Q & A Session with Mercedes

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What brought you to NPP?

 I started as a Veterinary Receptionist in 2018 with hopes of becoming a Certified Vet Technician, although I ended up working at an animal shelter in various positions. I ended up as a Foster Coordinator where I was helping care for homeless and sick pets waiting to be available for adoption. Many of these sick pets had skin infections, diarrhea, or joint issues, and although our vets helped them with prescriptions, I wanted to do more in the way of nutrition. We saw pets thrive on things like omega oils, pumpkin, and glucosamine and thus began my curiosity in pet nutrition! 

Tell us about your pets…

My boys are all rescues from having worked at a vet/shelter for a few years. My pekingese Kingsley was “adopted” in 2019 when a client couldn’t afford his medical care (dry eye,16 teeth removed, and anemic) so I took him home that day on a whim. Ferguson my dollfaced Persian is my first cat adopted at the beginning of 2020 and at the end of 2020 I rescued Bean from a Louisiana hoarding case with over 160 dogs. They are all sweet mamas boys![vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9019″]–  Bean[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9020″]–  Kingsley[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”9021″]–  Ferguson

Tell us your must-have item from NPP.

Glucosamine is a must have item in my house because I’ve always had senior dogs. With having rescued them I got to see them transform and be more active after being on glucosamine, it is so rewarding!

What are your pets’ favorite treats or toys?

My little dog only has 5 teeth left so his favorite is probably goats milk, but my big dog loves anything to chew on. We give him raw bones, bully sticks, and fish skins for enrichment on the weekends. 

What’s your favorite product to recommend and why?

Goats milk is a product I always recommend because there are so many benefits, and pets love it! I love that we have different flavors like blueberry for antioxidants or pumpkin for even better gut health. 

What is the most FAQ that you get?

I get a lot of questions about what is the longest-lasting chew for dogs, which I can relate to having a Pitbull who destroys chews in seconds. I always recommend antlers, water buffalo horns, or Himalayan chews.

My Overseas Trip to International Pet Nutrition Conferences

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I’m so grateful to have been able to present at not one, but TWO international veterinary conferences recently in Helsinki, Finland for the University of Helsinki and in Barcelona, Spain for the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society.

The first conference was at the University of Helsinki for the annual DogRisk seminar. There, panelists shared their research related to the conference theme of “How to keep an aging dog healthy.” 

My presentation was on “Differently processed dog foods and their research.” In it, I discussed raw and processed pet foods, what the pet food industry is doing right, and what it can improve.

It was truly an honor to have worked with such notable professionals![vc_single_image image=”8715″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”black”][vc_single_image image=”8931″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”black”]What an unforgettable week of travel, science, and seeing old friends.

On my way back to the University of Georgia, I took time to reflect on the significance of this overseas trip. 

Five years ago, I would have never imagined attending an international pet nutrition conference — let alone being invited to serve as a panelist and present my research in front of a global audience. 

That journey has been remarkable.

It’s taken a whole lot of hard work…

Not taking no for an answer…

Not being afraid to take risks…

And most important, the never-ending support of the people who believed in me and my mission to revolutionize the pet food industry. About Nicole Cammack

No other pet store owner in CT touts as many certificates and achievements as Nicole Cammack & Team, who travels around the globe to learn from some of the world’s top vets in search of unbiased truth. She’s gained a reputation for fearlessly standing up for what is right for pets; boldly questioning the validity of marketing claims and demanding transparency in regard to food safety & efficacy. In a constant search for answers, Nicci’s background in human nutrition provides insight to break through pet industry marketing gimmicks to get to the truth.

[vc_single_image image=”8725″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”black”]Myself (Barcelona, Spain)[vc_single_image image=”8723″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”black”]Myself with Dr. Nick Thompson[vc_single_image image=”8726″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”black”]

Q & A with Nicci Cammack

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Caitlin: What is your favorite supplement and why?

Anything fresh – I am an advocate for adding fresh food in every pet’s bowl (even in small amounts). In my experience, small additions of fresh fruit, veggies and lean meats can make a profound difference. 

Beth: What got you interested in animal nutrition?

Like many in this industry, it was my own sick pet that was the catalyst for diving into animal nutrition. Many don’t realize that I came from the human side, and soon realized that the animal nutrition field does not have the depth of research and options that human nutrition does.

Ashley: What supplement is beneficial for all pets’ health?

Short answer: None. Long answer is that every pet is different, and therefore they have unique needs that are based on genetics, lifestyle, breed, age and diet.

Savannah: As a small business owner, what do you consider to be your most noteworthy accomplishment?

The team that works here. Building a successful team that works together is no small feat, and without each of you NPP wouldn’t exist.

Leah: What was life like before your adventure with NPP?

From a professional level, l held several different positions that helped to shape my education and experiences: paramedic, pharmaceutical research and medical education. Prior to NPP I traveled often throughout the country and even internationally for various medical/nutrition related meetings and events. 

Tina: What would be your dream position be once you finish getting your PhD in canine nutrition?

There are a very small handful of PhD canine nutritionists in the entire world and there is a large need for more and a very large education and research gap for canine (and feline) nutrition. Many people don’t realize that many brands of pet food are never formulated or reviewed by a qualified PhD nutritionist. Therefore I believe the largest impact could be made by teaching other graduate students and veterinarians at the University level to elevate the pet food industry to do proper research and make meaningful research contributions to both human and animal health. 

Nikki: What has been your most impactful success story during your time doing nutrition counseling?

This is a tough question. We at NPP know that most pets improve with even incremental changes to their diets. Considering this, I think that success in that space is helping pet parents to see the bigger picture and why nutrition is fundamental to health and wellness.

Jenna: Everyone at NPP has learned so much from you. What have you learned from the team?

I am continually learning from this team. It’s probably not common knowledge that I had zero small business experience or full ‘people management experience. Everyone here is incredibly talented at problem-solving, adapting to change and speaking up when they have ideas – and we foster this environment! This approach has allowed each of us to learn and grow together and therefore each and everyone that is a member of this team has contributed to the success of NPP. 

Missy: What is your ultimate goal after you complete your PhD?

The purpose of a Ph.D. is to learn how to do research.  Another part is often to teach younger students of the same field you’re completing your doctorate in. I’m looking forward to doing both of these things and contributing advancements to the field of canine nutrition. 

Asking the important questions now…can we see some pictures of your pets?

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NorthPoint Pets’ Cammack Appointed to Prestigious International Pet Food Research Panel

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August 19, 2022

CHESHIRE, Conn. — Nicole Cammack, animal nutrition researcher, doctoral candidate, and owner of NorthPoint Pets & Company, has been named an adjunct member of the University of Helsinki’s DogRisk team in Finland.

DogRisk is a research group in the equine and small animal medicine department at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki. The group conducts independent research on the associations between dogs’ nutrition and their dis­eases, concentrating on disease prevention. 

“I am delighted to have this opportunity and honored to serve with such a globally recognized powerhouse team in the field of pet food research,” said Cammack. “This is a pivotal time for animal nutrition and the management of high-quality food that emphasizes our pets’ health, wellbeing, and longevity. I look forward to collaborating with principal investigator Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman and her renowned team of scientists.” 

Nicole Cammack is the founder & owner of multiple-award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences and business. She earned an M.S. in nutrition and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in comparative biomedical sciences (canine nutrition/metabolomics) at the University of Georgia. 

As a consultant, Cammack has worked on multiple R&D projects for the pharmaceutical industry and has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition to improve care and feeding. 

Her research interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research explores the canine urinary metabolome and the connection to diet.

To learn more about DogRisk: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs

ABOUT NORTHPOINT PETS & COMPANY (NPP)

NPP provides premium pet food with unbiased, honest, and science-backed information regarding the care, feeding, and behavioral drivers of dogs and cats. Located in Cheshire, Conn., the national award-winning NPP team has earned a well-deserved reputation as industry leaders in independent pet retail and advocates of improving pet nutrition, health, and food safety. Learn more at https://northpointpets.com/.

NorthPoint Pets’ Cammack Invited to Speak About Pet Food Safety at International Conference

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August 10, 2022

 

CHESHIRE, Conn. — Nicole Cammack, animal nutrition researcher, doctoral candidate, and owner of NorthPoint Pets & Company, has been invited to speak at the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) annual conference in Barcelona, Spain.

 

Cammack will present “Evolving the Narrative: Known & Unknowns About Pet Food Safety” at the prestigious event on September 24. 

 

The annual RFVS conference has garnered a reputation as a key meeting among some of the world’s top veterinarians and veterinary nurses pursuing science-based research on raw and fresh feeding for pets. 

 

“I am honored to have been invited to speak at such a prestigious conference,” said Cammack. “Sharing my research and insights on pet food safety, whether that food is raw or processed, will hopefully add to our shared knowledge of improving the quality of food we provide to our pets.”   

 

The 2022 conference, “How Safe Is Their Food,” will be held in Barcelona and can also be available online. More information about the event and affordable tickets for the virtual conference can be found at https://rfvs.info/conference-2022/.

 

Nicole Cammack is the founder & owner of multiple-award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences and business. She earned an M.S. in nutrition and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in comparative biomedical sciences (canine nutrition/metabolomics) at the University of Georgia. 

 

As a consultant, Cammack has worked on multiple R&D projects for the pharmaceutical industry and has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition to improve care and feeding. 

 

Her research interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research explores the canine urinary metabolome and the connection to diet.

 

ABOUT NORTHPOINT PETS & COMPANY (NPP)

NPP provides premium pet food with unbiased, honest, and science-backed information regarding the care, feeding, and behavioral drivers of dogs and cats. Locat in Cheshire, Conn., the national award-winning NPP team has earned a well-deserved reputation as industry leaders in independent pet retail and advocates of improving pet nutrition, health, and food safety. Learn more at https://northpointpets.com/.

Q & A Session with Morgan

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What brought you to NPP?

I joined NPP with an eagerness to learn more about pet nutrition and to use that knowledge to help people and pets who need it most. I started out at Branford Veterinary Hospital in 2018 with no previous experience in veterinary medicine and by 2021 I was a certified veterinary technician. Both of my dogs (Tyson and Pongo) are what built my strong interest in nutrition on top of already working in the field as well. When you have pets that need preventative care to avoid future costs- you do what you have to do. And in my case, that was learning and educating myself on behalf of each of their nutritional needs.

Tell us about your pets!

In 2016, my boyfriend and I adopted Tyson our pit mix from a rescue in Waterbury. Just like any other pit or pit mix, he came with the upset belly, itchy skin, picky eater – you name it he has it. I originally thought back then that the things I was doing for him were everything I could be doing but, I just gave him the best off-the-shelf dog food I could afford.

After feeding Tyson like that for 18 months, I realized something needed to change to improve his health so I started looking at ways to improve his diet. I was referred to NPP (Thomaston Feed at the time) and that is when I received the help that I needed all along. Food and treat trials you name it. We got him on a kibble that suited his needs best and I learned along the way the information a pet owner would need to know about how to pick the right food.

Then came Pongo, our Dalmatian, in 2018. Dalmatians are a unique breed and of course, a very cool breed to say the least. But after owning and taking care of this breed, I can say hands down, if someone were to get a Dalmatian, they MUST do their research (that goes for any specific breed). Pongo at about 8 ½ weeks old was urinating almost a milky substance. Dalmatians are prone to forming stones through genetic mutation in their breed. They carry a certain crystal in their urine- ammonium biurates- which is normal in dals and a couple of other breeds but if seen in any other breed this would be abnormal. Seeing the presence of these crystals is okay to see in dals but the whole point is to maintain a healthy diet by paying close attention to their purine intake which will help prevent the forming of stones. After the endless (to this day) research and discussion with Nicci in depth about Pongo and what I can do for him to avoid anything down the road- we came to an agreement and that is when we started him on half raw half kibble diet with supplements included. Both of my dogs are my babies, and I would do anything for them!!!

What do you enjoy most about working at NPP?

I enjoy my team. The team here at NPP is like no other. Talking from education down to personalities. Everyone here at NPP makes each day different and I constantly can learn something new every day. We are here to help educate and watching the team do this every day during the shift is amazing. Each case handed to us is so different and I enjoy learning how to handle a different case each time. 

What is your pet’s favorite treat/toy from NPP?

Both Tyson and Pongo LOVE the frozen raw duck or turkey necks. Especially in the summer where they can just go in the yard and enjoy their snack. Now, I love the frozen raw duck/turkey necks as it is a super beneficial way of helping their dental health and keeping their mind occupied. 

What is your favorite product to recommend and why?

There are 2 products that are favorites of mine, not necessarily by name but in general. I love to discuss with customers hip & joint products and omega-3’s. It is super beneficial for each patient (especially those prone to certain health issues) to be on a joint aid and an omega-3 supplement lifelong. Both products are super preventative for long-term health. Joint supplements are great for the joints and help keep them strong and steady. Omega-3’s have a ton of great benefits: brain health, heart health, anti-inflammatory, vision health, and growth. Just like in humans, you do not want something getting to a point where medicine is your only route to take. If it can be prevented, why not try as early as possible to prevent it? 

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to spend it with my dogs and boyfriend either hiking/walking/or just hanging around in the backyard. If I am not spending my time with my little family, I am either with my family (I have a good amount of nieces and nephews ☺), attending my boyfriend’s softball games on Thursday nights, and/or laying out by the pool enjoying time in the sun!

What is something you have learned while working at NPP?

Ask questions!!! If there is one thing I can take away from my career with NPP, it is to tell our customers to always ask questions. Everyone should know why their beloved pet would need a certain recommendation, what is it for, how it should be used, etc. 

Yes, we can be told after our pet’s annual bloodwork results that a certain vitamin, supplement, kibble, and/or wet food is recommended but why? I want to know why each and every recommendation is necessary and its purpose for my pets. [vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8293″ img_size=”full”]Tyson & Pongo[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8294″ img_size=”full”]Tyson[vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8291″ img_size=”full”]Pongo

Five Things I’ve Learned at NPP

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Since I started working at NorthPoint Pets and Company I have learned many things from customer service, social media, marketing, retail displays, dog nutrition, dog gut health, etc. As I mark five months of working at NorthPoint thus far I wanted to share with you five things I’ve learned while working here! 

1. Hydrating kibble and any protein given to your dog is KEY for adding hydration to your dog’s diet. A lot of people think that adding human broth like chicken soup broth is OK, but I learned that this is way too high in sodium for our pets. The best way to add hydration to your pet’s diet is with bone broth. 

2. When it comes to your dog’s diet, rotational feeding is great. Rotational feeding is highly encouraged to enhance your pet’s diet. I learned that it’s good to have 2 or 3 protein options to rotate between so that the pets don’t get bored. I also learned that when you diversify the diet this way, it boosts gut health and the immune system.

3. Social media is time-consuming but also very fun when creativity comes to mind. I knew that I would enjoy my role here managing the social media pages, but I underestimated just how much time and organization goes into the management of a professional social media page. 

4. Behind the bi-folding doors is where the magic truly happens. Back-end work is very important to keep inventory high and sales afloat: event planning, team education seminars, and so many meetings! A lot goes into running a store that you never see as a customer! 

5. When feeding raw you do not need to feed it 100%. You can add in supplements or toppers. Even 20% raw is a significant amount and is highly encouraged. There’s a ton of research showing that even that small amount of fresh food makes a huge difference in their health! 

Here is only a small glimpse at what I’ve learned thus far being on The NorthPoint Pets team! I am very excited to enhance my knowledge of all the educational benefits that come out of working at NorthPoint!

You can read my Q & A here!

kittens sleeping together

4 Lessons I Learned from Adopting Two Kittens

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After our senior cat Timmy passed away in April of 2021, I decided to adopt two female kittens from a local rescue to join our family. That July, we adopted 14 week old Kiwi and Nala. We were only going to adopt one kitten, but the rescue said we had to take both. Of course I couldn’t say no! Caring for these little ones has been quite the trip for me and my family as we all had to adjust to having not one but two tiny fuzzy troublemakers rambling around the house. Here are some things we learned through the last few months! 

The Lessons I Learned from my Kittens

1. Kittens are constantly with each other and absolutely inseparable! If Kiwi can’t find Nala, she will cry out for her until they find each other. Every time I see them, they are either grooming each other, cuddled up sleeping together, or finding mischief together. They even use the litter box one right after the other!

Lesson Learned: Cats create incredibly strong social bonds! I’m so glad we chose to adopt Nala and Kiwi together so they can keep each other company.

2. Nala and Kiwi have a ton of kitten energy, but they burn off most of it around 3 am! We were completely surprised to hear them running laps around the house in the middle of the night – like it’s the Indy 500 – every night! They chase each other, galloping full speed up and down the hallway, occasionally knocking over picture frames and two cats on counterglassware from tables and counters.

Lesson Learned: If you want to sleep at night, engage cats in playtime during the day to let them burn off some energy! We knew cats are naturally nocturnal, but I really underestimated exactly how much energy they would burn off in the early morning hours without daytime play sessions.

3. Both kittens LOVE to hunt! I first noticed this behavior when I saw them watching the birds and bugs outside our window. They sit on the back of the couch and make a ‘chittering’ noise whenever they see something move outside. Then we saw them do it again when we played with the red laser toy! They really do look like their stalking and hunting prey, like a wild cat!

Lesson Learned: Cats – even kittens and indoor cats – are hunters at heart. They have strong natural instincts to stalk, chase, hunt, and catch their ‘prey’, even if it is just the little red laser dot. 

4. We really weren’t expecting the kittens to have such voracious appetites. We feed them small meals several times a day, but they are always hungry! We’ve caught them stealing food from our plates right in front of us. When they eat they shake the food with their mouth, like wild cats!

Lesson Learned: With high-activity kittens comes a high food drive and ravenous appetites. Kittens need many small meals each day – more than an adult cat – to stay satiated. Watch out because they’ll eat your dinner, too! 

Get to Know Our Nail Trimmer Vet Tech Jessica!

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If you’ve had an opportunity to bring your pet to have their nails trimmed, you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jessica! We talked with Jessica to get to know a little bit more about her. My name is Jessica Sambiase and I’ve been a veterinary technician at Stone Veterinary for 17 years. I started off in Vet Med as a receptionist with an extremely strong clerical background, and from there I worked my way up the ladder from receptionist to Veterinary Technician in about 7 years. I have worked in general practice with small animals, exotics, and wildlife but also spent 3 years in Houston doing Specialty and Emergency medicine as well. I have also completed Cold Laser Therapy and Fear Free certifications which have just added to my knowledge.

1. Tell us about your background. How did you get into the field of veterinary care?

I actually started in human medicine but learned quickly that it was not for me.

2. You have a ton of notable qualifications to boast about! Can you tell us about them and why they’re important?

I am Fear Free and Cold Laser Therapy certified.

Fear Free is a program that trains professionals to prioritize an animal’s physical and emotional wellbeing. This training is especially important in instances of nail trimming, which can be a stressful event for any pet. This training just benefits me by adding to my skill level as a technician. I love knowing as much as I can and more!

3. What’s the most challenging part of your job as a vet tech?

That is so hard to answer because there are many challenges that range from mental and physical to emotional. Veterinary medicine isn’t always puppies and kittens. Every day something happens to make you question your choice of profession, but the work is rewarding and fills a space in my heart.

4. What is the most FAQ that you get while at NPP?

LOL “What can I do to stop the licking and chewing my dog does constantly?”

5. What is something that surprised you about NPP?

How large the store actually was and also how knowledgeable the entire staff was too.

6. Tell us about your pets!

Right now my family has 6 cats: Nova and Blu are Siamese mixes and Sheba, Smokey, Sage and Jasper are all domestic short hairs. (Smokey made her appearance first then brought us her 3 kittens as well.)[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7345″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7344″ img_size=”full”]

Q & A Session with Caitlyn

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What brought you to NPP/tell us your background?

I was previously working at a different pet store. I realized I found joy working with the customers and their pets, and wanted to do more. NPP really goes the extra mile and I am excited to be a part of it.

What is your super power with NPP?

Versatility. I work equally out in the front with customers, as well as behind the scenes stocking, receiving deliveries, and etc.

Tell us about your pets!

I grew up with a border collie and a black cat. I currently have an almost 2 year old Syrian hamster, named Bugsy. His favorite treat is cheese balls (meant for small pets)!

What do you enjoy most about working at NPP?

The genuine care we have about pet health. Also getting to meet everyone’s pet of course!

Tell us your must-have item from NPP.

A kong knots toy. It’s a great 2 in 1 toy! Starts as a stuffed animal, and on the inside is a rope skeleton.

What is your favorite product to recommend and why?

Bixbi bark pops. They are low-calorie and practically cheese puffs for dogs!

What question do you get asked the most?

“What should I be feeding?” Customers ask this often, whether it’s what food to get or how much of it they should be feeding. It could be because of health reasons for their pet or someone just recommends us! We always get as much information as we can, to provide the best nutritional options.

What is your proudest/most memorable moment since working at NPP?

I’ve already learned so much in a short time. But one thing that immediately stuck with me, is how much a dog should eat per day if eating dry food. Most people tend to overfeed their dogs, sometimes by a lot. A proper diet increases the overall health of the pet.