That means that dogs just love the flavors and you can feel good about feeding them

Small batch treats:

Beef Bourguignon – Move over Julia Child, Beef Bourguignon has gone to the dogs …sans the wine!

Premium beef (our favorite NYC butcher: Pat La Frieda) roasted with sweet carrots and parsley in true beef bourguignon fashion.
Low in fat. Perfect for pups with sensitive bellies or trying to maintain weight.

Ingredients: Organic Rye Flour, Hormone- free Beef, Carrots, Parsley

Chicken Cordon Blue –

Antibiotic-free, local USA roasted chicken, lean nitrate-free turkey bacon, all topped with plenty of fresh cheese. The chicken is from Bell & Evans. 100% USA of course, humanely-raised with no antibiotics…ever!

Ingredients: Organic Barley Flour, Hormone-free Chicken, Nitrate-free Turkey Bacon, Cheese

Green Juice – Imagine a green juice…but for your pup! This hard working little biscuit packs a healthy and breath-freshning punch.

They’ve combined their favorite nutrient & vitamin-packed greens into a delicious biscuit. Spinach, kale, sweet apples, spirulina, omega-3 packed flax seeds and a bit of mint for a clean breath.

Did you know spirulina helps boost immunity and has over 100 nutrients? It is easily digestible and is packed with beta-carotene, antioxidants and probiotics.

Ingredients: Organic Barley Flour, Organic Spinach, Kale, Apples, Organic Spirulina, Flax Seeds, Organic Mint

Everyday biscuits: Say ‘hello’ to their newest limited ingredient biscuits! You can count the ingredients on 1 paw. All-natural, wheat-free, single protein.

Breath Aid – Oat Flour, Apple, Mint
Belly Aid – Oat Flour, Pumpkin, Ginger, Bone Charcoal
Hip Aid – Oat Flour, Peanut Butter, Glucosamine
Cheese – Oat Flour, Cheese
Chicken – Oat Flour, Chicken, Pumpkin, Rosemary
Duck – Oat Flour, Duck, Cranberry, Beet
PB& Banana – Oat Flour, Peanut Butter, Banana
Salmon – Oat Flour, Salmon, Sweet Potato, Parsley

That’s it!

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This post, Dogs deserve real food – even in their snacks!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on August 23, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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The big stink about tripe

What is tripe?

Tripe is, basically, the stomach lining from ruminant animals like cattle, pigs, sheep or lamb, and goats. It’s not new, as it has been a popular dish consumed by numerous cultures around the world, and is now gaining popularity as a healthy food for cats and dogs.

The tripe we feed our cats and dogs is different than the tripe you’ll see in grocery stores. That product is white because it has been bleached and boiled. Green tripe, the type we sell, is called green not because of the color but because it is untreated, so it contains all the natural benefits that cooking strips away.

Why feed tripe?

It does sound disgusting, but there are numerous reasons you want to offer it to your cats and dogs:

Probiotics – Tripe is heavy in the beneficial bacteria that are an important part of both the digestive and immune systems. Poor diet, stress, and illness can wreck the biome in the intestines, leading to further health problems. Probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus help prevent bad bacteria, like e-coli, listeria, and salmonella, from taking hold in the intestines. Adding probiotics back to the system helps keep the gut biome healthy and vigorous, promoting good digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.

Natural vitamins and minerals – Green tripe contains a perfect ratio of calcium to phosphorous. It is high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. It also contains partially-digested greens, making their micronutrients available to your dog or cat.

Protein – Tripe is high in protein with 7 essential amino acids, vital in building muscle and the function of the immune system.

Enzymes – Digestive enzymes begin the digestive process, breaking up foods to make the locked up nutrients more available during digestion. The more enzymes, the more nutrition your pet will get from their food. This is important for animals on highly processed diets that may be lacking in these vital elements – and it’ll help you get the most out of those foods.

Benefits

One of the first thing you’ll notice when you open a can of tripe is the smell. It is powerful, the smell has a personality of its own! But as foul as we find it, dogs and cats LOVE it! This means it’s great to feed when your pet is off their food, turning their nose up at everything you offer, or when your pet needs to gain weight from illness or injury. Picky eaters love tripe, and mixing it with another food keeps them chowing down. Many animals lose their sense of smell as they age; one sign is not being interested in their food any more, and tripe is great to get older dogs and cats to eat again.

Because of the enzymes, probiotics, and high protein content, tripe is a great option for dogs and cats with sensitive stomachs. Tripe is easily digested and can help ease symptoms of diarrhea, gas, and acid reflux. The enzyme content also make it great for dogs that are eating poop; coprophagia is thought to be a response to the need for more nutrients and enzymes.

Tripe does so much more: The dense nutrition makes it great for pregnant and lactating mothers. They rubbery, chewy texture is perfect for them to chew on, helping improve dental health. It‘s also a nice change, to add some variety and extra nutrition to even a healthy dog or cat’s diet!

Few natural foods have so many benefits for our pets in a form so attractive to them!

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This post, The big stink about tripe, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on August 17, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is when the heart muscle becomes enlarged, making it harder to pump blood properly. Symptoms of DCM include decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and episodes of collapse. Certain dog breeds – especially large ones like Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards – are known to be genetically predisposed to it, but what makes this more worrisome is that it is being seen in breeds not typically known for it.

No specific brand was mentioned in the warning from the FDA. The diets being fed frequently listed potatoes or multiple legumes – peas, lentils, and other pulses – early in the ingredient list, indicating they are main ingredients. It is not known how these ingredients are linked to these cases of DCM. Legumes and potatoes are considered a better starch to have in dog food over the alternatives of wheat, soy, corn, and rice. Low glycemic foods are fundamental in daily carnivore diets.

This warning stems from reports of DCM in 8 dogs, all breeds not known for this heart condition. In four of the atypical DMC cases, the dog’s blood work showed low whole blood levels of Taurine. In four other cases, the dogs had normal blood levels of Taurine.  It is too early, and there is too little information, to know much of a role it played in these dog’s health.

What is taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid important for the metabolism of fats and is necessary for heart health. It is found naturally in raw meats and organs. It has no tolerance for heat, and is absent in cooked foods unless added back in after the cooking process. Since taurine is not normally considered an essential nutrient for dogs, it is rarely listed on the nutrition panels (although a few of the brands we carry do add it as a supplement.) Early reports indicate that the dogs ate these foods consistently for time periods ranging from months to years.

Is there anything for you to worry about?

We do not think so. Millions of dogs are fed grain free diets with no ill effects. We actually see excellent results with grain free foods, as they lower obesity, prevent diabetes, reduce allergies, and improve skin conditions.

We, as a store, do not defend any one diet. We realize that each customer and each dog is unique and has different nutritional needs. We feel one of the best ways to ensure your pet is getting proper nutrition is with rotational feeding. New recipes, even different companies, each time help cover any gaps that there might be in your pet’s diet. Using a variety of canned, dry, and raw frozen gives your dog the most rounded diet possible. And while the American Veterinary Medical Association may not like raw diets, many holistic vets do, and we feel it is one of the most natural things to feed your dog (and this warning just confirms for us the health benefits of raw diets.) For another take on raw and grain free diets, check out holistic vet Dr Karen Becker’s video on How to Choose a Good Dog Food.

This is just preliminary information, and there is a lot more research that needs to be done before any conclusive link between grain free diets and heart disease can be confirmed.  The FDA continues to work with veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists to better understand this issue. They often issue warnings like this out of an abundance of caution. If you have any concerns about your dog, their diet, or their overall health, please contact your veterinarian. The FDA does encourage anyone to report cases of DCM to the Safety Reporting Portal.

Wilmette Pet has always tried to be educated on the best diets available. Pet nutrition is still an ongoing learning process, and we’ll be here to bring you the latest news and information.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

http://www.petbusiness.com/The-Truth-About-the-FDAs-Grain-Free-Dog-Food-Warning/

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This post, Making sense of the FDA warning on grain-free foods, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on July 25, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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There’s been a big shakeup in the pet food business: PetSmart has purchased the online delivery company Chewey’s. As a result of this, Chewey’s is no longer able to carry Orijen and Acana. 

Why is this? Champion foods, the company that makes these foods, is committed to the quality of their food and focusing on the smaller independent retailers and specialty shops. From their page about the change:

 

“Mass retailers operate different business models than specialty stores. They often require food makers to make significant investments in advertising and measure success through sales volumes and profits. This model is not who we are — our focus is and always will be on our foods.

 

At Champion, we invest in ingredients and research. The majority of cost in making ORIJEN and ACANA comes from their ingredients, not advertising. Our commitment to our foods is critical to our vision and mission. It sets us apart from multinational and marketing brands.

 

We believe that our pet specialty store partners recommend pet foods based on their trust in the food maker and the food’s performance, rather than advertising and sales volume.”

 

You can read their entire statement here. 

 

We’re proud and honored to be one of those independent retailers that carries both Orijen and Acana! And with our home delivery service you can still get it delivered right to your door! Just give us a call at 847-251-6750!

You’ll also save more with our automatic frequent buyer program and our Customer Rewards!

Your Wilmette Pet Staff

847-251-6750

wilmettepetcenter.com

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This post, You can still get your Orijen and Acana delivered to your door!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on July 27, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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Hi-Tek Naturals:

Hi-Tek Naturals Grain free: 

Created in response to thousands of requests from loving pet owners, this grain free alternative provide the benefits of outstanding nutrition from an unparalleled ingredient selection.

• This balanced diet is a grain free combination of chicken meal, sweet potatoes, pork meal, duck meal and salmon meal, rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
• Chicken meal is a rich source of protein, fat, and important vitamins and minerals that help to maintain vibrant muscles, strong bones, and a robust immune system.
• 100% grain free with an ideal balance of vitamins and minerals – no supplements needed
• Antioxidants come from tomato, blueberry, and raspberry and this formula doesn’t contain any corn, soy, wheat, or rice
• Suitable for any adult dog regardless of breed or activity level and formulated to provide all the energy and stamina dogs need without grains or grain products

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This post, Our newest food: Hi-Tek Naturals and Naturals Grain Free!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on May 18, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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Our newest food Open Farms has all of this, and goes a step beyond by being the first ethically sourced food, ensuring that the animals they use are raised in the most humane way possible. “We source all of our meat ingredients in a way that is consistent with our core value that all animals should be raised with kindness and respect. Not only does this result in happier and healthier farm animals, it leads to a higher quality of meat for ourselves and our pets.”

This means:

• Proper diet, consisting of quality vegetarian diets free from antibiotics and hormones.
• Stress free, enriched environment with plenty of room to roam, with clean resting spaces and free access to food and water. Crates, cages, and ties are forbidden. They even ensure that the poultry they use has 6 hours of sleep every 12 hours!
• During transport, handling and stress are kept to a minimum, and the people involved are trained to ensure ethical and humane handling.

It’s a food that you can feel really good about feeding to your pets!

They are the first pet industry partner of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) and they are the first first Certified Humane pet food. What does this mean? This third party non-profit group focuses on animal welfare and constantly audits the entire supply chain to ensure that strict standards are met every step of the way. To learn more about HFAC, visit www.certifiedhumane.com

They are also partners with Global Animal partnership and their 5 step animal welfare rating system. When you see the GAP 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating labels, you can be assured that the farmers and ranchers under the program must focus intently on the welfare of their animals, meet comprehensive standards and be subject to third party audits. To learn more about GAP, visit http://www.globalanimalpartnership.org

This company even has a recycling program for its bags; just bring them to the store, and they’ll come by, pick them up, and reuse them in future batches!

Stop by for some samples of this amazing food, and let us know what you think!

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This post, Open Farm, our newest dog and cat diet, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on August 4, 2016. Tweet This Post!

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We created KOHA Super Premium Dog and Cat food on the principal that clean food and great nutrition is an essential part of promoting a healthy & happy life.

The word “Koha” in New Zealand primarily means a “gift of food”.

Give your pet the gift of KOHA!

Clean Food For Your Pet

KOHA‘s Super Premium canned Dog and Cat Food offers a clean single sourced protein formula for a complete nutritional meal. We use only New Zealand sourced meat with the added beneficial ingredients of New Zealand Green Mussel for joint support and Pumpkin for digestive support. In KOHA’s canned dog food we’ve added Fish Oil for healthy skin & coat and in KOHA’s canned cat food we’ve added Cranberries to help maintain a healthy urinary tract.

Other KOHA benefits include:

• Single Sourced Animal Proteins from New Zealand
• Exotic proteins Excellent for pets with severe allergies
• Limited Ingredients/ No Fillers
• High Protein/Low in Carbs & No Starch
• NO Carrageenan
• NO grain or potato
• Natural Fruit & Veggie Fibers
• Low Ash Content
• A Complete & Balanced Meal”

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This post, Check out our newest food: KOHA!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on May 12, 2016. Tweet This Post!

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They are introducing a new line of foods called Heritage. It is a 60/40 ratio of meats and fruit/veggies compared to 70/30 in the Regional blends and 80/20 for Orijen.

Additionally, all Acana foods are now produced here in the US in their brand new facility in Kentucky. All of their meats and produce are sourced locally so you know you’re getting the best, freshest ingredients.

You’ll notice a name change on a few of their Regional Acana formulas, too. They are now purchasing very specific qualities of neat and the new name reflects that.

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This post, New Acana and some great changes, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on April 13, 2016. Tweet This Post!

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This post, Steve’s Raw Goat Milk Yogurt:, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on October 23, 2014. Tweet This Post!

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This post, Stella and Chewey’s Meal Mixers, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on October 23, 2014. Tweet This Post!

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