Why does my dog's food cost more than my food???

Cooper enjoys a good story

There has been a huge shift in the pet industry recently.  Not so long ago, we were feeding our dogs’ Purina Dog Chow, which currently costs about $23 for a 46 pound bag (that works out to about fifty cents a pound).  Now there are premium, super premium and ultra premium foods being sold at virtually every store that sells pet food.  And these foods come at a “premium” price.... the Blue Wilderness Salmon Dog Food is $59 for a 24 pound bag (that works out to about $2.46 a pound).  How did we end up buying dog foods for nearly 500% more than we used to pay?

Well, a couple of things happened in the pet industry over the past twenty years.  First, we started looking at our dogs less as animals we “owned” and more like family members.  PetSmart refers to their human customers as “pet parents.”  This trend has driven pet industry spending from $17 billion in 1994 to nearly $60 billion in 2013.  This spending increased at a steady 4-5% every year, including during the recession years.  We are clothing our pets, buying orthopedic beds for our pets, and they are eating often as well or better) than we eat. 

Fagan loves the kitchen!  

Secondly, there have been a few pet food recalls that have frightened many owners into feeling obligated to buy "better" foods.  The Menu Pet Food recall of 2007 included more than 150 brands that were produced, at least in part, in China.  Melamine was found in many of the we food products after a significant number of pets got sick or died from eating the foods.  

So where does that leave us when trying to feed our pets?  Well, we need to use our eyes to read labels and some common sense.  Look for products made in the US; China and other developing countries have different manufacturing standards.  Keep the corn, wheat and soy to a minimum; dogs are carnivores and the inclusion of these items has no value to your dog’s diet.  Plus corn, wheat and soy are often found to be allergens in dogs.  Skip the chicken and beef by-products.  And finally, look at the “guaranteed analysis on the label; items high in protein with moderate levels of animal fat and higher moisture content are generally regarded as being better for your pet.  

Michigan Cherry Berry Bites 

Finally, keep in mind that pet industry marketing is done for the benefit of the business, not as a public service to the community.  It’s up to us to research and make decisions that are based on the best information we can find.  

Cooper: Our "Tail" of Successful Pet Adoption

With this weekend being the PetSmart National Adoption Weekend, it got me thinking about all the animals sitting in shelters and rescue organizations, waiting for a family to come find them and take them home.  

We had Fagan since she was a puppy, and about six months later I saw Cooper on a rescue site.  He was in Ohio (not far from where we had driven to get Fagan) so I reached out via email to the rescue.  I didn’t hear back for a couple of days so I sent another email.  Cooper’s foster mom emailed me back that time, but explained that she was hesitant to adopt Cooper out.  Cooper had been abused in his first home, and as a result has some protective aggression issues that had caused some problems in the two adoptive homes he had been in since.  


I took Fagan with me to meet Cooper at a PetSmart in Ohio about four hours from our home, and he was very docile and calm.  We decided we definitely wanted him so they finished the paperwork I had started online and we were soon close to heading home.  Cooper’s foster mom made me promise that if he didn’t work out in our home that I would call her to get him, rather than take him to a shelter.  I promised that we would keep in touch with her, and then we were on our way. 

Cooper has been the best little man and fits in perfectly in our home.  When I occasionally ponder his quirks (overall he still doesn’t like strangers in our home) I have to remind myself that his issues were created by humans, like most behavioral problems that dogs have.  He plays and naps with his puggle sister, and although he and the now eighteen year old cat started out not the best of friends, they apparently now have come to a mutual understanding of the order of things (the cat is in charge).  When we bought  our half acre yard and the house that was attached, Cooper was in heaven patrolling the yard and chasing squirrels and rabbits and the occasional opossum.  We live near a relatively small downtown area now, where we visit stores & coffee shops and the Mill Pond with its duck population, and Cooper has thrived in an environment with so much social interaction.  

So if you are ever thinking about finding an animal to become part of your family, please consider a rescue pet.  You may find a furry soul who is the perfect match for you that really just wants a person or family to love.  They may have an issue or two for you to contend with or work out, but I’m guessing we all have a few of those ourselves...   

Happy Pet Adoption Weekend to you all!

February adventures with dogs

When it’s bitterly cold and dark outside by the time we get home for work, it’s very tempting to snuggle up on the couch for the evening.  But our dogs are starting to get cabin fever from being inside so much.  What can we do to give our dogs something to do without any of us getting frostbite?  

If your dog is good in cars, there are tons of places that our puggles like to visit!  The Starbucks in Brighton gives the furry kids that come through their drive thru window a lid with whipped cream in it!  Many banks and fast food restaurants also keep treats for the dogs that visit their drive thru windows.  So take your fur kids on errands with you!

Fagan & Cooper enjoying a road trip

PetSmart is a great place to take your dog and they are always welcome!  They can try on a new collar or coat, check out the treat section, and sniff all the toys and dog butts they can find.  PetSmart also has some great training classes for dogs of all ages and training levels.  And of course, on their way out of the store, they are always offered a treat. 

There are facilities that offer dog agility classes and swimming classes, and these have the double benefit of exercise and socialization at the same time.  Check around your area... you may be surprised to find the activities offered for dogs!

Dogs - particularly larger dogs - absolutely love the snow and playing fetch can last longer than the pet parent wants to be outside!  Our yard can become quite the place to be once we start throwing balls (or snowballs with a treat stuck inside).  

During a walk during a somewhat warmer day, there are tons of places that the puggles are welcomed!  As I’ve mentioned before, Two Brothers Coffee on Main Street welcomes dogs inside for a treat while their owners warm up with a latte or cappuccino.  Because Cooper was an abused rescue before he came to live with us, going downtown and getting him acclimated to being around people was crucial and he has made so much progress since we moved here.  Dogs are social animals and the more you can have them be around other people and dogs, particularly when they are young, the more they will benefit.  

Of course, there isn’t anything much better than snuggling with a furry lap warmer when it’s cold outside, but remember - our dogs love (and need) to get out for an adventure whenever possible! 

Let's "paws" for a moment and consider winter feet

Actually, I’d like you to think specifically about your dog’s feet.  February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, and the winter weather, combined with ice melting products, can wreak havoc on our puppaloos’ paws!  So here are a few ideas for you to think about.

Long-haired breeds need to have the hair trimmed between their paw pads.  This will help to prevent snow from balling up around the hair and causing pain for your dog while walking or running.  Groomers are really good at doing this; if you don’t have a groomer available to you then there are many articles explaining how to do this at home.  

Our cousin Roxie!

Dogs also need their nails clipped.  Otherwise, the long nails can splay the dog’s foot out while they are walking, allowing snow to accumulate between the pads.  Can you even imagine the discomfort of walking barefoot and getting snow stuck between your toes??  

Snow, salt and just general cold can make winter really uncomfortable for your dog and his feet.  Just like us, proper care and preventative maintenance can really help.  A pet specific product, like dog paw wax, can help with snow getting between the paws and causing irritation.  If you use this type of product, it must be applied every time the dog goes outside.  Other products, like bag balm (found in drugstores), when used regularly, will help heal cracks and cuts in the pads and prevent the pad from cracking.  Other products are out there too; asking your favorite pet store or veterinarian will yield some valuable ideas.  

Finally, one of the best way to prevent damage to your pet’s feet and make the walks outside more comfortable are dog boots.  Yes, they may look ridiculous.  But if you make sure to get the right size (again, your favorite pet store can help) and get them used to wearing boots when they are young, it will make your dog’s time outdoors much more enjoyable.  

References

Cameron, M. (2010).  How to care for a dog’s paws and pads in winter.  Retrieved on January 29, 2014 at http://voices.yahoo.com/how-care-dogs-paws-pads-winter-7252500.html