With the recent pet food recalls, people have become more and more picky about what they feed their animals. Fortunately in Harford County, natural food choices are easy to come by, with many specialty stores carrying some of the finest natural food brands available today.

“We’re really avoiding anything that’s made in China, so we’re actually eliminating some of our brands,” explains Stacy Martin-Duffy, owner of Baron’s K-9 Country Store in Bel Air. “We look for food that has no preservatives or by-products or any of the ‘bad’ products you just don’t want in your pets’ food. If it’s in the ‘Whole Dog Journal’ we probably carry it.”

Baron’s has an extraordinary selection of foods, treats, holistic and homeopathic remedies, toys and more for pet health. One of their more popular products is Plaque Off Fresh Breath, “it’s very good for dental health for dogs and cats who are older or need extra care. We’ve had great results,” Stays says.

Among their more popular lines are the high protein, low-carb, no grain diets. Baron’s carries not one but .

“A raw diet just takes
the dog back to nature.”

– Michelle Davis, Best Friends Fur Ever

several choices. “If you have a picky cat they seem to especially like the no grain diets,” says Stacy. They also carry Merrick’s Sausage Treats for dogs, with flavors like Grammy’s Pot Pie, with chicken, carrots, peas and apples

Baron’s also carries raw, pre-made diets. “It’s not processed food, so it assimilates quickly in the body,” Stacy explains. “It’s wonderful for dogs with allergies and cats with kidney disease.”

Best Friends Fur Ever in Joppa also stocks a variety of natural diets, including raw frozen diets. “A raw diet just takes the dog back to nature,” says Operational Manager Michelle Davis.

You can also find natural pet treats at The Mill of Bel Air. Their natural treats by Dogswell feature strips of natural chicken breast or lamb and rice for a healthy snack. Flavors like Vitality™ promote healthy skin, eyes and coats; Breathies® add mint and parsley for fresher breath and healthy teeth; Mellow Mut® combines chamomile and lavender for a peaceful lifestyle and Happy Hips Lamb & Rice contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints.