Fact: Kibble contains large amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), creating an environment where bad bacteria thrive – often leading to bad breath, plaque, and gum disease.
Pro Tip: While no diet can actively remove existing plaque, fresh or raw diets can help protect your pet’s teeth and gums by maintaining optimal stomach pH, which is required for the body to combat bacteria that leads to oral diseases.
Read More in our Dental Health Month article
I was brought to NPP by my father, who was previously working with Nicci for his dog, Roko. Through conversation with Nicci, he found out she needed help at the store and I was interested!
I’m a sales associate, so I help customers with any questions they have, I help them find the right food and supplements for their pets. My favorite thing to do is to recommend treats because I use a wide variety at home so I have personal experience with them!
I have 3 pets: Roko, a Malinois-Shepherd Mix, Pixie, a chihuahua mix, and my cat Jonas (named after the Jonas brothers). We adopted Pixie and Jonas from Cheshire Animal Control. Roko is a K9 unit for Cheshire Police Department.
Finding out more than I thought I knew about pet nutrition! There is so much to learn about health, diet, training, etc. that I’m always learning something new.
The Jolly Pets Soccer Ball! I’m amazed by it because it is impossible to deflate, even after my dog bites into it and carries it around. He pops every single ball that he gets a hold of and this toy has lasted months!
I like to watch TikTok, go to the gym, and family activities like feeding the ducks at the park, day trips to NYC, and going on long walks with my best friend.
The first time I helped a customer on my own! I recommended a Cloud Collar for a dog after he was neutered. I remember it really well because it was the day we had the Sip and Shop event in the store. I felt proud because I was able to use my training given to help other people.
Working as a team and communicating with each other, regardless of what it’s about, is the most important thing to make sure everyone is on the same page. This also gives people the option to give their opinion about something.
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We’ve compiled an amazing list of local providers from veterinarians and medical specialists to dog sitters and walkers to trainers and behavioral experts that we trust to care for our pets.
We only stock quality pet products that we feel comfortable giving to our own pet. We’re always here to provide top notch expert and unbiased advice, and friendly customer service.
Give your dog an enrichment toy to keep their mind occupied during fireworks season. Enrichment toys present a challenge (like a puzzle) that give your dog something less stressful (and positive) to focus on besides the loud noise. Some options include:
Extend the Chew Time of a Bully Stick
The West Paw Quizl is designed to hold a bully stick for the toughest chewers – adding an extra mental challenge and extending chew time! They’re also perfect for carrot sticks, collagen sticks, and (dog-safe) peanut butter! Quizl’s are also:
Find In-Store or Purchase Online
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, enhances joint health & can also help with these six ailments:
We met Kai at Sean Casey Rescue Center in Brooklyn, NY when he was one. He melted our hearts as he bunny hopped down the block with excitement.
Kai’s favorite game is hide and seek. When he is able to find us he starts wagging his tail so hard his whole bottom half shakes.
Kai loves car rides. He even tries to jump into open cars that aren’t his.
Kai is a sock thief. He likes to look you in the eye as he steals socks out of the room and then mischievously prances away.
Breed: Some breeds (such as pitties and shepherds) are known for their jaw strength, while other breeds like collies and terriers) are known for their ability to problem-solve. Is your dog craving a tough chew to gnaw on, or simply needs a chew to keep their mind occupied?
Age: Teething puppies need a slightly softer chew to help soothe sore gums. Similarly, senior dogs may need softer chews for aging teeth.
Size: Regardless of age and breed, dog size/weight plays a crucial role in choosing any toy or chew. Any chew that is too small for your dog poses a potential choking hazard, so if you’re unsure of which size is best, always size up!
Extreme: For the toughest chewers, Benebones offer a wide array of sizes and flavors in a long-lasting ergonomically-shaped toy.
Destructive: Look for durable rubber chew toys (like Kong or West Paw) or strong natural chews such as elk antlers and buffalo horns.
Picky: Aromatic chews–like bully sticks and pig ears–appeal more to dogs that prefer a tasty chewy treat over a tough bone-type chew.
Clever: If your dog enjoys a good puzzle, look for rubber toys or natural chew options that allow you to stuff with your own filling. Classic Kong toys are a great entry point for this, or for something more challenging, try the West Paw Toppl. Take it to the next level by putting the filled toy in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat.
Quick: For a chew that will keep your pup busy for a short sitting, look for natural digestible chews composed of dehydrated skin, tendon, and cartilage. These include body parts like duck feet, pig ears, and bully sticks.
Longer: For something that will last longer than a single sitting, try a stuffed marrow bone or Kong toy, a split elk antler, or a water buffalo horn. Himalayan yak milk chews are another option for longer-lasting digestible chews.
Longest: While chew duration is relative to the size and strength of your dog, some of the longest lasting options available are raw recreational bones, elk antlers, and Benebones.
Chew toys and treats that work for one dog may not work for another dog. While these recommendations are intended to assist your purchase decisions, accidents happen and there is risk associated with dog chews of any kind.
*No toy or chew is indestructible. All chews should be fed under supervision only.*
As we prepare to do a big store inventory, we’re having a Red, White, and Toy Sale! Buy any 2 toys and get 1 FREE until Sunday 6/6!
DIY Dog Wash closes one hour prior to store close.
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