Ciji's Natural Pet Supplies — Local services in Denver

I'm a big proponent of supporting local/small businesses, and I really want to love this place. I've visited before and had a good experience. Unfortunately, my latest visit has soured me.

My vet brought to my attention that grain free diets have no scientific support for being better, and that foods with high non-soy legume content, both grain free and otherwise, have been linked to a non-hereditary heart condition in dogs called DCM. She recommended avoiding grain free foods, so I went in to buy food with that purpose.

When I asked about grain inclusive puppy formulas, an employee pointed me toward foods that were grain free. Ok, fair enough, it wasn't explicitly stated on the bag; I had to read through the ingredients list on a couple bags. Disappointed their only puppy food options both had peas as the second ingredient, I went to leave. The owner(?) behind the counter asked why I wasn't buying the feed, then began shaking his head when I explained I was trying to follow my vet's recommendations. He was arrogant and dismissive in the ensuing conversation, and seemed genuinely surprised that I would trust my veterinarian's recommendations over his opinions.

We all love our pets and are trying to do what's best for them. It's fine if we disagree; the science is definitely still evolving (though it does seem to be fairly clear on this point). Trying to make me feel bad for not making the same feeding choices on something that is in no way a danger to my dog? Completely unacceptable.

My puppy loved the chew sticks I bought from Ciji's on my last visit. Sadly, I'll have to find them somewhere else, as there is no way I'm returning to a shop that treats...

They have a few of my regular foods that I typically buy from Chewy. I wanted to support local but the younger kid wasn't very knowledgeable but at least friendly and the lady (I think is probably the owner) seems more like I was disturbing her day and didn't seem to be really want to answer any of my questions or talk with me about some of their products. I had also called earlier in the week to find out hours and it was a lady who answered and she was pretty gruff on the phone at the time. I didn't feel very welcomed there so I probably won't be back unless I'm desperate and need the food I usually buy and can't find...

I love supporting local businesses, and this is one on my list! They have a big water dish outside which was great on a particularly hot day that we went there. While the store is quite full, you CAN find anything, you just have to ask. They have the Fromm bad offer too where if you buy 12 bags, you get one free. This is great for our family because all of our pets eat Fromm. Be sure to check out the large selection of collars too, even more inventory than the big-name stores!! Friendly service helped me out to my car with my pup food...