Frequently asked questions
Here you will find frequently asked questions that can give you answers to exactly what you're wondering about.
If you can't find the answer to your question, you can send an email to post@vomoghundemat.no/island
Product
Can all dogs eat VOM?
Yes! The dog is a carnivore adapted to eat a diet consisting mainly of animal-based raw materials. All dogs can eat VOM, provided they have no known allergies or medical conditions that limit their ability to eat a normal diet.
I suspect that my dog has a food allergy. How do I go about an elimination diet on VOM?.
The purpose of an elimination diet is to systematically test different foods to find out if the dog's symptoms are caused by a food allergy. During the elimination phase, the dog should only be given food containing ingredients it has not had in its diet before. This elimination phase usually lasts for several weeks, and a general recommendation is for a period of 8-12 weeks.
After the elimination phase, the provocation begins, where potential causes of the symptoms are tested by introducing one new protein source at a time. Here, the TASTE range is beneficial, as the products in this range are made exclusively from a single animal species or a single type of offal.
If you would like more specific feedback on your dog, send us an email to: post@vomoghundemat.no/island
Why aren't the products in the TASTE series complete feed?
The products in the Taste range are formulated as a supplementary food, and the main difference between the Taste products and our complete feed mixes is the composition of the raw materials. TASTE products contain only a single animal protein source, whereas our complete feed mixes consist of several protein sources (such as chicken, pork, beef, salmon and egg). A variety of ingredients ensures a more balanced and nutritious composition, as the different protein sources can contribute complementary nutrients. TASTE products are also very nutritious, but as they are based on just one animal species or a single raw material, feeding exclusively on a TASTE product alone over time can become too monotonous.
If you need help finding products that can complement each other's nutritional content, send us an email to: post@vomoghundemat.no/island
Do you have any products without chicken?
Yes! ACTIVE Zero Chicken is a complete feed made entirely without chicken. Our TASTE range also includes several supplementary feeds: TASTE 100% Lamb, TASTE 100% Beef, TASTE 100% Beef Tripe and TASTE 100% Duck, all of which are chicken-free products.
My dog gets constipated from VOM. What should I do?
It is not unusual for dogs fed on VOM to have smaller, firmer and drier stools. It is a natural process that shows the dog is absorbing a large proportion of the nutrients it receives from its food. Faeces is a collective term for undigested material, so the more faeces the dog has, the larger the proportion of the food has been indigestible and of no use to the dog's metabolism. Therefore, less faeces is actually a good sign.
For some dogs, the faeces can become very small and hard. In such cases, it can be beneficial to add extra fibre – either by adding fibre-rich vegetables with the VOM product, or by using VOM Digestive, which already contains fibre.
Which VOM product should I choose if my dog needs to lose weight?
If the dog is overweight or obese, it is getting too much energy for its needs. We therefore recommend choosing our products with the lowest calorie content. VOM Digestive, ACTIVE Protein Rich and TASTE 100% Lamb have the lowest calorie and fat content. VOM Digestive and ACTIVE Protein Rich are complete feeds that you can use on their own. TASTE 100% Lamb is a supplementary feed that can be beneficial to introduce as a variation. Remember that weight loss takes time and should be done at the body's own pace. Therefore, be patient during the process. Also, make sure the dog gets plenty of physical exercise.
Which VOM product should I choose if my dog needs to put on weight?
If your dog needs to put on weight, it may be necessary to increase the amount of food you give. The recommended amount of 2.1 kg per day is only a guideline and should be adjusted to your dog's individual needs. If your dog has a high metabolism or is very active, it will need more energy to cover this.
We recommend starting with our most energy-rich blends, for example ACTIVE with Salmon or TASTE 100% Duck. ACTIVE with Salmon is a complete feed that can be used on its own, whereas TASTE 100 % Duck is a supplementary feed which can be beneficial to vary with. In addition, ACTIVE Original and VOM Hunt can be good alternatives. To ensure the best possible nutrient absorption, it can also be a good idea to divide the daily portion into several meals.
Which VOM product do you recommend for pregnant and lactating bitches?
We recommend using either ACTIVE with Salmon, VOM Puppy or VOM Hunt throughout the entire pregnancy.
– Active with Salmon It has a high energy content and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
– Puppy is also suitable for pregnant and lactating bitches, and also contains omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
– Hunt is beneficial as it contains carbohydrates, which are particularly advantageous just before, during and after birth. Alternatively, carbohydrates can be added separately. Hunt also contains omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
During the first part of pregnancy, the energy requirement will generally remain unchanged. This is because foetal development largely takes place in the last trimester. Standard maintenance feeding is therefore often sufficient until around week 6.
From the third trimester (around week 6), the energy requirement gradually increases. The size of the litter is the most decisive factor, and bitches with large litters may have a significantly higher energy requirement. In this phase, the need for omega-3 fatty acids, and particularly DHA, is also high due to the puppies' neurological development.
The birth itself is an energy-intensive process that primarily requires glucose. If the bitch has too little available glucose or glycogen, this increases the risk of exhaustion. Her blood sugar level can also drop quickly. Immediately after giving birth, carbohydrates will also help to meet the high energy requirements at the start of lactation. A source of carbohydrates, either from the food or separately, can therefore be beneficial.
After birth, energy requirements increase markedly. Milk production is extremely energy-intensive, and bitches may need two to six times their maintenance requirements, depending on litter size and milk yield. Energy intake must be adjusted individually based on body condition and the number of puppies.
It is also important to ensure sufficient access to fresh water to maintain milk production. Also, distribute the feed over several meals to optimise intake.
Do I need to add omega-3 oil to VOM?
It can be beneficial to add omega-3 oil to our mixes that do not contain salmon. By adding a marine omega-3 oil, the dog will get what it needs of the important DHA and EPA fatty acids, without having to convert these itself from the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In our recipes that already contain salmon, it is not necessary.
Can the dog have carbohydrates in its food?
The dog's digestive system is adapted to a diet high in fat and protein, and low in carbohydrates. Dogs do not have a nutritional requirement for carbohydrates, as they can convert fat and protein into glucose through gluconeogenesis. However, both easily digestible carbohydrates and fibre can have practical benefits. Easy-to-digest carbohydrates provide a quick energy boost during high activity, and fibre contributes to good digestion and bowel regulation.
Is it normal to have colour differences in the products, even if it's the same batch/product?
Well, it is not unusual for there to be colour variations from one batch to another when we use raw materials with natural colour differences. Since no preservatives or additives are added to mask or affect the colour, this is perfectly normal. It does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with the product.
If you are unsure whether there is something wrong with the product, you can send an email to post@vomoghundemat.no/island
I want to switch to feeding exclusively on VOM. How should I go about it?
Read more here: How to get started with VOM
Can I mix VOM with other food?
Indeed, even a small amount of raw food in your dog's bowl can provide many benefits. All our products can be combined with other foods.
We have seen that there are bones and cartilage in the VOM products. Can the dog eat it?
All our complete feeds contain chicken or salmon bones and cartilage as a natural and nutritious part of the food. Bones and cartilage are, among other things, a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. Both the dog and the puppy have a digestive system that is equipped to eat animal-based raw materials such as meat and bones. In addition, our food is milled to be as easily digestible as possible. We do not recommend removing the bones or cartilage before serving, as this will affect the balanced calcium and phosphorus content of the food. The products should also not be heat-treated, as this will make the bone and cartilage pieces hard. For the very smallest puppies, it may be advisable to use a food processor or blender if you are concerned about bone fragments.
Can I heat-treat the VOM products?
We generally do not recommend frying, boiling or otherwise heat-treating our products – as they are formulated for your dog to eat them raw. Heat treatment can affect and alter the nutrients and their structure. Bones are soft and hollow in their raw state – and therefore easy for the dog's digestive system to break down and dissolve in the stomach acid. Any heat treatment of VOM can cause them to become hard and porous, which in turn can cause digestive problems.
Can my cat eat VOM products for dogs?
Cats have a higher need for protein than dogs. VOM Cat is therefore formulated with more protein-rich and less fat-rich ingredients than dog food. Cats also have an essential need for the amino acid taurine, which protein-rich ingredients contribute to a greater extent. The premix for the cat food is also different from the dog food's, as it is formulated to complement the ingredients used and to suit the cat's needs. A cat can, of course, have the dog food products from time to time, but if you are going to feed your cat exclusively on VOM, you should use the products formulated for cats.
What is the difference between TASTE 100% Beef and TASTE 100% Beef Tripe?
Both products are available in the TASTE range. The difference is that TASTE 100% Beef is made from a mixture of offal, meat and fat trimmings from cattle, whereas TASTE 100% Beef Tripe is made exclusively from minced cow rumen (beef tripe).
Why does TASTE 100% Beef Tripe stand out from the other products?
TASTE 100% Beef Tripe is made exclusively from ground beef tripe (cow rumen). It is therefore natural that this product has a different smell and appearance to our other products. TASTE 100% Beef Tripe is also the product we experience the greatest variation in, in terms of both colour, smell and consistency.
The colour of the large intestine can vary from very light and almost brown, to greyish/pale, and sometimes more greenish. This also affects the colour of the finished product. The consistency can also vary from grainy and porridge-like to a more even, paste-like consistency. The smell can also be quite strong and unappetising – but with dogs, it is a big favourite.
My dog is fussy, a small eater and has a poor appetite. Do you have any tips on how to get them to eat?
Just like us humans, dogs can also get bored of their food. Dogs enjoy variety in their diet, and although all our products are highly palatable, they can get bored of having the same one every day. Our tip is therefore to vary between our different blends, or include products from the TASTE range for some variety. You can also vary how you serve VOM: sometimes you can give the food thawed, and other times half-frozen. Finding different places in the house or garden to serve the food can also make it more exciting for the dog. You can hide the food bowl and get the dog to search for its meal. Our VOM Freeze Dried product can also be sprinkled over your dog's food as an extra flavour enhancer.
How should I store and handle the VOM products before serving?
Deliver the food home as quickly as possible after purchase, and store it in a freezer until defrosting. The product should not be defrosted at room temperature, but in a sealed and leak-proof container in the fridge. The products will have a shelf life of approx. 2 days in the fridge. Serve the food in a clean bowl, and wash your hands and utensils with soap and water after handling. VOM should be served raw to the dog.
When I thaw VOM, sometimes blood/fluid comes from the product. What is this fluid??
Meat and offal consist of approximately 60% natural liquid, most of which is stored inside the body's cells. When the raw materials are minced during production, the cells rupture. Because our production method is so fast and efficient, the liquid does not have time to drain out before the product is packed and frozen. Therefore, when you defrost the products, you may notice some run-off liquid. This liquid is, however, an important part of the product, as it contains many of the nutrients from the cells.
Can I freeze VOM again after defrosting?
We generally do not recommend refreezing the product if it has been completely thawed. As the temperature rises, the meat's structure changes and bacterial activity increases, which affects its quality. Therefore, the product should also be thawed in the fridge and not at room temperature. For example, if you want to fill a KONG toy with VOM, the product should be thawed in the fridge and filled into the KONG as soon as it is manageable. When the KONG is served, the contents should be eaten in one go.
Puppy
Can a puppy eat food made for adult dogs?
We recommend that the puppy is fed VOM PUPPY primarily until it is fully grown and old enough to begin the transition to adult food. Our puppy food is specially formulated for growing puppies, and takes particular account of the puppy's development and nutritional needs. However, it is possible to use our other blends from time to time to provide a variation in flavour.
Can the puppy eat products from the TASTE series?
A puppy can eat products from the TASTE range for variety, but should primarily eat VOM Puppy as its main food.
Can the puppy eat VOM Freeze Dried?
VOM Freeze Dried is designed for situations where you do not have access to a freezer or fridge, for example when camping, hiking, walking in the woods, hunting, at event weekends, etc. In these cases, the puppy can absolutely eat VOM Freeze Dried. You can also use VOM Freeze Dried as a nutritious treat or reward during training.
Remember that if you are going to use VOM Freeze Dried on a trip, it is important that you have trialled the product beforehand. Familiarise yourself with the product and how your puppy reacts to it! VOM Freeze Dried is very dry compared to our other raw products – it is therefore important to provide plenty of water and allow the product time to swell before offering the food to the puppy. Also remember to offer the puppy water after training if you have used VOM Freeze Dried as a treat or reward.
More questions
Do you have a farm sale in Trøgstad?
We have a farm sale with a limited selection of goods. Products are sold at recommended prices. For more information about our range and prices, please contact our order office on 69 88 47 99, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00.
See also our Dealer overview.
Har Vom and a dog food breeding agreement?
No, we don't have a grower agreement. We do, however, have a bulk consumer agreement for those who buy more than 100 kg per month. The agreement runs for the calendar year and is intended for personal consumption only. Resale is not permitted under this agreement.
For more information or if you have any questions about whether you meet our criteria, please contact us by email. post@vomoghundemat.no/island or ring 69884799.
How do I go about becoming a VOM dealer?
If you are to be considered as a VOM dealer, you must follow several of our established criteria.
– You must be a dog or cat-related business (for example, a pet shop, dog groomer, veterinary clinic)
You must have premises somewhere that is naturally suited for trade.
You must have an organisation number and opening hours within normal working hours in the dealership industry.
We need information about the business address/postal address, opening hours and telephone number.
Would you like to become a dealer? Send us a message to post@vomoghundemat.no/island
Where can I buy VOM?
All authorised VOM dealers have access to our entire range, for both dogs and cats. You can find our dealer list and the necessary contact information here: Find a dealer.
Spons
Will Kan Vom and Hundemat sponsor my dog or cat arrangement?
Yes, it's possible! Send us an email to post@vomoghundemat.no/island and the form "One-off Sponsor: Vomer and Dog Food".
How can I become a part of Team VOM?
Anyone can apply to become part of Team VOM. We review all applications for sponsorship and collaboration once a year. The deadline is the same every year, 31 May, and applications are made for one year at a time, from 1 July to 30 June.
A separate application form, 'Application for a sponsorship/cooperation agreement with VOM', can be requested by sending an email to post@vomoghundemat.no/island