BONeJOUR Pet Supply

5 Winter Doggy Exercise Tips!

2012-01-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

So yeah, it's finally cold. And even though we've been lucky so far this winter, it WILL snow eventually! You and your dog might be less excited to exercise when it's cold out, but fresh air and exercise is still very important for your pup. Here are some ideas to make cold-weather activities a little more tolerable:

Many dogs dislike going outside in the winter because snow, salt, and chemical de-icers hurt their paws. Canine booties can protect their feet and keep them warmer. Ultra Paws are awesome for winter hiking, and PAWZ are rubber booties that appeal to dogs who don't like the feel of thicker boots. If you (or your dog) don't like the idea of boots, applying Lumino Nose and Paw Moisturizing Butter before and after walks can be an effective alternative for protecting toes and paw pads in snow and ice.
Getting your dog to play outside may simply be a matter of keeping her warm. Puppies, smaller dogs, and short haired dogs should be dressed in a coat or sweater. Waterproof coats are essential for wet days.
Staying warm during winter requires more calories, so increased food intake may be necessary. Good body condition means you can feel, but not see, your dog's bones. If you can see his spine, hips, or ribs, he's too thin and you should come in and talk to us about changing or increasing his food.
If you've tried everything and your dog still seems miserable when you take her outside, provide extra exercise inside. Winter is a great time to take an indoor training class (such as obedience or agility from Opportunity Barks) or take your dog to doggy day care (Central Bark is our favorite) a few times a week for some indoor play, learning, and socialization.
Help your dog expend mental energy while staying warm indoors by feeding her meals in food-puzzle toys, giving her plenty of things to chew, and playing interactive games like hide-and-seek with treats.

Winter can be a great time to get exercise in, but please remember, if you're cold your dog probably is too and it's time to come home. Now go and have some chilly fun!

BONeJOUR's Holiday Gift Guide!

2011-12-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

We've gotten so many new and fun items in recently that I thought I'd put together a gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for your pet!

Dogs

For the heavy chewer - The Jack is an awesome toy! It's one of our toughest, has little nubs to help clean teeth while they chew, and is refillable with "gnawhide rings" to keep your pup interested.
For the plush squeaky toy lover - Patchwork Pet made some long-body Christmasy toys that are the perfect size for shaking and playing tug. They come in Santa, Reindeer, and Snowman. We also have teeny squeakies - penguins and little doggies - that are great for smaller breeds.
For the dog with a sweet tooth - Our newest line of treats, homemade here in Philly by Pupcakes, make awesome gifts. We have 1/2lb bags of chicken treats, peanut butter/cheerio treats, and gift boxes of cupcakes! They come in small and large sizes for different sized dogs, and our taste testers have definitely approved them - especially the Peanut butter/cheerio ones!
For the dog who likes bones - We only get them once a year cause they're extra-special treats... The Mammoth Bone! Your dog won't be able to contain himself. We also have brand-new water buffalo Flossies which are great because they are lower fat and more affordable than regular flossies! The old standby, bully sticks, also come in a braided holiday wreath for a special treat.
For the dog who likes to dress up - Our brand new hand-crocheted sweaters are hands-down the cutest I've ever seen. Auggie already got one as an early Christmas present! The cool thing about them is they can also be custom ordered in any color combination and size you want. We have some in the shop, and would be happy to take your order for a custom one if you don't see a size/color you love. Buy local - these sweaters are made right here in Philly! We also have holiday tartan dresses and cute little green cable knit sweaters so your pup can dress up for your holiday party, too!
For the anxious dog - Thundershirts help calm dogs using pressure therapy, like swaddling a baby! The Calming chews contain all-natural vitamins to help keep your dog calm. These can be especially helpful during the crazy holiday season.

Cats

For the catnip lover - We have an assortment of new all-natural catnip toys this year, all made by From The Field. My favorites are the gift boxes - one is a flat hemp mouse that you stuff with catnip yourself (great fun for kids!), another has two hemp catnip-filled mice, a bag of organic catnip, a bottle of catnip essential oil spray, and a cork ball.
For the feather lover - Peacock feathers! They're all natural and soooo much fun to play with!
For the fat cat - Interactive treat toys. Treat-loving cats will be motivated to get off their tail and play with these toys in order to get the treats out.
For the stylish kitty - Beastie Bands collars are velcro and completely adjustable. They have space to attach your ID tags, and will stay on even the most squirmy kitty safely. We have about 50 designs in stock!

Custom Gift Baskets Available

Can't choose just one gift? Pick a few of them, and let us help you create a custom gift basket. For a $5 charge plus the cost of the items you select, we can make a beautiful cellophane-wrapped basket for the special pet in your life. Just come by and chat with one of us about your needs, and we'll figure something out that is perfect for you.

HOWL-o- Ween was a success!

2011-10-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun playing with all the dressed up doggies for our Halloween event yesterday - Hope you have just as much fun looking at these photos of them! (We apologize in advance for the blurry photos... these pups were having too much fun romping around the shop to slow down for photos!)

We still have a few costumes left if you want to pick one up for your pup for tonight's festivities, and all Halloween costumes and toys will be 40% off tomorrow only!

The Itchy and Scratchy Show!

2011-10-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately that both of my dogs have been itchy. They've been rubbing against the rugs and furniture, biting and licking at themselves, and just plain scratching! This time of year, my first thought is, "Oh no, FLEAS!" But both dogs are on Frontline, and when I brush them down with a flea comb I don't see any bugs. They're clean, but they are noticeably more itchy than normal. This could be a variety of things. Itchy, dry, flaky skin is often a symptom of a food sensitivity (also called food allergy), but I haven't changed their food recently, and the fact that both of them are itchy makes that unlikely. Fleas may have bitten them and then died or jumped off, or then could even have mosquito bites that are bugging them (ha!).

I emailed Dr. Cohen at Center City Vet Hospital to ask about some over the counter remedies for the dry, itchy skin I see in a lot of dogs this time of year, and he replied that it's most likely allergies. He said that for some dogs only steroids will stop the itch, but omega 3 fatty acid oils (Grizzly Salmon oil or Halo Dream Coat cod liver oil) as a food supplement can really help. He also suggested shampooing with a gentle oatmeal based shampoo (Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe) will take some of the allergens away from their coat, then follow with a conditioning spray (Earthbath Hot Spot Spritz) to replace some of those oils, and get them on the omega 3's.

Another caution from Dr. Cohen: "Oh, also, some animals will be flea allergic. This means that as they are walking outside, a flea from someone else's dog will jump on and take a few bites. The Frontline takes time to kill the bug, but in the meantime, a flea allergic dog will have an inflammatory reaction that will last for days if not longer. Again, only steroids or time will provide relief (and time usually allows for nasty secondary infections). For dogs that go into the woods, empty lots, etc where we expect a large flea burden, it should be safe to apply Frontline every 3 weeks to make sure it maintains maximal efficacy."

If your dog has been bothering at an itch for so long that it's turned into a Hot Spot, we've had great success with the Lumino Cool Balm. Read this blog article about it.

In any case, if your poor pup is itchy like mine, come on by and check out some of our products to get them some relief. Thanks Dr. Cohen!

Frontline - kills fleas and ticks. Can be applied every 3 weeks this time of year
Grizzly Salmon Oil - Omega 3 supplement to help dry skin and coat
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo - Oatmeal to soothe skin and rid coat of allergens
Earthbath Hot Spot Spritz - Tea Tree oil to moisturize and condition skin and coat

Hot Spots aren't so Hot.

2011-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

All last month Ramona and I struggled with hot spots. She has pretty bad flea dermatitis, which means even though she is on Frontline and I spray her down with Neem anytime we are in the woods or at the beach, even one little flea bite can cause her to get so itchy and sore that she just can't leave the spot alone. My obsessive little terrier will lick and bite and scratch at the spot until all the hair falls out and it becomes a gross open wound.

Hot spots are scary because they can go from 0-60mph in a day. One day it's a slightly raised red bump, and the next day it's a gaping, oozing sore that your dog just can't seem to stop worrying at. They are SEVERELY annoying.

I've been looking for a product that can help us with our late summer hot spot problems for a while, and the best I've found is a cooling spray from the vet, but I'd always prefer to use something with natural ingredients on my babies. Finally I've found something that works! Lumino's Canine Cool Balm for Hot Spots is a combination of anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial carrier and essential oils. It's formulated with Cedarwood, Carrot Seed, Sweet Marjoram, and Niaouli. These oils were specifically chosen for their ability to alleviate the pain associated with bites, eczema, dry itchy skin, rashes, and minor wounds. It also contains organic food grade Diatomaceous Earth, added for its drying properties and high mineral content. Formulated from all natural human-grade ingredients, this balm is safe if ingested.

Thanks to this new product, the sores are all gone! Now we just have to wait for all the hair to grow back...

Kill Fleas and Ticks NATURALLY.

2011-08-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Diatomaceous Earth. I couldn't even pronounce it a month ago, much less explain to you what it was. But I've been looking into safe natural options for pest control lately, and it's been coming up again and again. I figured I better get with the program and find out a little more about this new product. Let's all say it together now - DIE-uh-tum-ay-shus!

Basically, diatomaceous earth is a fine powder composed of the crushed fossilized exoskeletons of microscopic diatoms. It's a desiccant, which means it sticks to and dries up the waxy outer shells of bugs like fleas and ticks, and kills them by dehydration. Unlike pretty much EVERY other flea and tick product, it does not contain any chemicals or even herbs! It's a completely physical process, which means it's 100% natural and safe. It's actually really versatile as well - it can be rubbed directly into your pet's coat, sprinkled onto their bedding, your carpet, and your furniture. It can even be taken internally as a dewormer! It takes 48-72 hours for the pests to dehydrate and die, and there is NO risk of drug reaction with other treatments, so it can be used in conjunction with Frontline or other types of chemical treatments. I know this time of year some pets can develop an immunity to Frontline and other spot-ons, so it's a good time to double up on the protection.

The product we carry is food-grade Diatomaceous Earth made by Lumino. NEVER use Pool Filter Grade Diatomaceous Earth around animals. It is toxic and harmful.

We have a few sample bags at the shop if you want to try before you buy, or a 5 oz jug is $13.99.

Lost Dog?

2011-08-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've had a few personal experiences with runaway pets. Ramona once darted out the door during a thunderstorm and there's no reasoning with her when she's in such an anxious state. My roommates cat would run out the door to roll around on the sidewalk given half a chance, and one day no one noticed he had snuck outside. Here's the difference between the two situations... I got Ramona back, and Mr. Kitty is lost to this day. Why? Identification Tags.

Since the day I adopted Ramona she's always worn a collar with her ID tag on it. The tag is a simple one, just her name and my phone number, but it's reunited us countless times. When she was suffering from severe separation anxiety and would run away on a weekly basis back in Hawaii, I would get a call from my neighbors and would go pick her up. When she ran during that thunderstorm, she made it all the way from 6th and Mifflin to 2nd and Federal before a kind woman caught her and called me to come get her. I had been maniacally riding my bike around my neighborhood looking for her, and I cried so hard when I got her back. Thank god she was wearing that tag.

When Mr. Kitty snuck out, he was not wearing a collar or tags. He, like all our animals, was microchipped when we adopted him, but most people will not pick up a "stray" cat and take it to the vet or a shelter to get a microchip read... Many people don't even know that microchips exist! We put up signs and asked all our neighbors to keep an eye out, and spent hours walking around looking for him, but we never found poor Mr. Kitty. We like to think that someone found him and fell in love and now he has a great new home, but who knows. If only he had been wearing a collar and tags, we might be enjoying him til this day.

Whenever people come in and ask for help purchasing supplies for a new animal, I tell them that a collar and ID tags are essential. Sometimes I get excuses: "Well, he's microchipped so I think we're ok without tags", "She's going to be an indoor cat, so we're good.", "I don't think he'll be comfortable wearing a collar all the time.", "I like the way she looks without any collar on." In my opinion, all of these excuses are just that - excuses. A pet running away never happens on purpose. Of course we all do everything we can to prevent that happening, but sometimes accidents do happen. Don't you want to do everything you can to make sure you get your best friend back?

We have a variety of dog and cat collars and ID tags in the shop. We even make our own, unique, hand-stamped brass tags (pictured below). I urge you, for your pet's safety, make sure they're collared and tagged today.

Carnivores!

2011-07-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that dogs were omnivores, and cats were carnivores. I've supported a grain-free diet for both dogs and cats for years, knowing that neither animal processes these types of carbs well, and seeing first-hand what eliminating starches can do for dogs with allergies. But I always thought that dogs could benefit from the vitamins in fruits and vegetables, too!

Reading this article made me think a little more about my ideas... Are dogs carnivorous? Are grains/vegetables/fruits completely unnecessary in their diet? Here's some evidence to support the answer "YES":

Teeth and chewing style

Dogs have the teeth of a carnivore. No flat molars for grinding down grains and veggies. Their jaws are made to rip, tear, and chop their food in an up-and-down motion. Their jaws aren't made to move side to side.

Saliva

When omnivores eat plants, we produce a chemical called amylase in our saliva to help start the break down of starches in our mouthes. Dogs don't have amylase in their saliva. They DO have it in their small intestines, so breaking down starches is not impossible, but it is decidedly more difficult.

Digestive Anatomy

Plants and starches take longer to digest. This results in omnivores having a longer intestinal tract and larger stomaches than carnivores. Instead of this dogs have small (but extremely elastic) stomachs, and an abundance of stomach acid (which breaks down animal proteins and kills bad bacteria in decaying meat)

The thing is, dogs have survived and even THRIVED for years on our meat and non-meat scraps! They are extremely adaptable, and can get the nutrients they need from many sources, although they definitely process meats best. I'd like to say that dogs are omnivores with a carnivorous bias. This supports my love of grain-free diets for dogs, and at the very least, diets that have meat proteins as a primary ingredient.

Cats, on the other hand, are TRUE carnivores. There are numerous chemicals and vitamins necessary in a cat's life that the cat cannot make on its own. It must eat these nutrients pre-formed by another animal. Cats also have a much higher protein requirement than humans and even dogs. So meat as a first ingredient in a cat's diet is a necessity.

The majority of foods we carry for both cats and dogs feature meat as a first ingredient, and we have a few types of grain-free foods available too! Come by and discuss your pet's unique needs, and we'll help you find something that works for him/her.

We-Wash Services available starting July 1! Taking appointments now!

2011-06-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

BONeJOUR Pet Supply & Dog Wash

Menu of Services

You Wash!
    You bring a dirty dog, we provide the tub, sprayer, Earthbath natural shampoos, conditioner, spritzes, brushes, nail clippers, shears, chamois towel, apron, forced air dryer. You wash your dog, we clean up after you! Wash times are generally about 20 minutes and are a flat $15.00. Although walk-ins are accepted, we encourage you to call ahead to make sure the tub is free or make an appointment in advance!

We Wash!
    No time to wash your dog yourself? Let us do it for you! We'll do everything while you run errands or just relax! Just leave your dog with us and you'll return to a clean, shiny pooch that smells good too!

Wash n’ Go includes choice of Earthbath shampoo, quick brush out, towel dry. Generally takes about 15 minutes.
Full Service includes choice of Earthbath shampoo, brush out, fluff blow dry, a nail trim, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and anal gland expression. Generally takes about 30-45 minutes.
The Furminator reduces shedding by 60 - 80% for four to six weeks! A thorough pre-bath brush out of the undercoat, a full service bath and blow-dry, a post-drying brush out of any remaining undercoat, a nail trim, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and anal gland expression. Generally takes about 45-60 minutes.

Size	Wash n’ Go	Full Service	The Furminator
25lbs and under	$25	$35	$45
26-70 lbs	$25	$40	$50
71-100 lbs	$30	$45	$55
over 100 lbs	$30	$50	$60

Additional/ Ala Carte Spa Services
Nail trim/dremel - $10 Toothbrushing - $10
Breath Freshener/Spray - $5 Anal Gland Expression - $10
Blueberry facial and tear stain treatment - $5/10 (self/full service)
Flea Treatment (Flea/Tick shampoo and flea removal) - $5/10 (self/full service)

BONeJOUR Pet Supply reserves the right to adjust prices based on the individual pet. Some dogs are more challenging than others due to behavior, style of coat, etc. Prices shown above are estimates only!

DIY Services are available all business hours, as long as the groomer is not using the facilities. Although walk-ins are accepted, we encourage you to call ahead or make an appointment to ensure we are ready for you.

We wash services are available by appointment only on Mondays and Wednesdays between 2-7pm, Fridays between 11-4pm and Sundays between 12-6pm. Other times MAY be available... Just ask! We generally don’t accept day-of appointments.. Please plan to schedule at least a day in advance. Please plan to drop off no more than 10 minutes prior to your appointment and pick up at the end of your appointment. We are not licensed as a holding facility. Thanks!

New Food Line! Acana!

2011-06-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

So we've been phasing out the Natura brand foods that were recently bought by Procter and Gamble (EVO, California Natural, and Innova... see previous post on the company sale!), and we finally have enough space on the shelves to bring in one of the new foods we've had our eye on for a while...Acana!

Many of you switched to Orijen after EVO was sold. Orijen is one of my favorite pet foods on the market... it's one of the foods I regularly feed my own dogs and cats! Acana is made my the same amazing company (Champion Petfoods) based in Alberta, Canada. Acana is similar to Orijen in many ways... both are grain-free, both are made of fresh regional ingredients in Champion's own factories in Alberta, both include ingredient variety to match the natural diet, both include Omega-3 from fresh fish to support skin, coat, and immunity.

The main differences between Acana and Orijen is the concentration of animal protein. Orijen's foods are made with a minimum of 70% poultry, meat and/or fish. Acana's foods are made with a minimum of 60% poultry, meat, and/or fish.This means Acana is better for dogs and cats who had a digestive difficulties with the richness of Orijen. This also means Acana is a little more affordable than Orijen.

Acana comes in 4 flavors:

Wild Prairie (free-run chicken, walleye, lake whitefish, whole eggs)
Pacifica (pacific salmon, wild pacific herring, wild pacific flounder)
Grasslands (free-range lamb, walleye, free-run duck, whole eggs) - this one should be in stock soon
Ranchlands (free-range beef, free-range bison, free-range lamb) - dogs only

We have trial size bags in every flavor for $1.99 right now.. come by and grab a bag for your pet to try!

**Since we are in the final segment of phasing out EVO, California Natural, and Innova, any remaining backstock (from before the sale to Procter and Gamble) is now 20% off while supplies last!

Loving (and feeding!) my "Senior" Dog

2011-05-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

So I took Ramona into Center City Vet Hospital so Dr. Cohen (best vet ever!) could finally take care of her extensive dental issues. Because of all her separation anxiety, she broke almost all of her teeth over the last few years trying to break out of crates, and knawing a hole through my front door. Phew. Now that we have the anxiety pretty much under control, I thought it would be a good time to look into relieving some of the almost constant tooth pain I'm sure she was in. She also had a weird growth in her mouth, and Dr. Cohen wanted to remove it and get it tested. I got a good tax return this year, and decided to finally spend the money to help Ramona. Part of the reason I decided to take the plunge was Ramona turned 9 this month, and although small dogs can live quite long lives, she is no longer the spring chicken.

Thinking about her age made me wonder, am I providing the proper nutrition for her at this time in her life? She's my best friend, and anything I can do to give her a longer life with the best quality, of course I'll do it! I started looking into the nutritional needs for senior dogs, and what kinds of foods and supplements I can get to keep her as healthy as possible as she ages.

The first (and most unexpected) thing that I learned is that, contrary to popular belief, senior dogs should NOT be fed a diet that is lower in protein. I, along with the majority of the pet food industry, it seems, always thought they needed less protein as they aged to keep less active pets' weight down and protect their aging kidneys. Research done in the last 15 years has proven almost the exact opposite! Older dogs actually benefit from a protein-RICH diet, due to the fact that their systems are less efficient at using all that protein. If you're worried about their kidneys, be assured that in research done on dogs with chronic kidney failure or only one kidney, feeding higher protein levels caused no ill effects.

Even if your pet has liver disease, a high-protein diet is better because protein is actually required for a healthy liver. (There are some exceptions to this... you should always check with your vet.)

And as far as lowering protein to promote weight loss, that's a complete myth. You have to replace the protein with something, and usually that ends up being non-digestible filler fiber or carbohydrates. Carbs and protein both have 4 calories per gram, so replacing protein with carbs doesn't reduce calories, but it does reduce nutritional value. Dogs have NO nutritional need for carbs. Too many carbs can actually cause inflammation, which increases arthritic pain. Dogs can convert protein into energy and muscle much more easily than carbs, which usually just turn into fat.

Instead of lowering protein levels, it makes more sense to continue to feed a less active older dog less of his normal diet to control his weight. You can limit the dietary fat, but don't feed a low-fat diet because dogs need those healthy fats for many reasons.

I carry quite a few foods that fit the traditional lower protein, lower fat Senior/Overweight model, and I will continue to carry them even after finding out about this new research because every dog is different, and some dogs have done really well on these foods. But if you're looking for a food for your senior dog that has a higher percentage of animal protein but a moderate amount of fat, you may want to look into Merrick's Senior Medley (26% protein, 11% fat) or Verus Fish (24% Protein, 12% Fat). Solid Gold's Barking at the Moon (45% protein, 22% fat) is a good choice if fat is less of a concern and you want to stick with a grain-free diet. Sojos Freeze Dried Grain Free Raw Diets (24/25% Protein, 8/9% Fat) would be great as well, and might be more appetizing for a picky older pup. All of these foods get their proteins from good quality animal sources rather than less digestible glutens and other plant-based proteins.

As far as supplements, older dogs can almost always benefit from joint support vitamins, especially those with arthritis. We carry Nupro Joint Support powder and Ark Naturals Joint Rescue pills. It's good to start with a high dose of the Glucosamine to see if it helps your dog, then slowly wean down to see if you can maintain the improvement on a lower dosage. If you don't see any change, that particular supplement may not be the right one for your pup.

Antioxidants are another great supplement for older pups, as it can help reduce the risk of cancer. We carry Ark Naturals' NU-Pet in tablets and powder.

As always, come by and we can discuss your particular dog's needs, and I can help you pick a great food and some supplements to try out! We can't make them live forever, but we can sure try...

Tuesday! Neighborhood Meet Up at Painted Bride!

2011-04-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

New raw food! Sojos!

2011-04-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

In light of all the issues with the Natura foods, we have been shopping around for a completely new food to bring in... and we've settled on Sojos! You may not have heard of them before, but they've been producing natural foods and treats since 1985. They've got it figured out. Their foods look really different than the stuff you might be used to... kibble or cans. Instead their food looks and smells kinda like the stuffing mix you make along the turkey at Thanksgiving... it's a freeze dried raw food mix. They make a few varieties (we have samples of turkey, beef, chicken, and the vegetable mix) for dogs as well as one for kitties (we will have samples of this soon).

I really like this food because it's an affordable, convenient raw food diet. You can use it as an appetite enhancer along with your kibble, or as a full meal replacement. Come by and pick up a sample for your pet! I'm sure they'll love it!

Read more about Sojos foods here.

Update on Innova, EVO, and California Natural dog and cat foods

2011-04-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Warning:

Innova, California Natural, EVO sold to Proctor and Gamble

As many of you already know, 3 of our favorite brands have been taken over by Proctor and Gamble recently. Although they have promised not to change ingredients or quality, it’s almost impossible to trust a huge corporation like P&G. Here are some reasons we urge you to switch foods in the near future:

P&G is known for animal testing. Do you want to support a company that obviously cares more about money than animals?

P&G makes other poor quality foods (Iams, Eukanuba). It only stands to reason that they would begin using the same, cheaper, sourcing and production methods for Innova, California Natural, and EVO. Other foods under the P&G umbrella are constantly having recalls.

Pet food companies are not required to tell the public about ingredients changing until 6 months after they have changed. This means the bag and ingredients list may look the same, but your dog may get sick on the lower quality food.

Even though they promised to stick with independent retailers (like BONeJOUR), P&G has recently opened up Innova to be sold in major pet retailers (like Petsmart). This will cause such an increase in production that it’s hard to imagine the quality will remain as high.

There are other comparable foods out there that are made by humane, responsible companies. There’s no need to stay with P&G foods.

If you’re interested in beginning a transition to a better food, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect food for your dog or cat! We will begin phasing out Innova, California Natural, and EVO in BONeJOUR to make room for better foods in the near future.

We only want what’s best for your dogs and cats! Thanks for your support!
--BONeJOUR

Dog Wash is Now Open!!

2011-04-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Yay! Our self-serve dog wash is finally open for business! More details here. Come by and check it out, and make sure you bring your dirty dog!

Getting over my biggest fear

2011-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so maybe not my biggest fear, but clipping Ramona's nails has definitely been up there! Since I got her 4 years ago, I think her nails have been clipped under 10 times, and never once successfully by me. I did buy a nail clipper when I first adopted her, but she is a bit squeamish about having her feet touched, and the first time I tried I cut into one of her quicks and drew some blood. This was pretty traumatizing for both of us, and I decided it was worth it to pay someone else to be the "mean guy" and cut her nails.

The problem with this is that dog nails, like people nails, need to be trimmed regularly. I don't take Ramona to the groomer regularly. I'm perfectly fine with bathing her myself, cutting her hair myself, and she doesn't have anal gland issues since she eats so many bones. So other than her nails, there is really no need to take her to the groomer. Without regular cutting, dog nails can grow, grow, and grow some more, and this makes them difficult to get back under control.

When you cut a dog's nails, you just trim a little off the top, being careful not to cut too far in because you don't want to hit the quick. The quick is a set of blood vessels and nerves, which means they will bleed and hurt a little if cut. Everytime the nail is cut, the quick will receed just a teeny bit, so that when you go to cut it again in a week, you should be able to make another tiny cut. Ramona's nails hadn't been regularly tended to in so long, her quicks had grown way too long. Her dew claw was so long that if it grew any more it would start to curl under and irritate her when she walked.

I realized that this is truthfully neglectful of me as a dog parent. I decided that I needed to get over my fear and start maintaining her nails. I read up on technique, and then I went ahead and finally cut her nails by myself, successfully!

After I finished, I realized that although I had the STEPS in cutting nails correct since the first disastrous attempt, there were two new things I tried today that made all the difference:

Be confident. Use a no-nonsense tone with your dog, and don't let them "get away" with anything. What you are doing is for their own good and does not hurt them. Even if you make a little mistake and draw a little blood, it will not be the end of the world. The last time I tried cutting her nails, I was scared and so then of course she was too! When she tried to pull her paw away I let her, thinking it was painful for her. This time I used a steady voice, and when she tried to pull away I told her "no" the same way I would if she tried to pickup a chicken bone from the sidewalk. I know it's not what she wants, but it's for her own good. Once I changed my mindset, Ramona stopped struggling so much and I was able to do all 4 paws in a matter of minutes!
Start small. Take off just a millimeter or two if you're nervous. If you can take off 2mm every week for a while, you can get the nails to the length they should be. No need to rush into a new skill. Everytime you do it, you will get more confident and your dog will get more comfortable with it.

If the idea of cutting your dog's nails still makes you queasy, take heart! Soon our Self-serve dog wash will be open and we will be offering nail clipping as a service!

Go Chew on an Antler!

2011-03-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

So we've been having a hard time keeping a surprisingly popular new chew in stock... Antlers! We've had both deer and elk varieties in the shop, and pups seem to love 'em all! We like them cause they're not stinky but they're super long lasting... but there are a lot of other benefits you might not have thought of.

They're really healthy! They are almost pure calcium and phosphorus which is great for your pup's bones and joints.
They last forever. This makes them great for puppies or really strong chewers who "go through" other chews really quickly. I've had people compare them to the hardness of a nylabone, except they're better cause they're organic and not plastic. Most antlers last weeks or even months! (This makes them worth their higher price!)
They are odor free! Unlike hooves and bully sticks, they don't have any discernible odor!
They won't splinter. They are ground down when chewed, and will not splinter like other hard bones might.
They keep your dog busy and help them develop proper chewing habits. Puppies need to chew because it keeps 'em busy, teaches them what is ok to chew on (bones, not shoes!), and helps them develop important muscles in their jaw and throughout their body. If you've ever seen a dog chew on a bone, you know they use their whole body to do it! Some dogs who are only fed kibble never learn how to properly chew things, and try to gulp down all food. This can lead to choking if they ever get anything in their mouth that's bigger than kibble. Teaching dogs to chew properly from an early age is important, and antlers are great for this cause they won't break apart into choking hazards so easily.

So we can agree that antlers are "the new bully stick". Dogs NEED to chew! The thing is, just like any chew you give your dogs, there are some antler safety tips that should be taken into consideration.

Make sure your antler dog chew is large enough so that there is no possibility that your dog could choke on it. We sell two sizes - small and large.
Check your antler chew over for any possible sharp edges. If there are any, it is easy to remove them by rubbing the sharp edge against concrete or sandpaper.
Wash the antler chew in warm, soapy water and rinse well.
Give the antler chew to your dog watch him while he chews it for at least the first few times.
Make sure your dog is gnawing on the antler instead of trying to break the antler chew in half. If he is bearing down hard on the antler, it is best to take it away (don't forget to give him a treat for giving it up!), since chewing any hard chew this way could damage his teeth.
Do not allow your dog to chew more than an inch of the antler per day.
Take the the antler chew away from your dog once it gets worn down to a small enough size that your dog could swallow / choke on it.
If your dog likes the antler so much that he guards it from you, you can teach him to drop the antler for a treat. If your dogs fight over their antler chews, make sure to give the chews to them when the dogs are separated.
If your dog isn't interested in the chewing the antler, try rubbing it with sandpaper or a nail file. If your dog still isn't interested in the antler, you could try rubbing it with a small amount of peanut butter or soaking it overnight in water in the refrigerator.

Here's the link to the antlers in our webstore.

Come by and pick up an antler for your pup!

Flea Season is here!

2011-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

Since it's warmed up, I wanted to remind everyone to make sure your dog is on some kind of flea/tick preventative! We have Frontline for cats and all sizes of dogs in stock in the store, and Dr. Cohen at Center City Vet Hospital (down the street at 37 S. 3rd) has other brands of flea/tick preventative available to his patients.

Even when your dog's on preventative meds, you might still find bugs on them when you take them into particularly buggy environments. I love taking Ramona to the Wissahickon, or to the beach, or hiking in the Pine Barrens when it's nice out, but I DON'T like finding ticks on her afterwards. Here's some additional protection...

Neem spray. I love this stuff! I keep a bottle of it on me all spring/summer long and I won't let my dogs go into the park, woods, or to the beach without a good spray-down. I even use it on myself to keep the bugs off! It smells nice and really works at providing an extra barrier against ticks.
Pet Naturals Flea & Tick Wipes. These are new, but I really like them. They are a blend of natural oils that fend off the buggies. Great for puppies, cats, or dogs that are sensitive to sprays. Easy and portable - nothing that can spill!
Natural Flea and Tick Shampoo and Neem Shampoo. After getting home from an outdoors excursion, a good bath doesn't hurt. These shampoos help get off any stubborn bugs but are safe to be used in conjunction with Frontline or other spot-on preventative treatments because they're all natural.
Flea Combs. Simple and effective. You can't get 'em off without one of these guys.

Here's to an active and flea-free spring and summer!

Spring means rain and storms! Protect your pup!

2011-03-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

So the weather's finally looking up, temperatures are hovering in the 50s, and we've had a string of beautiful days perfect for long walks and romps in the park! But we all know what's coming... those crazy spring thunderstorms that sneak up on you and drench you in minutes!

Truthfully, my dog is one of the few who doesn't mind being outside in wet weather, but I know a lot of dogs really hate it. The PAWZ boots are great for these kinds of dogs, because they're easy to slip on and off and provide traction on slippery, wet sidewalks. They also prevent muddy doggy footprints when you get home from the dog park! Another type of great rainy weather gear is a raincoat for your pup... it may seem silly, but trust me, getting home and taking it off and not having to smell wet dog for the next hour makes it worth it. Many dogs even seem to appreciate not being soaked through! We have a few types of jackets to keep your pup dry this spring:

Traditional slicker style rain jackets. Easy to put on and off, easy to fit (even for deep chested breeds), non-invasive for pups, safe even after dark (reflective strip). Just slides over your dog's head and a single velcro strap around his middle. Comes in Yellow, Blue, and Pink.
Super cute new stowaway-style raincoats. These actually fold up into a little zippered pocket so you can tuck it into your bag just in case. Really lightweight and easy to put on - two velcro straps. Comes in Teal, Magenta, and Red.
Horse-blanket style coats. These coats are more multipurpose and great for larger dogs... They're basically just a blanket you toss over their back and attach under their chest and under their belly. No hood on these jackets, which makes them great for dogs that aren't particularly fond of being "dressed up". They have a water-resistant nylon shell backed with soft, warm fleece. Comes in two shades of plaid with velcro straps, or red or blue with metal buckles.

Lastly, often times in spring and summer, storms mean THUNDER and lightning. If your dog is anything like mine, even the slightest hint of thunder makes her freak out and cower in a corner, shaking and drooling. If I'm not home during the storm, god forbid, she has even torn up carpet or chewed on the doorjam in fear. I don't like the idea of feeding her tranquilizers all spring and summer, so I'm really glad we have a Thundershirt. I don't really know why it works, but it sure does work! It provides a gentle pressure on her body, which for some reason really helps to calm her down during stressful situations. We have all the sizes in stock, so if your dog freaks out, be prepared and bring one home for her!

If I know it's going to storm and I'm going to be out of the house, I'll give Ramona a Happy Traveler pill... it's just a blend of natural calming agents like chamomile, valerian, and tryptophan, and it helps take the edge off her fear. I also feel much better about giving those to her than the vet-prescribed tranquilizers.

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Why the Freedom Harness is better than the Premier Easy Walk Harness

2011-02-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

So as most of you know by now, we have an awesome new foster dog in the shop... his name is Barry and he's a sweetheart! Pinups for Pitbulls and Central Bark are sponsoring his vet care, and Pinups even bought him a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness from our shop. Thanks, Lil Darlin! Now I've been a fan of the Easy Walk Harnesses for years... they used to be my go-to for pullers. I liked them cause unlike the head-halter styles, these were pretty much "dummy-proof". (Although head-halters can be AWESOME in some training situations, in my experience, most people have a hard time using them correctly and most dogs hate them... not to mention there is the potential for neck injury!)

Back to Barry... the very first day I walked him with his new Easy Walk, he saw a dog he REALLY wanted to be friends with, and almost got out of the harness! When we got back to the shop, I readjusted it so that it was tighter, but now it's so tight that it's hard to get on his wiggly body before walks. Phew! What a pain!

Another story... my good friend Tara brought her two pit mixes to the shop in December for our Santa Paws pictures, and on the short walk from her car to the shop, one of her dogs slipped out of its Easy Walk Harness and ran to play with another dog... this was right on a very busy street! Scary.

Anyway, all of these things have made me start searching for a better design.. and I found one! It has all the things I love about the Easy Walk harness, but is much safer and more comfy for the dogs.

Introducing... the Freedom Harness! It is really the best harness I've seen to date. It's great for all kinds of pups, from squirmy little dogs who love finding their way out of harnesses, to huge pits and labs who wanna pull you down the street. Here's why I love it so much:

Two D rings. The one on the back is a martingale, which means it gets tighter around their chest if the dog pulls.
Unlike the Gentle Leader, it goes between the dog's two front legs, which makes it almost impossible to wiggle out of. It's also mega-adjustable. I can help you make sure it fits your dog perfectly.
The nylon is nicely padded under the arms (arms???), which is great for short-haired dogs. Prevents chafing!
It comes with a special leash that RULES - it's a 6 foot lead with a free-floating handle loop, and a snap on both ends. This means you have options... you can snap one side to the top martingale, and have a 6ft lead. You can snap one to the front and one to the back and have a 3 ft lead that you can use to actually steer your dog like a horse! You can even use the double snaps to temporarily tether your dog outside a coffee shop or something when you run inside for a second. It's so versatile!
It has a Chewing Warranty - they'll replace up to two chewed straps free, no questions asked, for the price of shipping.
It comes in tons of cute colors! We keep black, pink, teal blue, and red in stock in XS-XL, but if you see one on their website you like, let us know and we can get it in for you!

So that's the Freedom Harness. I'm getting one for Barry soon. It's worth it!!

Sparkling Teeth vs. Doggie Breath?

2011-01-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

February is Pet Dental Month! This doesn't excite most people, because the idea of brushing your dog or cat's teeth is one of the least appealing tasks that come with owning a pet. But did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop peridontal disease by the age of 3? Yet only 15% of them get regular dental care from a vet... that means many of your pets, like mine, should be getting some kind of dental care at home to help prevent not only that bad breath, but also the tartar and plaque that lead to disease.

First of all... why bother? Dental disease can cause changes in your pet's body that may result in organ dysfunction and a shortened lifespan. I know you wanna keep your best friends around for as long as possible, so take this to heart: keep their teeth clean!

How can you tell they have dental issues? Lift up their lip and take a sniff. Stinky? Bad breath is a good early indicator of harmful bacteria buildup in your pet's mouth. Take a peek. If you see yellow or brown deposits on their teeth, especially near the gumline, or if their gums are bright red, these are bad signs of dental disease. Loss of teeth is probably soon to come. Along with huge dental bills, yuck!

Ok, so... what can you do to help? First, I'll always recommend yearly well-pet visits to your vet, and occasional vet cleanings. Daily toothbrushing would be great! We have a variety of pet toothbrushes and finger brushes (way easier, you just slip it onto your finger and rub against the teeth), along with pet toothpaste here at the store to help you with that chore. We also have disposable dental wipes that some people find easier than brushes. But again, most people don't consider brushing their pet's teeth a great way to spend a Saturday. If you're one of those people, don't worry! There are a ton of new products out there to help!

Tropiclean Fresh Breath line - Fresh Breath Treats, Clean Teeth Gel, Fresh Mint Foam, and Oral Care Water Additive
Made with dill, parsley, and mint to freshen breath, the treats have a consistency that helps remove tartar and plaque. The gel, a blend of natural ingredients, kills the germs that can case bad breath, plaque and gingivitis, and helps reduce accumulation of plaque and tartar. The pump dispensed foam freshens breath instantly and keeps gums and teeth clean. The water additive promotes healthy gums and eliminates bad breath with daily use.

Dental Toys
Any rope toy or "nubby" toy will help clean your pet's teeth as they chew. We also carry the Busy Buddy Bristle Bone that has nubs and toothbrush-like bristles that really clean dog's teeth as they chew it. It has rawhide rings that you screw onto it to keep 'em interested, and you can even squeeze some doggie toothpaste onto it to get those chompers extra clean!

Dental Chews
Anything a dog chews will help clean it's teeth. Here are some chews that do double duty.
Zuke's new Z-Ridge bones are awesome chews. They're made with real cranberries, a great source of natural antioxidants. They're also packed with alfalfa concentrate, clove, nutmeg, parsley and fennel to naturally freshen breath. They don't have any wheat, corn, or artificial fresheners.
Ark Naturals Breath-less Brushless Toothpaste is a rice-based bone filed with pet toothpaste. The outer layer contains chlorophyll, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove to freshen breath, while the inner core contains ingredients such as L-ascorbyl 2 polyphosphate. What, you don't know what L-ascorby..blahblah whatever is? Me neither, so I looked it up. Apparently it's a more stable form of vitamin C trademarked as Stay-C, which is a breakthrough nutrient that helps to promote long-term good dental health.
Twistix Dental Chews' triple-action breath-sweetening ingredients include peppermint, parsley, and chlorophyll. These chews come in Small and Large and are wheat-free as well.
Feline or canine Greenies are great chews with a unique tooth-cleaning shape that helps reduce plaque and tartar.
For kitties, Petrodex also makes a great dental treat. It's an enzymatic treat, which means in a nutshell that it changes the chemical makeup of your cat's mouth to prevent the bad bacteria from taking over!

So as you can see, even if your dog or cat REFUSES to let you brush their teeth, you can still be a responsible pet owner (and avoid those EXPENSIVE dental bills!) with these new pet dental care products. Come by and ask us for help choosing the best products for your pet and your lifestyle!

Toy Story

2011-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

We just got a ton of new kitty toys in! I get really excited about neat new products for cats cause good cat toys are hard to find. Sometimes it seems like my kitty would just as soon play with a straw, or a plastic milk top than any fancy store-bought toy. But providing a variety of experiences (i.e., toys!) for kitties has a lot of good effects, not to mention good fun!

Top 5 reasons your cat needs toys:

Strengthen the bond. The interaction created with toys during play periods strengths the bond between owner and cat. Strong bonds reduce shyness, stress, and improve on physical and emotional health for both you AND kitty!
Reduce anxiety. Toys can help shy and fearful cats reduce their anxiety by encouraging play and social interaction (both cat-cat and human-cat) in the household.
Solve behavior problems. These problems are usually due to frustration and suppressed natural predator instincts. Providing toys that simulate the activities associated with hunting can deter pouncing, jumping, hiding, and even biting behaviors. Toys and play periods are the closest thing an indoor cat may have to "hunting prey".
Prevent boredom and depression. Emotional health is one of the more subtle advantages of toys for your kitty. Without toys, the cat's natural tendencies to hunt, pounce, climb, and hide are not stimulated and are suppressed. Toys help cats do what they do best!
Physical exercise! This is probably the most obvious and most important reason to buy toys for your cat. It relieves stress, it's an important variable in weight control, and it's imperative for good health. Exercise also contributes to healthy bones and organs, improves circulation, and promotes flexibility, which is especially important for older cats.

Convinced yet? Here's a couple of the new toys we've gotten in... come by the store or browse our website to see a bunch more!

FUN-Kitty Interactive Toys
Play-N-Squeak Dangle Toys

New Customer Loyalty Program - BONeJOUR VIPs!

2011-01-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you for being patient as we added all of you into our computer system this month! (If we haven't added you yet, please remind us the next time you stop by.) We have finally started our Customer Loyalty Program! Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you to an elite group...

BONeJOUR VIPs!

(Very Important Pets)

Now that you are in our computer system, we are able to track your purchases, which is great for a few reasons:

Lost your receipt? We can still do returns/exchanges as long as the purchase shows up on your profile.
Forgot what food you usually feed your pet? Just ask us, and we can look it up!
Spent over $100 in December? You are a VIP! You have a 10% off your entire non-food purchase "coupon" to be used anytime in January!

This digital "coupon" is stored in our computer under your name, and you can use the "coupon" anytime in January, just let us know. Again, this coupon cannot be applied towards pet food purchases, but pretty much anything else in the store goes! This is our first month applying this loyalty program, so please let us know if you have any feedback. We will make any necessary changes at the end of the month.

If you share responsibility for your pet(s) with a friend, roommate, husband, wife, partner, etc, you can both decide to enter purchases under the same name... just be sure to let us know everytime you make purchases in the store!

If you haven't been added to our computer system yet, please ask to be added this month so that you can participate in next month's loyalty coupon program!

3 Tips to Help Your Dog Deal with Winter Weather

2010-12-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

I opened the back door to let Ramona and Tucker out this morning, and as soon as Ramona saw the snow (It was as tall as her!), she turned around and high-tailed it back into the living room. Snowy and icy winter weather can be challenging for our pups to handle, but for most of our dogs, going outside at least 3-4 times a day is not an option! How can we make this weather more tolerable (and safe!) for them?

1. Make sure your pup's paws are protected. Dogs' feet are highly susceptible to frostbite. The salt that we use so liberally in the winter can be even more painful and potentially dangerous. I've found the best thing for city dogs who deal with salt and ice on a daily basis are simple, lightweight dog boots. My favorite are PAWZ, the boots that pretty much EVERY dog will tolerate. We're also getting in some great, more durable boots from Ultra Paws this week. If you and/or your dog can't stand the idea of boots, try trimming the excess hair from their footpads and toes. This helps prevent ice balls from forming in between their pads, and makes it easier to get the ice and snow off when you get home. If they don't wear boots, make sure you wash or wipe down their feet after a walk to remove salt! If they injest too much salt, bad stuff could happen. After cleaning their paws, apply a thin coating of Vaseline to keep them from getting cracked and sore.

2. Keep your pup nice and warm. Small dogs or those with little to no hair should have sweaters or jackets for protection against the cold. Some of the most common breeds that will benefit from protective clothing are Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Whippets, Greyhounds, and even many Pit Bulls and mixes! There are many types of protective clothing, from a simple blanket coat that almost all dogs will be happy with, to fancier hoodies and jackets. Remember, not all dogs will tolerate clothing, so don’t push it – just make an extra effort to keep them out of the cold. Watch your dog for warning signs that it's time to go back inside... shivering, crouching, lethargy, and tucking their tail under for warmth are a few. You might also notice their hair standing on end.. kinda like when we get goosebumps! Dogs CAN get hypothermia... so please be cautious!

3. Monitor their food supply. There are two ways you may need to watch your dog's food supply in the winter: a) If your dog stays inside more during the cold weather, and you're giving him more bones and chews to keep him busy, but less time outside for exercise, you may need to slightly reduce his normal amount of food to keep him nice and trim. b) If your dog enjoys outside winter activities, and spends a lot of time outside during the cold weather, you may think about increasing his amount of food (specifically his protein level) or adding a supplement because he is burning a lot more calories keeping warm out there! In both situations, rely on your own monitoring and use your discretion. I always keep an eye on Ramona's waist... when she looks a little chunky I give her a little less food for a while or let her fast a day a week. If I can see her ribs I give her a bit more food until she's looking good again.

Most dogs really enjoy the snow and as long as proper precautions are taken, there's no reason they shouldn't be out playing in it! Enjoy this winter weather! Maybe Ramona, Tucker, and I will build a snow dog in the park tomorrow...

What should I feed my dog?

2010-12-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

People come into BONeJOUR everyday and ask me for recommendations for dog food. Over the last 3 years here, I've made it a point to learn as much as possible about the pet food industry, so that I can help you choose the best food for your dog or cat! Now I can use this blog to help keep you informed, but as always, feel free to stop by or give me a call so we can discuss your pet's unique needs. (This is generally dog-specific, but most of the info here can apply to cat food as well!)

This is slightly dumbed down, but I’m going to say there are basically 3 categories of dog foods. Economy/Generic, Premium, Super-Premium/Natural/Holistic/Organic. Let’s start with the gross stuff...

Economy / Generic Dog Food - (Grocery Store Brands, Old Roy, Purina, Pedigree, Purina, Beneful) WARNING: This is really yucky. Those with weak stomachs may just want to skip it.

Generic dog food can often be lower in nutrients and higher in fat products. This is stuff you buy in the grocery store or the corner store. From the generic Acme brand to Purina One, they are all in the bottom category.

Why are they so bad? Well, one major reason is their source of meats. Instead of the whole meats their beautiful labels and thousand-dollar commercials show, they are using meat by-products. These are basically the leftovers of the meat industry, otherwise known as Specified Risk Materials, bits of animals humans don’t eat (feathers, beaks, guts, etc) or 4D meats. The 4-D's are dead, diseased, drugged, and downed meat producing animals. Told you it was disgusting! STAY AWAY FROM BY-PRODUCTS!

Another reason to avoid generic brands is the percentage of meat to “fillers”. Dogs are omnivores that need a large amount of meat protein in their diets, and cats are true carnivores. Our pets have difficulty processing certain grains, and definitely should not be getting their protein from animal sources such as corn gluten, which is what most of these brands use to pump up their protein percentages.

Foods in this category often change depending on what type of meat is cheaper. This can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. They often contain artificial colorings and flavorings, which your dog could care less about. These foods contain chemical preservatives and fillers like wheat, corn and soy.

We don’t carry any economy/generic foods here at BONeJOUR, and I urge you not to feed your pet any food in this category.

Premium Dog Food - (Hill’s Science Diet, Nutro, Iams)

Premium dog foods have higher standards in choosing ingredients and in processing methods. Premium foods still vary from brand to brand, but often the formula does not change from bag to bag like it might with economy brands. The ingredients are slightly better, artificial dyes are not added, but antioxidants and vitamins are, and the food is slightly easier to digest. All of these extra touches result in slightly higher quality nutrition for your pet, but with less food consumed.

The only brand in this category that we carry at BONeJOUR is Science Diet. I am conflicted about carrying this brand, because I don’t think it’s the best quality food. However, because of their amazing marketing and partnerships with vets and animal shelters, many people come in and insist on feeding their pet Science Diet. They recently came out with the Nature’s Best line, which is actually much better quality than the original. (Yay!) If you currently feed your pet Science Diet and you’re interested in switching to a higher quality food, PLEASE come see me! I’d love to help you!

Super Premium Dog Food - Canidae, Solid Gold, California Natural, Wellness, Innova, Evo, Orijen, Verus, Merrick

Super Premium foods contain better ingredients than in the Premium brands. Most brands use only human-grade ingredients. They also do not use synthetic preservatives like ethoxyquin, but use Vitamin C or Vitamin E instead. They do not use artificial flavors or colors. Super Premiums may be more expensive, but your pet is receiving concentrated nutrition packed into smaller portion sizes, which can be more economical.

Some of these foods are also grain-free (Orijen, Evo) and many are made with human-grade ingredients. It’s really quite a far cry from that store brand food we looked at back in the first category! Most of them are also all-natural, meaning that they do not use chemical preservatives, colorings, or flavorings. This is the good stuff. Give one of these foods a try, and you’ll see benefits such as shinier coats, increased energy, and better overall health. Less vet visits!

The majority of food we carry at BONeJOUR falls in this category. This does not mean all the foods are the same! There are still differences in type of animal protein (chicken, fish, lamb, etc), amount of grains (grain-free vs. traditional holistic foods containing digestible grains), and TASTE! All our dogs are different, they need different foods based on their particular needs and tastes. Hence the variety. But regardless of their differences, you can feel good about feeding your dog any food in this category.

There’s actually one more category that we didn’t really get into...

Veterinary Prescription Diets - Requiring a prescription from a veterinarian, therapeutic diets are usually used when a dog is taken into the vet because something is wrong with them. Science Diet (Hill's) makes prescription diets, as do other companies. Retail stores like BONeJOUR can't order these diets, because they are prescription only. The thing is, I've done quite a bit of research on these diets, and talked to quite a few vets, and I'm skeptical. In my eyes, if you feed a dog a high-quality food, it is very unlikely that they will need to be on these diets. I believe that the prescription diet "scheme" is exactly that - marketing. Pet food companies provide these foods to vets so they can "prescribe" them to people (at extremely high markups!) Many of these foods would be considered an poor quality food if you look at the ingredients - by-products, gluten, fillers, yuck, yuck, and yuck! I know there are a lot of great vets out there who know tons about dog nutrition, but I've been in situations where I specifically asked a vet what ingredients in a special food would be beneficial for a condition, and the vet had no idea! If your vet prescribes your dog a prescription food, please ask them what exactly about the food is therapeutic to your dog. Then come see me and we'll find a healthier alternative that serves the same purpose, is most likely cheaper, and doesn't support the pet food marketing industry.

The Difference is in the Price, and in the Poop!

The thing that bugs me the most about pet food you can buy at, say, Shop-Rite, is the price! If you're going to spend almost as much money, why not get something GOOD, and support a worthwhile pet food company company and a small, local business at the same time? It's always been my opinion that if you skimp on pet food, you will end up paying more at the vet later. Plus, feeding your dog a Super-Premium food will end up costing LESS per feeding, because you have to feed the dog much less to get the same nutritional power!

* 24 cents a day to feed a dog a Super-Premium brand
* 26 cents a day for a Premium brand
* 31 cents a day for an Econo brand!

According to Nan Weitzman and Ross Becker in The Dog Food Book, the main difference between Economy, Premium, and Super Premium dog foods is the clean up. The Economy brands had fewer nutrients per package and the recommended feeding portion was 6 cups a day. The Premium brand had more nutrients than the Economy packages, but less than the Super Premium. The feeding instructions recommended 3-1/4 cups per day. The Super Premium offered the best nutritional value and suggested an average of only 1-3/4 cups of food per day. All measurements were for a 40-lb. dog. "Thus, the big difference," state Weitzman and Becker "is in the poop!"