Zukes

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Thought I'd share this...I was in my local pet store (Pet Food Express) the other day and was talking to the manager about Zukes. She didn't realize that they had sold out. I decided to write to the President of the company and give him the link that was posted in the food group. Zukes started here in the San Francisco Bay area and so did this pet store, Pet Food Express. I know I won't be buying Zukes anymore but here is his response to my email:

Also.... He has also started a like of pet treats. Info is in his response...

Hi Carla,

Thanks for shopping at PFE, for your kind words and for taking the time to write to me!  I have know Patrick, the founder of Zuke's for many years and he really did a great job with his company.  We have also been in touch with others in the company and as of this point they are staying (if I recall correctly, Patrick has been less active for a long time and may no long be involved) and they are telling everyone that there will be no changes, but as you point out thing may (and generally do) change at some point.  For now we have no issues with their direction and products. We will definitely keep a very close watch!

Not sure if you know, but Mark (my business partner in PFE) and I partnered with a friend about 3 years ago and started a small treat company called Emerald Pet.  The products are know as Smart n' Tasty and are of course well represented in our stores as well as in independent pet stores in other parts of the country.  All ingredients are US and the treats are manufactured in the US.  And we have no plans to sell the company.  You might want to check them out if you have not done so already.

Thanks again for writing,

Michael

be sure to visit http://www.petfoodexpress.com

-----Original Message-----

From: Carla Dannels [mailto:[e-mail]]

Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 10:25 AM

To: Michael Levy

Subject: Web Contact Message

Hi Michael

I purchase all my treats for my dogs from your Burlingame store. I love your store and I like the fact that most of your products are USA based. I was telling your manager the other day that I just found out that Nestle-Purina just bought Zukes. I thought I would pass on an article relating to this. I know that Zukes plans to keep the commitment of using quality only ingredients but we all know what happens when a large company takes over.

Most of the time it's "all about the money" and not about what we as pet owners and businesses like yours strive for.... quality and the best for our furry loved one. Here is the link:

http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2014/01/16/nestle-purina-bu...

Thank you

Carla Dannels

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Just looked at the Emerald Pet website. They have a limited selection but some interesting treats, including duck treats with limited ingredients that might be an option for dogs with food sensitivities. Their Piggy Twists look like a nice alternative to bully sticks: http://www.emeraldpet.com/

[Star and Goldie]

I'm glad I saw this in my brief DK browsing! I had no idea Zukes sold out to purina. So sad. We love Zukes in our house. I wonder how much longer we can buy them off the shelves before we have to start worrying about the changeover in ingredients. I will need to stock up!

[Vivian & Mojo]

I just got my order for a dozen bags of various Zukes treats, I'm going place another order and stock up before Purina changes the formula. And will check out the Emerald Pet Piggy Twists.