Yet another reason to buy Honest Kitchen food

[capt_noonie]

This is the email newsletter I received from them today. Often times I see shops that sell pets, but also sell premium dog food. I wonder if the dog food companies have reps come to check out the shop before they open an account with them? When I want to bring in a new line or company, a rep has to come meet me and approve us before we can place an order. I'm wondering if these companies to send people out and don't care they sell dogs?

Anyway, here's the email:

Welcome to our Puppy Issue! This month, learn some useful tips on puppy nutrition, and save money on our two puppy recipes, Thrive and Embark (which are also suitable for active adult dogs, and those who need a lower-carb diet)

While we're on the topic of puppies, we're sometimes asked why we are so strongly opposed to allowing our foods to be sold in retail outlets that sell puppies and kittens. We have refused to allow Honest Kitchen products to be sold in stores that sell puppies and kittens for the past nine years, because they are often linked to puppy mills and backyard breeders.

There are about 100,000 to 200,000 dogs inside puppy mills at any given time in the United States. We believe that puppy mills do not constitute 'responsible breeders', since puppy-mill pets are not sufficiently socialized to normal everyday situations, causing them to suffer various social problems and making them difficult house pets - which in turn makes them even more at risk of ending their days in a shelter. In addition, puppy mills do not offer lifetime support to puppy owners and do not agree to take back any puppy they have raised, for the duration of its entire life, as a responsible breeder does. Also, when puppies are sold in retail outlets, there is insufficient vetting of new homes to ensure that owners are sufficiently educated on how to care for their new animal, have the means to care for their new family member and properly understand the lifetime responsibility they are undertaking.

The mass scale breeding of puppies on farms, transportation across the country and re-sale in shops is the single biggest cause of massive over-population of companion animals in the United States and has caused puppies to be considered as commodities or possessions rather than members of the family. The greatest victims in the puppy mill problem are the breeding parents, because they will live their life in a cage and it generally ends fairly brutally.

However, we support rescue organizations and responsible breeders, as well as pet supplies stores who refuse to support irresponsible backyard breeders and the puppy mill trade.

We hope that you join us in taking a stance against these stores, and the irresponsible breeders who supply them. No matter how cute that puppy might be in the window - if there's no demand, the supply will stop.

Now that it's off our chest, let's celebrate our love for puppies; from their tummies to their toes! Here are a few pictures we'd like to share, brought to you by our Facebook Fans!

[Princess10]

I really think that's great. Unfortunately, there are far too many companies that would rather line their pockets than stand up for social or ethical issues. It's so nice to see one that will.

[capt_noonie]

Yes, and they also have a rewards program! I"m saving up for some free swag.

[bettyeanne]

Toto has been an "HKK" [Honest Kitchen Kid] for years ... wouldn't change for anything! I add a few little fresh extras to her Force, that are also very healthy, and she has never, ever been bored with it. I would recommend it to anyone. We even fed it to our Yorkie Rescue Colorado babies and never had one that didn't like it. There are so many good things about this company that as long as they keep making it, they have a loyal customer here!

[ArmaniMan]

I love the company, they really are great and they were very helpful with coming up with recipes when I was using preference. The food just never agreed with my dogs.

[capt_noonie]

I noticed on their site that they also donate puppy packs to approved reputable breeders and rescue organizations!

[Britster]

Jackson hates HK stuff... lol. But I do think it's a great brand! Happy to read this. It's so darn expensive, too (the stuff I saw). They don't have kibble right? It's that stuff that's like green looking and you add water?

[Lil Sis]

wow... very impressed with the company!!
Thanks for sharing

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Britster

Jackson hates HK stuff... lol. But I do think it's a great brand! Happy to read this. It's so darn expensive, too (the stuff I saw). They don't have kibble right? It's that stuff that's like green looking and you add water?

There are certain varieties that are VERY pricey, like $50 a box, however, I feed Uni the Preference, which is just fruits and veggies, and I add in fresh chicken or fish. For a 4 lb box (hydrates up to about 16 lbs of fresh food), it lasts us about a 2 months, and at our feed store costs $25, factoring in the chicken at average $3/lb and she goes through one breast in a week or so (I freeze half and cook half at a time) it's really not much. Esp seeing as how one 3 lb bag of Royal Canin (for example) is $23 and lasts about one month!

You should look into their treats as well, awesome ingredients, they all have organic virgin coconut oil in them (don't know if you have been following the CO thread or not) and fairly priced, about $8 a box.

[Maximo]

I agree, the treats are great. Good to hear that this manufacturer won't have their products sold in stores that sell puppies.

We have a Pets Plus store that sells puppies, including lots of Yorkies, and they carry a few of the top brand pet foods. It saddens me that these companies allow this.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

There are certain varieties that are VERY pricey, like $50 a box, however, I feed Uni the Preference, which is just fruits and veggies, and I add in fresh chicken or fish. For a 4 lb box (hydrates up to about 16 lbs of fresh food), it lasts us about a 2 months, and at our feed store costs $25, factoring in the chicken at average $3/lb and she goes through one breast in a week or so (I freeze half and cook half at a time) it's really not much. Esp seeing as how one 3 lb bag of Royal Canin (for example) is $23 and lasts about one month!

You should look into their treats as well, awesome ingredients, they all have organic virgin coconut oil in them (don't know if you have been following the CO thread or not) and fairly priced, about $8 a box.

Ohhhh I've never seen their treats! Definitely gonna check 'em out.

Oh my gosh RC is ridiculous! I have been so shocked by the prices they charge for what the food is.... I was getting Acana for $14 for a 5.5lb bag and now I am getting TOTW (5lbs) for like $10!!! Can't believe RC can charge so much for a tiny bag mostly full of fillers and grains.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Britster

Ohhhh I've never seen their treats! Definitely gonna check 'em out.

Oh my gosh RC is ridiculous! I have been so shocked by the prices they charge for what the food is.... I was getting Acana for $14 for a 5.5lb bag and now I am getting TOTW (5lbs) for like $10!!! Can't believe RC can charge so much for a tiny bag mostly full of fillers and grains.

It is amazing. A lot of food at Petsmart and Petco is more expensive or the same price as the "super premium" brands at specialty stores. I'm not saying there aren't any good foods at these stores, but I often wonder why so many people consider the pet chains bargains compared to independent stores.

[capt_noonie]

I guess bc some people think if they are buying their dog food at a pet supply store, it must be better than the stuff they previously were buying at their grocery store or Walmart or Target.

Also, there are still a lot of people who think, "if I've never heard of it before it must not be good". We all know that not to be true. The best companies don't need to advertise.