What Would You Do

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have a 15lb mini. It takes her 19 days to go through a 5lb bag of Orijen Six Fish. It is the same price whether buying from Chewy or locally. I always try to buy locally to support local businesses, especially the one I frequent. They know me by name and they feel more like a friend, they keep track of my bag purchase so I can get the free one. However, the last couple of months they have not had the 5lb bag in the six fish formula. They were well stocked on the15lb bag, but it would take her 2 months to through it. I have heard not to buy more than they can go through in a month because of storage mites. I would rather not switch formulas, which they were well stocked on as well. Whenever I have offered anything other than the six fish, she will not eat it, turns her nose up and walks away. There are 2 other stores 5 miles down the same road that carry it, that I have bought the last 2 bags from. Although my most recent purchase, I did take the last bag. So whoever the issue is with, it seems to only affect the six fish 5lb bag.

So my question is:

1)Would you move up to the 15lb bag even though it would take her 2 months, just so I can keep going to the place I love. Plus it would be cheaper in the long run to buy it this size.

2)Switch formulas, even though it would probably take at least 2 weeks for her to start eating normally again. Plus the six fish does seem to help a lot with her scratching issues.

3) Go to the next store farther away to buy the 5lb bag of six fish and break up with the other place, even though the bag tracking seems to be a puzzle to them.

4)Forget about supporting local businesses and buy from Chewy's. I live out in the country and none of the pet stores are close, all are over 20 miles away.

[Erin]

Hi Amy! I probably would do the bigger size and freeze the surplus. That's what I'm doing with my dog. I have a local store I like to purchase from as well and I think I would miss visiting.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I could do that, but would have to clear out some of the people food first to store half of it. If and when I get a second dog, this won't be such a dilemma. But the way things are going with my search, it could be awhile. Thanks

[Erin]

How exciting. You are looking for a rescue?!

[Amy and Annabelle]

I am, but finding a reputable rescue organization with what I am looking for is proving to be a challenge.

[Erin]

It will happen...keep us posted!

[Erin]

I'm assuming you've asked about them getting the smaller bag more consistently?! I know my store will order for you if you ask.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have been buying this from them for a year and have never had an issue. They are always well stocked. In May I asked and she said the truck wouldn't be in until the next day. Well being so far away, I was going home with a bag of food regardless of where I bought it. June bag, the manager was helping another customer and I didn't want to be rude. I am going out later today to get July food. I will stop in and see if they have it or at least get some answers.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd call ahead to see if they have the 5 lb bags before making the trip, and you could also ask them to order it by phone. In fact, you could discuss the whole thing with them by phone; maybe they will work a little harder to keep the 5 lb bags in stock if they want to keep a customer. :)

I second the freezing if you can make room. 5 lbs of kibble fits very nicely into one of those big 2.5 gallon ziplock storage bags. 

[Erin]

Who knows, Amy! Maybe you will like freezing the extra so you don't have to make the trip so frequently!

[Amy and Annabelle]

I am retired, the only way I can get away from my husband for a few hours is to leave to go buy dog food ;P

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Ha ha, understand that comment. :-)

[Amy and Annabelle]

So I am looking at my freezer space. I think I will get the 5lb bag from wherever I can today. Then in the meantime I can make room in my freezer. I know the 5lb bag is resealable, I wonder if the 15lb bag is. Otherwise I will have buy a vittles vault to store the portion I am not freezing. I am still going to ask them what the deal is with the 5lb bag.