Serving Up Health and Happiness for Carnivores

Oily coat, bald spots, low energy, inflammatory bowel disease. This is not another list from a bad television pharmaceutical commercial, but rather a very real, heartbreaking description of the health issues experienced by Woody (pictured left), the beloved dog of Enrique Palma, and the namesake to Palma’s new venture, Woody’s Pet Food Deli, now open in Southwest Minneapolis.

Palma and wife Michelle are on a crusade to see pets become healthy. Their quest began with Woody.

The Palma’s adopted Woody shortly after they moved here from the Phillipines. Palma said they purchased dry kibble for him since that is what they noticed most people here in the U.S. did. They couple assumed it would be good for him. But growing up in the Philippines, Palma said their family dogs were always fed a wholesome diet of real food like meats and vegetables.

“Most of our dogs growing up, all medium sized mixed breeds, lived to be more than 15 years old with almost no health problems,” said Palma. “I believe, now , that was because of their diet.”

The Raw Truth

But as Woody’s health deteriorated, the Palmas questioned whether he’d even live to be seven. After several visits to numerous veterinarians and experimentation with drug therapies and many different types of dry dog foods, it dawned on Palma that perhaps it was the food Woody was eating that was causing his ailments.

He dove into months of research about canine nutrition, reading, searching and talking to vets and other experts and slowly began to change Woody’s diet from dry kibble to all natural raw meats and vegetables.

“Almost right away there were noticeable improvements in Woody’s coat,” said Palma. “The excessive shedding and the oiliness, for example. Then, gradually, he got better. Completely.”

Canine Crusade

The changes in Woody as well as the Palmas’ other dog, Fred, were so dramatic that they felt a calling and a responsibility to help other dogs for whom diet is the root cause of health problems. They opened Woody’s Pet Food Deli (inside pictured left) in June of this year.

“All dogs’ needs are different. They are carnivores who need real food. There is no one miracle food. They, and all animals, as well as humans, need a variety of foods,” said Palma.

Consulting and Community for Carnivores

Woody’s Pet Food Deli is a place where people can go to select from nearly 10 different kinds raw or cooked whole meats, from rabbit and elk to turkey and lamb. They also provide fresh vegetables and fruit mixtures and nutritious treats and supplements.

It’s also a comfortable, community gathering spot for dogs and dog lovers where you’ll find both fun and educational events happening on a regular basis.

Palma and his staff are on hand to consult with dog owners regarding their dog’s special needs and then customize a diet for him or her.

Customers can sample the foods first before buying.

Woody’s Pet Food Deli
www.woodyspetdeli.com
3008 W. 50th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-208-0335
Hours: T-Sa: 12PM-7PM; Su: 12PM-5PM; Closed Mondays

Woody’s Recommended Resources
www.caninehealthconcerns.com
www.drmarty.com
www.doctormwfox.org