... I couldn’t believe how much corn syrup and empty fillers were used in many of the standard pet treats. Find me one dog owner that says “Gee, I wish my dog was more hyper and pooped more…”  So, I went on a quest for better food for my dog. When a neighbor told me about Doggone Natural- a new, natural, holistic pet supply shop for dogs and cats- I was excited, but wary about overpriced hoity-toity pet accessories.

I envisioned a bunch of Paris Hilton wanna-bes with their dogs in purses, buying toenail polish and ribbons for their pampered pooches. I was afraid that I’d find nothing but rhinestone studded collars and pâté for Persian cats, and a pretentious matron holding a 3 lb. yapper under her arm. But instead, I was greeted by a down to earth couple with the coolest Dachshund I’ve ever met and learned a ton about how a typical grocery store diet affects our pets’ behaviors and health. There were toys, training aids, organic dog and cat foods and yes- even a selection of rhinestone collars! 

A short conversation showed their true interest in and knowledge about animals. After discussing my dog’s needs, they stuffed my bag with samples so I could see what he liked, and gave me some wonderful insights on the changes these products would make in my pup. He was a good dog anyway, but now that his diet is Candidae® dog food, which is protein based instead of wheat flour and corn syrup based, he eats less, sleeps more, and yes- poops less! No sugar crash after a burst of hyperactiveness, because there is no hyperactivity.

**An update to this review: once CJ and Kim learned that the formula in Canidae had changed, they gave me a sample of another dog food that would have the same positive effect of Beemer, and they were RIGHT. He's ben eating Great Life Pet Super Food for months and is as healthy, muscular, and yes- regular- as ever. Great Life uses USDA Human Grade meat and chicken (I think this puts Great Life one level above the meat in Big Macs, but I could be wrong!) only fresh vegetables- many of which are organic- and easily digestible fruit and organic whole grains.

His coat shines, and he sheds less because of the Grizzly Salmon Oil™ that we add to his breakfast. We’ve found some durable toys and delicious treats for our 4-legged son as well.

Aside from the superior products, Doggone Natural reminded me of what I grew up with in Nebraska: warm, caring shop owners whose work is their passion. A local store where you get more than a bag & a receipt on your way out the door- you get personalized attention, they know your pet by name, and they give you breed-specific recommendations based on your needs, not what’s currently in stock. Best of all- the prices are not bloated, and their products are often regionally made, and truly are organic and natural.

One visit to Doggone Natural will let you see the other side of pet stores- the side that focuses on smaller selections of higher grade products rather than row after row of lower grade food, snacks and toys. If they start selling snacks for 9 year old human boys- I will have a one stop shop…

Doggone Natural Passes with Flying Colors!   

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” – Robert A. Heinlein

http://doggonenatural.com/index.html 

NEW LOCATION!!!!

44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza
Unit #287
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Phone: 1-703-858-1112