Nutrition
I get this question every day! And I can say..great food! Wholesome ingredients, sometimes organic, the best I can feed. I am an advocate of trying to feed as much “real” food as possible to my family and to my pets. This means that I do read labels and shop at stores that don’t require me to analyze everything I pick up! For me, that means Trader Joe’s and Luna’s Pet Depot!
Luna’s Pet Depot is located right on Bridge Street in Salem. Luna's Pet Depot is a small family owned company located in Salem, Massachusetts. As lifelong pet owners, Tom and Lisa are dedicated to providing people and their pets with quality pet products, nutritious natural pet foods and treats at low affordable prices. They pride themselves on knowledge of pet nutrition, and will advise and educate clients how to read and understand the ingredients in pet food and the companies that make them. Having the proper diet can help aid in food allergies, diabetes, obesity, skin conditions, and many other common problems seen in pets today.
Luna’s Pet Depot food lines include EVO, Innova, California Natural, Merrick (all three lines) including Before Grain and Whole Earth Farms, Wellness, Eagle Pack, and Timberwolf Organics. Among our many lines of food they also carry Weruva canned cat food and their sister line BFF, both are made in a human tuna facility with human grade ingredients. They also carry raw diets that include Bravo and Stella & Chewy’s. All lines of food are made in the USA and have no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and DO NOT contain any artificial colors or preservatives.
Luna’s Pet Depot also offers some natural flea and tick products. These products may be suitable for some pets but not all. Please check with your veterinarian before using any alternative products. Please remember that essential oils, herbal products and other natural remedies including homeopathy are therapeutic agents and can have positive and negative effects just as any drug treatment.
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Photo credit: www.pamelajoye.com |
How do I feed my pet?
Our eyes are definitely bigger than our stomachs and our pets do not know how to say NO! So, like many of us, they are likely eating more than they need. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 45% of dogs and 58% of cats in the US are estimated to be overweight or obese. It is now the biggest health threat to pets!
So what can you do to make a difference?
- Take a look at your pet. Is there is waistline? Can you see a tummy tuck?
- Take a look at the portions you are feeding your pet. Measure it out!
- If you can’t feel the ribs on your pet without a lot of pressure, time to adjust the feeding!
Start off by measuring out what you normally feed. Take out 25% of the volume and substitute with fruits and veggies. Stuart likes to eat peas. Madeline, my old dog used to eat lettuce! Do not feed grapes, raisins or onions. Some veggies that are popular include green beans, broccoli, summer squash, sweet potatoes, apple slices.
Start exercising!
I am so lucky to be able to exercise as much as I do. I remember thinking, “I don’t have time for a walk!” What was I thinking? By making a commitment to exercise, I have time and energy to work a twelve hour day. I know I am fitter that I was before. When our pets exercise, they help us get out there and get active, be healthy.
Make a commitment, 5 minutes a day. Maybe next week, you can make it ten.
Additional local retailers we recommend:
Animal Krackers 232 Main Street in Gloucester. Check out www.visitanimalkrackers.com
978-283-1186
Beverly Wild Bird Seed and Pet Supply
214 Rantoul Street ( directly across from Thomas Ford)
978-927-2880 Closed on Mondays
Many foods can be ordered online and delivered to your door. Check out : www.wysong.net, or www.naturapet.com.
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