PET CARE FAQ » COMMERCIAL FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

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Commercial dogs and cat foods come in a dizzying array of shapes, colors, textures, and qualities. We have attempted to compile a list of recommended foods in terms of their wholesomeness, lack of additives, high digestibility, and availability. While this list cannot be all-inclusive it is meant as a starting point for selecting a quality food. For animals with specific health issues this selection should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Our opinion is that the ideal diet for your pet is a fresh, well-balanced, home-prepared diet. While this is not a feasible option for everyone and is not without a few contraindications, if you are interested in a home-prepared diet you should discuss the options with a veterinarian who is both open to and has experience with these diets.

Raw & BARF diets: There are a variety of commercially available preparations of raw meat, bone, fruits, and vegetables, ground into convenient patties or cubes and frozen. These approximate the quality of a home made food and are well balanced. Examples:

• BARF patties – (Raw frozen)
• Nature’s Variety – (Raw frozen)
• Primal Pet Foods – (Raw frozen)
• Woody’s Pet Food Deli – (Freshly prepared pet food made right here in Mpls)

European-style pet foods consist of grains, herbs and nuts. Water, fresh meat, and vegetables must be added to balance these diets. Example:

• Sojourner Farms – Locally made

Here are some good options for commercially prepared dry and canned foods

• California Natural
• Canidae / Filidae
• The Honest Kitchen * dehydrated food-add water
• Innova
• Merrick
• Nature's Variety
• Solid Gold
• Wellness

• Bone Adventure – 612-920-2201, 5045 France Ave. S. (Edina location), plus other locations
• Calhoun Pet Supply – 612-824-1094 corner of 36th and Bryant Ave. S.
• Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet – 612-926-8161 (many metro locations)v
• It’s A Pet’s Life – 763-476-7372 1115 Vicksburg Lane N (Plymouth)
• Linden Hill’s Natural Home Store – 612-279-2479, 2822 West 43rd (Mpls) v
• Lulu and Luigi – 952-929-5858, 3844 Grand Way (St. Louis Park)v
• Pet Stuff – 952-930-9383 14665 Excelsior Blvd (Minnetonka)
• Surbarban Feed and Supply – 952-935-2700 1404 Main St (Hopkins)
• UrbAnimal – 612-879-0709, 2106 Lyndale Ave. S. (Mpls)
• Twin Cities Natural Food Coops (many)
• Woody’s Pet Food Deli – 612-208-0335 3008 W 50th (Mpls)