'Pet Diner' Aims to Offer Best for Local Pets

Ruth Marcus began her adventure into premium pet foods over twenty years ago.

“Many, many years ago my husband was in the supermarket business," said Marcus. "We knew the difference between premium and non-premium so we decided to go into premium food because we investigated its quality saw the difference."

Marcus opened the , located in the Maple Glen Shopping Center on Norristown Road, to fulfill a need she saw in the community.

“We started out real small and started to grow because there was a need for it. There were a lot of sick animals in the area," said Marcus. "The supermarket foods have so many enhancers and so many additives that we decided we wanted to specialize in products that have very little of that. Seeing as there are so many sick animals out there with the environment and so forth we wanted to feature top end foods and supplies.”

The Pet Diner began in a small, 300 square foot store next to Maple Glen Pizza. Now the Pet Diner has upgraded its home next to Genuardi's.

Marcus' shop carries food for dogs, cats and small critters. The store features premium food, toys and treats for everything except fish.  They also have a line of non-allergic products and healthy, nutritional treats. You won’t find any supermarket brands at Pet Diner.

“The premium food is nothing like the supermarket dog, cat, small creature food,” said Marcus.

The prices in the store are higher than the supermarket but Marcus does not feel the super stores have interfered with her business.

“We’re small, but we know what we’re talking about, whereas you go into a supermarket, there are so many people and the employees are not trained as we are,” said Marcus.

Marcus says the help she employees at the Pet Diner is very knowledgeable in the industry.

“If someone comes in and has a question we’re probably able to answer all the questions, next to the vet, and if we don’t know something we get back to you.”

If Marcus feels the question is a larger health issue she directs her clients to their vet.

“When you come in my store and ask a question we normally have the answer for you because we’ve been doing it for so long. It takes time but you really have to know what you’re talking about. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon but you do have to know what you’re talking about so people have confidence in you. They won’t come in and spend 20, 30, 40, 50 dollars for a bag of premium food if they’re not knowledgeable about it and I can’t help them,” said Marcus.

Pet Diner does not carry any flea and tick products because Marcus does not believe in them.

What Marcus does believe in is premium food. She offers helpful hints to helping owners switch their pets over to high end food and even supplies samples of different varieties of foods for the animals to try.

“I’m here for whoever has a pet and is interested in getting on to premium food and supply. They will certainly notice the difference in the pet’s behavior, their skin and coat, their digestion,” said Marcus.

Pet Diner is open Monday through Friday 10 to 6, Saturday till 5 and Sunday till 3.