News Flash! Apparently Orijen isn't enough!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Our local pet magazine "Nashville Paw" hosted their annual Barktoberfest this weekend, boasting a costume contest, local food trucks, local rescues, a large collection of local vendors, and more. It was a fantastic event and Ragley and I had a blast, despite the rainy weather. Nashville truly is a wonderful community of happy, friendly pet owners. 

Ragley, like all of our doodles, attracted a lot of attention (especially dressed as a life-size beanie baby) from all the attendants and vendors. I was answering lots of questions, but one of the weirdest encounters was by far with a local homemade "all-natural" treat vendor. He had doggie PB&J treats and I had heard him describe the ingredients to another person and wasn't all that thrilled by the treats. He had sample treats laid out on the table (of course Ragley was in a beautiful "sit" and at full attention as he reached for the bowl) and he asked if he could give her one. I didn't know that I approved of the ingredients and he kind of weirded me out so I politely said "thank you for offering and for asking, but she eats grain free". He quickly said that that was his next idea in the works and then the following, rather strange conversation ensued:

Vendor: "Is she a sickly dog? Allergies? Health issues?"

Me: "No, she is perfectly healthy."

Vendor: "Oh, well she is obviously well taken care of, but since you mentioned grain-free I wondered if she was sick."

Me: "No, I just choose to feed a grain-free diet because of the health benefits for her."

Vendor: "Well you know, the most important thing in a dog's diet is balance and all dogs actually NEED some grain in their diet in order to be well and fully balanced- so that's just something for you to be aware of. These are also made from all-natural ingredients."

Me: "I appreciate that, but she eats Orijen dog food so I feel fully confident that she is getting all the balance and nutrients that she needs."

Although you may think he would have stopped there- think again. At this point he began treating me as if I was ignorant and in need of some serious education. 

Vendor: "Well, I mean she obviously looks very healthy, but as I was developing these treats and starting this business, I did A LOT of research into dog dietary needs and found out a lot of useful information that most people aren't even aware of so I thought I would pass that along to you since you mentioned grain-free."

Me: "I appreciate that, but..."

Vendor: "Senior dogs and dogs that have digestive illness, etc are the ones that the grain-free formulas were actually developed for. All other dogs NEED grain in their diets- that's SCIENTIFICALLY what the research has shown. Your dog obviously looks like a healthy dog, but I have just done a lot of research so..."

It was at this point that I said a quick and dismissive "thanks" and moved on. 

Warning to all those feeding grain-free: we are apparently depriving our darling puppies of a full and balanced diet. Karen- how dare you mislead us so! 

My sweet little Beanie Baby 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Or he's confusing dogs with humans.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Good for you for standing your ground..I'd love to know his credentials!  Ragley looks adorable!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ragley is adorable in her costume!  Yes, it is simply too bad that we feed our dogs such an incorrect food as grain-free when they are healthy. After all, he did do some research.  :-}

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

My dog does have allergy issues, and I keep my mouth shut most of the time when people give me advice that I know is not correct.

BTW Ragley looks so adorable with the costume. I just may be stealing that idea.

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

But.. He's done research.. for pete's sake.. Like you haven't !!

He should have realised by your responses that you are not someone who doesn't know anything about food..

What a sweet Picture : )