Animal House Brings Natural Pet Food to Taste of Galloway

Those attending the inaugural should bring their pets.

The event, presented by the , will showcase the signature food and drinks from Galloway’s restaurants, and will take place on the Village Greene in

Food and drink is not limited to humans, though, as Animal House will be there with samples of treats and foods for the animal’s delight.

Animal House, located at 229 White Horse Pike in Absecon, is an animal shelter for those looking to adopt rescued animals.

“We’ve always worked with cat rescues, and now we’re transitioning to bird rescues,” said Animal House Manager Marissa Flatley, adding that Guinea Pigs are also part of the shelter’s rescue efforts. “We think it’s better to rescue animals. … This is a good place to come and see what the rescues have.”

Animal House Owner Vicki Phillips, who has owned the store for six years, is involved in rescuing animals directly, as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Springer Spanier Rescue.

Animal House itself works with three rescues, including Little Miracles Rabbit Rescue in Hammonton; iHarbor Cares in Galloway; and Helping all Little Things, based in Northern New Jersey.

Those who adopt animals receive a free bag of food with each adoption.

“Our stuff is more natural,” Flatley said. “ … We stick with food made in the U.S.”

Flatley said there was a series of recalled pet food items about five or six years ago. A lot of the recalls had to do with chicken and jerky, not made in America.

“People didn’t know where their food was coming from,” Flatley said.

She added that a lot of pet food sold in major pet food chain stores is corn-based, and can lead animals to experience kidney and allergy issues. However, there are a lot of brands that cater to independent retailers, including Animal House. They provide a healthier option, and that food will be on display June 28.

“We’ll have tons of samples of everything,” Flatley said. “We’ll have information on our pet food. Our stuff is more natural. It has less bi-products and less corn.”

Animal House is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

For more information on the Taste of Galloway event, visit http://www.gallowaybusiness.com/taste-of-galloway.