COLD NOSES, WARM HEARTS DESERVE
CHRISTMAS TREATS By Paul Clark, WNC Parent contributor
What would your pet ask for for Christmas if it could talk? Yummy treats, of course. But you, dutiful parent that you are, know that goodies plus toys plus clothes make for the well-rounded holiday (do we sound like your mother?). Fortunately, locally owned pet stores stock plenty of holiday gifts, many of them made right here in Western North Carolina. Here are but a few.
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All natural
Treat your pet to organic, holistic, all-natural dog and cat food made in Asheville by Green Earth Pet Food. Made with freerange chicken or beef, the food uses organic whole, fresh eggs, vegetables, yogurt, flaxseed and green tea. You can find it at several stores around town, such as Earth Fare (2537656) in West Asheville and MoonDoggies Natural Pet Foods (633-0900) in Candler. And you can order it direct from Green Earth’s website (www.greenearthpet food.com).
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Gluten free
The Organic K9 in Mars Hill makes “the most powerful organic herb and Bach flower dog biscuits in the world,” according to its website. Asheville Pet Supply (1451 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 252-2054) sells them, as do a few other pet businesses in the area (for a list, visit www.theorganick9.com). Asheville Pet Supply sells a 5-ounce bag of Organic K9’s gluten-free vanilla treats for $6.75. Heart-healthy, they’re made with rice flour, aloe juice, flax seed, spring water vitamin E “and healing prayers,” according to the website. “We try to recommend treats and biscuits with no corn or wheat in them,” Asheville Pet Supply owner Mary Hourihan said, noting the allergies that some dogs have. “There are so many good treats without them, why take a chance, especially if you’re giving them as a gift?”
The Organic K9 in Mars Hill sells its natural dog treats at Asheville Pet Supply. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
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