We sat down with one of our favorite Kriser’s Pack Members, Joannie, to talk about some of her own pets’ unique diets and nutritional supplements. She lives in the Chicagoland area and has worked at our Belmont (Wrigleyville) store as well as our Wilmette store.

She has seven dogs in total, but for this interview we’re just going to focus on one.  His name is Papushkii. He’s an 11 years old, Shih-Tzu/Poodle mix and he’s been with her since he was about 6 months old.

Here are just a few of the Kriser’s Approved products that they love:

RAW FOOD — ALL BRANDS!!

Seriously I think raw food saved Pushkii’s life. He was the pickiest dog ever and I would have to try a new food and new brand every other month. He spent the first 9 years of his life eating low quality kibble and table food because I could not get him to eat anything. Nutritionally he was missing a lot and he was becoming overweight because of the table food.

When I started working at Kriser’s 2 years ago, I immediately tried raw food with him and it was instant that I saw the difference! First off, he LOVED it! I mean, he REALLY LOVED it!! I had never seen him so excited to eat. He immediately lost all the extra weight and he was acting like a puppy again: jumping around, running all over the house, so much energy. His skin and coat was shiny and silky again. I could tell overall he was feeling better. Now, we switch between brands and flavors. His favorites are Vital Essentials Beef Nibs, Primal Duck Nuggets and Stella and Chewy’s Rabbit Patties.

NUPRO JOINT & IMMUNITY SUPPORT

Because Pushkii is older, I wanted to start him on joint supplements to avoid any inflammation or discomfort from his newfound energy. He is using his joints more than ever. Nupro Joint & Immunity Support was the perfect match, because being the picky dog that he is, he hates pills. This Nupro powder turns into a gravy with a liver taste he cannot resist!!

PLAQUEOFF POWDER

Because of his low quality meals early on in his life, Pushkii had to have 15 teeth removed and had dental disease. Although nothing will ever reverse that damage, we use PlaqueOff to avoid any further issues and concerns with his dental health. His teeth have improved a lot (especially since he won’t let me brush his teeth!) and it smells so much better when he gives you kisses.

GOOBY COMFORT X STEP IN

I love how user friendly this harness is. Not only is it easy for me to use but it doesn’t bother Pushkii on our walks and it helps me avoid having to pull directly on his collar/neck when he decides to chase a squirrel or rabbit! Honestly I’ve tried so many other harnesses and this was the only one that just worked! For small breed dogs, I totally recommend!!

PRIMAL GOAT MILK

Pushkii loves to get a small treat before bed. He used to love cow’s milk, but then I found out about Primal Goat Milk and we have never looked back. He’s enjoying a yummy “milkshake” while not knowing he’s actually getting his daily dose of probiotics and all kinds of good for him vitamins and minerals.

You can come in to any Kriser’s location and chat with one of our Pack Members to hear their own stories.  Thank you Joannie for sitting down with us, it was such a pleasure to hear Pushkii’s story!!