Holistic Foods for Pets Offered Locally

As demand for organic and holistic pet products has grown, so too has confusion.

With many healthy-sounding names on the market, there’s a holistic pet store in Carrollwood willing to help people understand things better.

“Holistic means all natural, no by-products, no preservatives or artificial ingredients,” said Yvonne Guibert, proprietor of Groovy Cats and Dogs on Lake Carroll Way.

“You cannot find a quick fix in a bag of food,” cautions Guibert, “but it’s a stepping stone and may help you avoid yeast, digestive and thyroid problems down the road.”

That’s why Guibert thinks it makes sense to proactively consider the overall physical and emotional well-being of pets when they’re young, rather than waiting for a problem to manifest itself.

“All systems are connected," she says, "and placing your pet on medication places added stress on other systems, like the liver."

While holistic pet food may be more expensive initially, Guibert emphasizes its long-term health benefits. Customers tend to agree.  

“This food allows me to keep my 18-year-old cat healthy and happy for as long as possible," said  Jennifer Gressler, a longtime customer.

While chain stores carry some holistic pet food, Guibert encourages owners to understand that large advertising budgets can make a line laced with additives sound healthier than it is.

She encourages varied diets for pets,  carries an array of holistic labels ranging from The Honest Kitchen, to Evo, Innova, California Natural to Canidae, Fromm 4-Star to Great Life., Onjen and Acana.

She thinks owners should explore the options and stay informed.

“I tell them to question mass marketing, read labels and add variety to their pets’ diet,” says Guibert, who also posts success stories of pets on her Facebook page.

Just like in humans, obesity interferes with an animal’s immunity to chronic diseases. Nutrition that is free of additives and chemicals, when coupled with exercise, play and enrichment activities, leads to a more balanced and healthy life for pets, according to Guibert.

“I listen to what owners say, encourage them to take home a sample of raw or dry food and check it out with their veterinarian,” she says.

She also says that she hears increased talk about pet food allergies, and points out that mass marketed food contains additives, artificial colors and preservatives, which can cause an intolerance to grain, allergies, and an array of other digestive issues.

Recent pet food recalls have also highlighted the problems associated with adding corn, meat by-products, and other fillers to pet food. 

“The mass market is flooded with food that has a high percentage of overly processed food, but a truly holistic diet improves your dog or cat’s energy level, increases longevity and can decrease cancer rates, diabetes, kidney and thyroid problems,” said Guibert.

It’s something she and her husband Albert have been thinking about for years. When the two were dating, he had a four-year-old Labrador retriever diagnosed with a very sudden and advanced case of lymphoma.

“The process of losing a young dog who had previously been healthy, got us thinking about diet and health for animals,” she said.

The couple had already been discussing starting a small business when holistic and healthy pets became a shared interest. 

A meticulous researcher armed with a background in public relations, Guibert found a store in Sarasota that embodied her interests and beliefs in holistic pet food.  That store – and its owners - has served as informal mentors since Guibert and her husband opened their door four-and-a –half years ago.

Now she’s on something of a mission to educate pet owners herself.

To help increase awareness, she holds two wellness events at her store in the spring and fall. 

Her Pampered Pooch Valentine’s Day Soiree, scheduled for today, includes a mobile grooming station and pet massage therapy, as well as a “Smoochable Pet Breath” station.  That’s because Guibert wants owners to know that as in humans, breath issues are linked to diet and health.

Her efforts have morphed into consulting and she’s considering getting certified in herbal studies to round out her knowledge.

“Ethically, I feel fantastic about what we provide and what I’m doing," she said. "I know that if I have just one conversation with a pet owner and share information and research, then I’ve put in an honest day’s work."

The Whole Dog Journal released its annual list of top holistic dog foods recently.  Guibert offered a few other tips:

• When you read labels, understand the first five ingredients
• Know where the food is manufactured
• For optimal health, avoid using one product exclusively
• Provide a balanced diet, stimulation and lifestyle for your pet
• Treats with sugar should be kept to a minimum
• Read up on holistic pet foods