Feeder Program offered at your local retailer.
If your retailer doesn’t participate, please have them reach out to us directly for additional information.
We understand that the best way to experience the difference VēRUS Pet Foods can make for your furry family member is to try our product. Free samples of our formulas are available at your local authorized retailers, though they may not have every formula on hand. If you do not have a retailer local to you, we would be happy to provide you formula recommendation and mail samples for your pet to try.
Yes, we do. Please check out our Breeder Page and complete our application. https://www.veruspetfoods.com/breeders/)
VēRUS offers a 100% guarantee on all of our product. Please return the bag to your local retailer where you purchased the product, along with your receipt, for a full refund or exchange.
No, we do not offer bulk discounts. We do offer our Frequent Feeder program that is available in all retail locations Buy 12, Get 1 Free. We also offer our loyalty program for our online store through veruspetfoods.com that allows customers to gain points towards incentives.
Purchasing & Retailers
We apologize that you are unable to locate a local, independent retailer in your area. We are continuously looking for opportunities to grow VēRUS Pet Foods and would recommend checking back to our dealer locator https://www.veruspetfoods.com/locations/ to see if we have expanded into your area.
Our loyalty has always been with small, family owned businesses similar to our own. We believe that they are the educators, the relationship builders, and the mentors who have the people and pets of our communities’ best interest at heart. They provide only the best products and even better knowledge to their consumers, which is exactly who we want to align with!
Order today on our website with our Shop feature.
Our prices vary from product to product and from store to store, so our recommendation would be to reach out to your local retailer for exact pricing. Pricing will also vary by formula and size of bag. If you have a specific product in mind, we would be happy to provide our MSRP ranges.
Customer demand often dictates if a retailer will stock a certain brand. If you are interested in having a retailer local to you carry VēRUS, we would encourage you to speak with the store and let them know you would like them to carry VēRUS products. If they have any questions, they can reach out to us directly at info@veruspetfoods.com. We are always open to partnering with other small businesses who have their customers’ best interest at heart and are wanting to provide quality products, like VēRUS, to their customers.
