When asked which food is my Go To food I can easily say it is Acana Pet Foods. Let me explain why I love this food line......

First of all, they make their own food. Champion Pet Foods has their own kitchens where they manufacture the food. Why is this important you might say? Well it is vitally important! These days many food companies don't make their food; they sub out the manufacturing to a company that manufactures a bunch of different foods. I love that they keep control of the manufacturing and thereby keep control of the quality.

This company never compromises the integrity of the product. When faced with shortages due to a kitchen fire, or short supply, the company chooses to manufacture less product and have fewer lines in production then to sub out their production. This way they maintain the ver high quality control we are used to expecting from Champion Pet Foods and the Acana and Orijen lines.

Next, I suppose we should talk about their key philosophies....

B.A.F.R.I.N.O is their motto; and what does it stand for? Biologically appropriate fresh regional ingredients never outsourced.

Well I've covered the never outsourced but what about regional ingredients? 

What this means is that they develop strong relationships with LOCAL farmers and know where they purchase the raw product from. This goes hand in hand with fresh ingredients from regional/local producers and farmers.

One more thing to mention is that all their products are biologically appropriate based on what is best (not cheapest) for dogs and cats.

Remember you will feed less food, with better digestion, improved health and a better looking dog or cat by feeding top quality foods made from human-grade ingredients, free range where possible, from a company that oversees the entire production process from raw ingredients to the final product. Acana and Orijen even pass the stringent EU rules for importation. 

In conclusion, I really love this food, and am proud to showcase the Acana/Orijen lines in our store and online at www.naturalpetfoods.ca where we ship worldwide!

We all know February is pet dental month so it seems a great time to look into some of the dental products available for purchase at www.naturalpetfoods.ca

First of all I will just say this.....

The state of your pet's teeth depends a large part on genetics, diet, personality, as well as dental routines. Some dogs are prone to tarter, some just won't gnaw on bones, others find raw diets help keep the teeth cleaner, and some just need a strict dental routine that includes brushing their teeth, while the unlucky need the ever so costly veterinarian to do the dentistry.

I have three dogs, age 8, 8, and 3. It is the 3 year old that has the worst teeth of the bunch. Most of the suggestions in this post take almost no effort at all...or maybe 2 minutes of your time. Here are some options for owners to consider..... and keep in mind that however much you can squeeze into your day is better than nothing at all. OH, and for cat owners, the same rules apply....however try the salmon flavoured PetsLife gel and experiment to see if your cat prefers a gel or a spray. BEing a cat we know they will have a preference!

#1 brushing the teeth is the gold standard where teeth are considered. If you ca't do it daily, how about once a week and offering other opins in between. For my dogs, I try to brush them when I remember/have time, and give dental bones in between. I also resort to a gel or a foam on days I am rushed.

#2 a dental gel or spray like PetzLife, Burt's Bees dental gel, or Tropiclean Dental gel are the next best thing to brushing and used together are probably better then just brushing alone. I like to apply the gel at night for the most effect, after all the eating for the day is done.

#3 a dental powder added to the food. The absolute best one l've seen is Nature's Dentist. Easy to apply you just sprinkle it on top of the food and it helps promote good oral health by working with the good bacteria in the mouth.

 #4 a water additive is so easy and works moderately well but should be combined with some direct treatments. It is a great in between treatment.

#5 dental bones, antlers, smoked bones, nylabones, Gorilla chews or raw bones are a great way for the dog to grind the tarter off....perhaps this one should be higher on the list.... some cats will even chew on a nylabone!

 #6 dental treats and toys like Greenies, Whimzee, Twistix, N-Bones, Himalayan Chews, Indigenous dental bones, Plaque Off treats, JW Slide 'n Treats, Natural Balance dental bones, and more are great ways to help reduce dental decay.

#7 dental food is last on the list because it plays so small a role. It is better to eat well with a top quality food then to compromise on quality ingredients in favour of a larger kibble for dental health. A great one to enter the North American market is Forza10 Oral pet food. This is an amazing quality food made by a vet in Italy 🇮🇹 to the best standards....none of the junky ingredients you are used to seeing in vet food is in Forza10. Remember, just like with humans, an apple a day won't keep the dentist at bay😸

In conclusion, I encourage you to try one, or hopefully a few of these dental remedies that will encourage good oral hygiene for your pet. Remember that dental bills at the vet start at a minimum of $600 and can be as high as $2500 or more so don't delay the single most important thing you can do in prolonging your pets life. 

Here comes winter and the snow, the ice, and the salt! Snow balls in your dogs paws, damage from salt on the roads, and the sidewalks and the freezing cold! All good reasons to invest in winter boots. Hey, we buy them for ourselves...and usually we own more then one pair (at least I do!)

So, how much should you spend, which are easiest to fit, how long will they last? These may be questions that you need answered in your search for the right product for your dog, and your budget.

Let's start with how much you should spend.... well I'd say spend more if you want to get a longer lifespan out of the boots. The less expensive boots, costs less for a reason. They are not made of the same durable and quality materials as the more costly boot. That being said, if you anticipate your dog may not wear them, or often looses his boots, you may choose to start with an inexpensive boot. A few great examples are listed below, from least expensive to the higher quality more expensive:

1) the Arctic boot, on sale for $4.99 for 4 boots (it is a blowout item). This is very much a starter boot and unlikely to last for many seasons (like the Muttluk would). For under $5, it is a great way to test the waters with your dog and see how they react to wearing boots. Remember, the best time to test is during a very cold day. The dog will appreciate the extra protection and warmth.

2) Ultra-Paws boots, on sale for 50% off. Unfortunately, we are limited in sizes, but if your dog is a size medium you are in luck! These are great quality and easy to fit. The total price for 4 boots is $17 (Durable) or $19.99 (Rugged).

3) Aussie boots, on sale for 50% off. A great durable boot, similar in style to the Ultra-Paws or the orginal Muttluks, these boots are also easy to fit and a great buy. The total price is $18.50 for 4 boots, and we also have very large sizes for Giant breeds.

4) Wellies dog boots are another great boot made by the makers of Canada Pooch. They come in regular, or fleece lined and the price range is from $19.99 - $26.99. Unfortunately, they do not come in very large sizes right now but smaller dogs rejoice, these boots are super easy to fit.

5) Another super quality boot that is also CANADIAN is the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Boot. A set of 4 boots will cost you $70.

6) Now, for those owners that want to get a great quality, CANADIAN boot made especially for our very hard winters, go for Muttluks Snow Mushers. These boots are sold in sets of 2 for $39.99-$43.99.  The reason behind this is that a dogs front feet are often a different size then the back feet. Total price for 4 boots is $80-$96.

Now, for some options that do not involve fitting your dog for a boot....

Invisible boot, and other products like it are designed to coat the foot and prevent snow balling and offer some protection from the elements and salt. They are the next best thing, when you don't have time, inclination, or a willing dog to wear the boots.

One more option that is gaining popularity is the slipper-sock for dogs. This is not designed for outdoors; it is meant for dogs that need extra protection or grip indoors. They also protect your hardwood floors. 

1) We have Lookin' Good Slipper Socks on blowout for only $2.99 for a set of 4.

2) RC Pet Pawks - Anti-Slip Socks are $10 for a set of 4.

It's always a good time to give someone a nice gift and Natural Pet Foods has some very nice items for humans too. Whether they are dog lovers, cat lovers, horse lovers, or pug lovers, we have the perfect gift.

You may not be aware of this, but we have a huge gift section that would rival any gift shop! The big difference about ours is that every gift is purr'fect for a pet lover! We have beautiful mugs, like the 4 piece cat lover mug set by McIntosh. It comes in a fancy gift box and makes a delightful house-warming, or Christmas gift.

Other items include snap jewelry, all of which is pet-themed with images of cats, dogs or horses. Beach bags, handbags, pillows, ornaments, scarves, statues, wallets, even sunglasses. You could spend hours perusing our pet-lover gift section full of great gift ideas and unusual finds. We even sell pet-lover artwork from small to large pieces of art. Visit us at 61 Bridge Street in beautiful downtown Carleton Place and prepare to be amazed. Your pet-friend will thank you!

Any dog lover will appreciate our selection of dog breed travel mugs. Each has a nice picture on the front of a specific dog breed.

 Other breed specific items include our 3-in-1 Bottle Ninja gifts which are coaster, bottle opener and magnet - all in one, or our breed specific pillows, or our unique Bridgman pets and Little Treasures ornaments. These gifts are sure to impress anyone and would be a delightful addition to a china display.

We're all excited to get out and about with our furry friends but with spring also comes the much needed seasonal chores of spring cleaning and gardening. 

For many households spring-cleaning is an annual event, one that doesn't often involve your pets. However there are a number of reasons your pets should be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to cleaning.

Home Cleaning Products - Almost all cleaning products contain chemicals that can be toxic to animals. Avoid harm by following the guidelines on the bottle and by storing in a safe area away from inquisitive noses. If your pet happens to ingest a cleaning product, flush out their mouth immediately and take them to see a vet. Bring the chemical with you so that they know exactly what was ingested.

If you are having a tough time cleaning pet stains and odours NATURES MIRACLE have a great range of products that provide the perfect solution for any pet mess – check them out here. 

Bedding – Just like our bedding, pet bedding will accumulate dirt and grime over time and should also be subject to some spring-cleaning. Luckily most pet beds are now machine washable – check the tag or packaging. Helpful tip: add a cup of baking soda to a cold machine wash to neutralize odour.

Collar cleaning – You may have never thought of this but a collar should also be cleaned. They can end up quite smelly and depending on the material, harbour bacteria. A great way to clean a collar is to fill a bowl with water and pet shampoo and soak the collar, scrubbing if necessary and then rinse and hang to dry. Wait until the collar is completely dry before use. If your pet's collar no longer fits, is worn or unable to be cleaned it is in the best interest of your pet to replace it. See our wide range of dog collars here and cat collars here.

Pet Allergies – Like us, pets can be allergic to dust, pollen, plants or food. Allergic reactions can cause sniffing, wheezing, coughing, scratching or in more extreme cases anaphylactic shock. Be cautious of your pets when cleaning as you are lifting dust, and be mindful of spring plants and pollen on walks. Many allergies can be remedied with a special diet or by adding natural supplements to your pets food – if you have any allergy related questions our knowledgeable staff can help you out in store.

Once the inside is clean it’s onto the outside – time to get that garden into shape.

Chemicals – fertilizers, insecticides and many bait traps for rodents, snails and slugs can contain chemicals harmful to your animal. Be mindful of the products you are using and if the area is unsafe for your animal to keep them well away.

Plants – Did you know that many common plants can be toxic to dogs? Here is a list of some of the more common plants found in gardens:

azaleas

daffodils

hyacinths

tulips

lilies

oleander

sago palm

foxglove

mushrooms

helpful tip: To keep your dog off your flower beds or vegetable gardens scatter some orange peels - many dogs are sensitive to citrus and will stay away.

 Spring doesn’t only mean cleaning and gardening; if you’re lucky it can also mean the beginning of cottage season and trips to the lake. Here are a few tips when bringing your pet along for the ride.

Swimming – Although you may be very confident that your dog is a great swimmer if is always recommended that they wear a LIFE VEST especially while riding in the boat or at unfamiliar rivers/lakes where they could encounter a steep drop.

Bugs – Ticks are becoming more and more common and are reportedly being found in suburban backyards not just backcountry anymore. Ticks are incredibly scary as they can spread a number of diseases not just to our animals but to people too. The most effective way to protect your pet is with preventative treatment but you can also boost their protection with a NATURAL REPELLING SPRAY that acts just like our bug sprays and will keep the ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs from attacking your dogs and horses while out and about. *Available in store

First aid – Most households hold a first aid kit but have you considered purchasing a first aid kit for your pets? We carry Pet First Aid kits specifically designed with your pets in mind – perfect for weekend getaways, camping trips and long hikes.

Spring is an exciting time of year, the sun is finally shining and everyone is out and about – so get out there and enjoy your spring knowing that by following this information your pets will be safe and happy.

Natural Pet Foods is very pleased to announce we are now carrying Pulsar Grain Free Dog Food. This excellent new Canadian made dog food comes in Chicken or Salmon flavor and will be especially attractive to budget minded consumers. These days it's hard to find a food that covers all the bases and still costs less than $60, but Pulsar does it with flying colours. In this article we will look specifically at the Pulsar salmon formula.

It's priced at $56.99 for the fish formula but the formula has all the characteristics of a food that would retail at $100 a bag. It's first ingredient is quality salmon, it's grain free/low carb, has a good portion of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, and probiotics to help maintain good health.

So let's start with the ingredients and why they are good things for your dog. Salmon meal is a quality protein that is highly digestible. This is wild caught salmon, which means that it has a higher amount of healthy Omega 3s in it. This essential fatty acid is important for coat, heart, and brain health. We're sure you will notice an extra glossy coat very soon with this food.

You will notice on the ingredient list that there are no potatoes or grains to provide the starch that "glues" the kibble together. Instead you find ingredients like red lentils. These add more fibre, antioxidants, and are lower carb than potatoes or grains.

With regards to the fruits and vegetables Pulsar has made some excellent choices. Antioxidant superstar blueberries are excellent for eye health and have significant anti cancerous  properties. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage have many nutrients and also have their own anti cancerous benefits.

The probiotics added to this food help with digestion and immunity to round out a very complete and up to date dog food. Why spend more for a food that may be inferior to Pulsar?  It is definitely one of the best values we have in our store. You can find it here in our online store.

https://naturalpetfoods.ca/products/pulsar-grain-free-dog-food

Is Fido  a Little Slower These Days....

       Glucosomine Could Be The Answer!

Is your dog a little slower to climb the stairs or get up from it's bed? Could be time to add a glucosomine supplement to their diet. It's a building block of their joints and Natural Pet Foods carries a full selection of joint support products like the Omega Alpha Glucosapet. 

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Glucosomine is a naturally occuring substance that helps to create the cartilage that acts as a shock absorbing cushion between joints. When this cushion is worn down by age or activity, joints can rub together causing pain and inflammation. Glucosapet is designed to add Glucosomine and a companion molecule called Chondroitin in order to repair that cartilege. This combination was found to have superior anti inflammatory effects compared to glucosomine alone. Typically glucosomine is extracted from shellfish like shrimp or clams, but vegetarian sources are also available.

The Omega Alpha Glucosapet joint support formula is so easy to adminster because it is a liquid. That means you can just add it to dry or wet food. One teaspoon delivers 500 milligrams of glucosomine along with 150 mg of chondroitin.

It's worth giving it a shot at only about $30 for the 500ml size. Could make a big difference in your dog's life. Find it in our online store here

https://naturalpetfoods.ca/products/omega-alpha-glucosapet?variant=796323993

Natural Pet Foods carries hundreds, if not thousands of quality pet products so when asked which are our favorites it is not an easy question to answer.

However, we do have some products that we think are extra special. These are products that have a purpose beyond the intended use. The creators have carefully considered how they can give back to the community and preserve our planet.

#1 Chilly Dog Sweaters. A hand knit 100% wool sweater, made using natural plant dyes, that can fit any size dog from teacup to Great Dane. They employ the descendants of the Incas in the Northern Highlands of South America and follow fair trade guidelines in doing so.

#2 Chilly Dog Winter Coats. Sounds a bit like Chilly Dog Sweaters but this company is based in Ottawa, Canada and each jacket is sewed right here in Ottawa. Superior quality, and superb design set this coat apart from the rest.

#3 West Paw toys. A toy company that manufactures in the U.S.A. They even recycle the toys into new products. Cool, eco, quality products.

#4 Planet Dog. Again, made in the U.S.A. Absolutely, no plastic smell with these toys; they smell like vanilla. Another company that gives back to the community.

#5 Champion Pet Foods, makers of Acana and Orijen dog and cat foods. This is a Canadian company (branching into the States now) that uses the BAFRINO promise...that is Biologically Appropriate, Fresh, Regional Ingredients, Never Outsourced. Quite a mouthful but these are important promises given that so many companies outsource their production and simply do not oversee the manufacturing themselves. Another important thing to note, is the focus on regional. They even have photos of the farmers they purchase from. A great company with an amazing food.

The next few items are not necessarily giving back in the same way, but they are great products, often by companies that are Canadian.

#6 Aussie Naturals dog toys. These guys recycle material into fun dog toys and use rescues as doggie testers!

#7 Doggles Organic Cat Toys. This line of cat toys is both organic and out of this world!!! Cats go absolutely bananas over them.

#8 Bowsers pet beds. A Canadian company that focuses on quality. These beds last for years and you can even select a custom fabric to match your décor. So extravagant and so beautiful and comfortable!

#9 Ar'ful Good treats. Liver and other delicious goodies made locally in Martintown. Dog approved!

#10 Smoochy Poochie collars and leads. This company out of Toronto makes gorgeous 2-tone and polyvinyl collars and leads.

#11 Hero dog treats A Great Canadian company  that employs veterans and their families in their company. many of the treats include using all animal parts like feet, wings etc

Check them out and other great products on our website: www.naturalpetfoods.ca

Toll free 1-844-264-7387

There are at least a dozen different styles of winter coats in our store and sometimes it may be overwhelming to try and find that perfect coat. Luckily our staff are trained to help you fit the right coat on your dog.

Let's go through the key differences first to see which coat will suit your dog's body type and lifestyle best.

Our newest coat in the store is the muttluks winter coat made by Muttluks, a Canadian company that makes boots for dogs. This coat is unique because it has full leg coverage. A little more difficult to fit, it is best to bring in your dog for this one.

The next newest coat is Shedrow coats. These coats are based on a horse blanket so they are super warm, very durable and have a longer fit on the sides much like a horse blanket would. These coats are very reasonably priced with good value for your money and nice rip-stop material. They have a Velcro closure at the front and the belly so they are incredibly easy to put on and off. Shedrow coats are suitable for small dogs up to the biggest dogs. Very small dogs should look for another brand.

The next coats are RC Pets line of coats. This is a Canadian company that makes a super line of dog coats with water resistant fabric, reflective stripping on most coats, with Velcro fastenings. Their line includes: double diamond for lean dogs, west coast storm coat, whistler warm up for bigger dogs, trilogy a 3-in-1 coat with removable layers, and the zip line which is the only coat I've seen on the market for dogs who wear a harness. It has a double zipper so your leash can still attach to the harness and the dog stays warm and dry. Natural pet foods has a winter clear out sale where all RC Pets coats are half price with the exception of the trilogy coat. RC Pets makes their coats in sizes for the tiniest dogs in size 8 right up to the big dogs in size 30.

Canada pooch coats are also from a Canadian company that makes super warm dog coats. They have a wide array of dog coats suitable for small to medium dogs featuring puffy coats with hoods that seem just as warm as the human versions. They also have a few sizes especially for the big-chested breeds, including a size 14 plus for bulldog type breeds.

Chillydogs is a Ottawa, Canada company that makes a fantastic winter coat suitable to most breeds, as well as greyhounds, Whippets, sight hounds. Their coats are very warm, featuring a fleece neck, with a water resistant body and a buckle closure so you don't have to worry about Velcro anymore. These coats are suitable for small dogs up to Great Danes. They do not suit the larger bodied dogs, but they do have a special size for miniature and regular Dashunds. More expensive then the average coat, they are worth it if your dog is full grown. This is a coat that will last, and look and feel great.

The Sierra dog company makes this great lightweight dog coat that is perfect for dogs that do not need a heavy layer like a Golden. It is inexpensive and has all the same features as many other coats like water resistant fabric, reflective stripping and a nice fit.

Rogz makes two great coats that we carry: the sportskin and the rainskin. Both have some of the best belly coverage, buckles instead of Velcro and a very adjustable fit.These coats are premium quality and would suit small to large dogs.

The Jupiter and Ftechwear line of hoodies, winter coats and sweaters are great for very small dogs that require more belly coverage and a nice warm coat to protect them from the elements.

We have the largest selection of coats in Canada, so come on in and let us help your dog stay warm this winter.