Storeowners offer organic foods for pets, too
By Jeremy Adragna
C & G Staff Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — Some local pet food dealers say raw and organic food is the only way to go for dogs and cats.

The Pet Beastro, which opened inside the Madison Heights Animal Welfare Society, 27796 John R, in October 2007, is chock-full of frozen raw meat, dried organic foods, treats and even pet supplements. It is a haven for pet owners looking for an alternative to typical pet foods.

Owner Jill Tack, a graphic artist by day and raw pet food dealer by evening, said she fell into the business after one of her own dogs was diagnosed with cancer. After researching and instituting a strict raw food diet, she said, her dog lived for an additional three years.

When a second dog was diagnosed with colitis, Tack said, she found herself turning again to alternative options for her dog food.

“This isn’t right. I know it’s not right,” said Tack, 29, or her dog’s illness. “We found a holistic vet who recommended a raw diet. Within 36 hours every single symptom went away.”

Many pet owners come to Tack and other pet storeowners in search of an alternative to cost-prohibitive veterinary treatment for their pet’s persistent health problems, such as allergies or lethargy.

The Pet Beastro carries a large amount of raw food, which includes exotic animal meat, organ parts and bones that a dog can digest — a diet that Tack said is the best option for all dogs, although some owners might not be able to stomach it.

“Raw diet is not for every person,” said Tack. “Some people think it’s gross. … If your dog is healthy for the most part, but you notice some things going wrong like seasonal allergies, usually a raw diet will correct it.”

The Pet Beastro also carries raw and organic cat foods, along with an assortment of pine and corn kernel based litter.

Napier’s Kennel Shop, 33967 Woodward, has been in operation for the last 50 years in Birmingham. Gina Ray has owned the business for the last 15 years.

“We try to carry healthy, natural-ingredient foods,” said Ray. “We have two or three organic foods. Our goal is to try to feed as healthy of food as possible, whether it be commercial dog food or a raw diet.”

Ray said a large-scale recall of pet food products manufactured by Menu Foods Income Fund in 2007 has reverberated in the minds of many pet owners, many of whom pay closer attention to the food they feed their dogs.

“People have not forgotten about that, which is a good thing,” said Ray. “It’s made and is making a lot of changes in the pet food industry that are all for the better. There is a lot more control. People are becoming more aware that it’s OK to give your dog fresh food. It’s not called table food anymore. It’s called real food.”

Napier’s Kennel Shop also consults with customers about what kinds of foods are best suited for their animals.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Adragna at jadragna@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1101.