Is Your Pet Eating Healthier than You?

Whole grains or no carbs at all? That is the diet question of 2018, in addition to all the other regular healthy snacking tips: eat more veggies, stock up on fats, etc. And while many people put effort into their own diet, even if for vanity’s sake, few people research the origins of their food. Nevermind their pets. Eric Parkhurst, founder/owner of EJ’s Meats and Treats, sought to change all that five years ago. It began as a small operation. Eric had experience smoking his own meat from a local farm, in response to an increase in imported meats from China. Soon after, the treats became a hit. Not just with the neighbors. Even the neighbors’ neighbors couldn’t get enough. Today, EJ’s Meats and Treats can be found in 9 stores. And while the growth and reception has been nothing put positive, what Eric didn’t anticipate was how much he’d learn about his own diet. From bleach-washing chickens, to the regulatory nightmares of “organic” certification, he found there are many food-processing practices people don’t consider when it comes to purchasing food. The one thing holding everyone back? Education. For instance, what many people don’t realize is that “free-range” doesn’t mean outside. Typically, free range is limited to “not caged” but still running around in their own feces. This can lead to increased disease, which requires antibiotics, and subsequently affects the quality of the meat. For this reason, and many others, EJ’s works with farms that have a natural pastured approach. I.e. rather than being caged or kept in a barn, animals live exclusively outside. The primary goal? Sourcing meat through humane and sustainable practices. But, high quality, naturally sourced meat also meant heavy research into packaging and distribution. Ensuring every product made it to store shelves, and beyond. Without preservatives. Considering the effort, some might question whether veganism is a better alternative. The short answer? No. While humans can sustain a vegan diet, according to many vets, dogs on vegan diets experience lower quality of life and die earlier than animals on a balanced diet. The better solution? Sourcing as much of your food from a local farm as possible. And while Eric recognizes this isn’t feasible for everyone, he advises everyone to be wary of the instinct to pick the food that “looks” the best. Appearances can be deceiving. Typically, food that looks identical or perfect, has been processed to appear that way. “Our tagline is good for you, good for your canine. [We want people] to buy something that fits within their conscience.” Eric’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs: Think outside the box. More specifically, approach an aspect of your business from a different industry. Initially fixated on making it into as many pet stores as possible, Eric realized more success selling treats at farms and in farmers markets. To learn more about EJ’s Meats and Treats, and the products and services they offer, visit: www.ejsmeatsandtreats.com