December 2020 - NorthPoint Pets

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Nutrition Research

by Nicole R. Cammack

Why You Can’t Rely on the Guaranteed Analysis of Pet Food

Pet owners, veterinarians and retailers often rely on the guaranteed analysis (GA) of pet foods to help determine if the food provides adequate nutrition and to assess quality. Is this a good way to evaluate foods? The GA provides percentages – but does it tell us anything about the grams of protein, fat or other amount of other nutrients like calcium?

by Nicole R. Cammack

Slow Feeders

These are commonly recommended and used by pet parents all over. However, there is some evidence to suggest that the typical ‘maze’ style feeders may actually cause more harm than good. This is because the nose is one of the most sensitive part of a dogs body since it is filled with nerve endings. Constant ‘poking’ while dogs attempt to eat from traditional slow feeders can sometimes cause food aversion, frustration (e.g. tipping the bowl) and lack of joy around

by Nicole R. Cammack

Is Your Cat a Wanderer?

Cats are very mysterious beings. They don't like to be tied down. They're natural wanderers. And Aoife McAleer's cute cat, Jagger, is no exception. But Aoife wasn't content to let her cat live a life of mystery without at least trying to figure out where she went when she left the house.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Protect Your Mental Health – Get a Pet

Sharing a home with a pet appeared to act as a buffer against psychological stress during lockdown, a new survey shows.

by Dr. Ryan Yamka

We Can Put ‘Grain-Free’ Concerns to Bed!

2020 surely had it’s fair share of problems – however the pet industry has also still been fighting off a fair amount of bad press, and misrepresentation of data and information surrounding grain-free and grain-inclusive pet foods. So what’s the verdict? In September of 2020 the FDA determined that there was no inherent danger to feeding grain-free pet foods. In fact, heart disease, specifically Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a multifactorial issue that will be studied for years to come. For

by Nicole R. Cammack

NPP Tip

Everything you NEED to know about pet poison control in one helpful link. While we hope you never need it – it’s always good to have the Pet Poison Control number saved in case you ever do! Here are some little-known facts surrounding the Pet Poison Control service in hopes it helps you to avoid some frustration and save you previous time in the event of an emergency.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Raw Feeding Veterinary Society

There is a dedicated team of veterinarians that advocate for the safe, responsible feeding of fresh, raw food for dogs and cats. These vets and other professionals are members of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS). Nicci is also a member of this organization.

by Nicole R. Cammack

#1 Independent Pet Store in the United States

We were named 2020's #1 Independent Pet Store in the United States by Pet Business Magazine. The Retailer Excellence Awards given out at the show recognized exceptional independent pet specialty stores in a variety of categories that are key to retail success.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Terracyle

NorthPoint Pets is a proud Terracycle Location. Drop off your Earthborn, Open Farm, Weruva and Guardian packaging and we'll make sure it's disposed of properly!

by Nicole R. Cammack

December 23, 2020

How do dogs and cats drink water?

Dogs & cats drink water the same way - and it may not be how you think! Dogs actually bend their tongue backward making a little 'scoop' which allows a column of water into their mouth.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Holiday Boredom Bags are Here!

If you're staying home, your pet is probably tired of watching you on virtual meetings

by Nicole R. Cammack

December 23, 2020

Help us welcome Savannah, Melyssa & Jordyn!

Help us welcome our three new teammates to the NorthPoint Pets family! We're so excited to have them on board!

by Nicole R. Cammack

Into Pet Nutrition?

I often get asked where I learned ‘everything’ I know about pet nutrition. The truth is, the more I learn the more I realize I don’t know… that’s because nutrition, much like medicine, is an art. It will be applied differently based on the situation in front of you which can have a lot of variables.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Oh no they didn’t…

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to look at the world a bit differently. It’s influenced the way we work, how we shop, and even the way we gather. But there’s another way the pandemic is influencing our lives: the names of our pets. According to a survey conducted by Rover.com, a network of pet sitters and dog walkers, top-trending COVID-19-related names include Covi, Rona, Corona, and Covie.

by Nicole R. Cammack

National Geographic’s Best Animal Photo’s of 2020

Check out a few of the images, and all of National Geographic’s best animal photos of 2020 here.

by Nicole R. Cammack

Podcast with Taz!

Ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes at NorthPoint? What about dirty secrets in the Pet Industry? Recently our owner, Nicci Cammack, was a guest on a Pet Industry Podcast with Tazz Lafiti from the Petropolist in NYC!

Store News and Updates

by Nicole R. Cammack

And the Pet Industry Disruptor Award Goes to…

Our very own Store Owner Nicci Cammack just received the Pet Industry Disruptor Award from Rogue Pet Science. Nicci was recognized for always telling it like it is when it come to pet nutrition, and putting pets before profits. Congratulations!

Food Quality k9 Things

by Nicole R. Cammack

Is ‘holistic’ pet food safer?

The word holistic started gaining popularity in the late 1960’s and has been increasing in popularity ever since. The word has many different meanings to many different people. For most, the word brings about thoughts of wholesome, healthy, natural, fresh, etc. As consumers, we’re conditioned to think holistic represents at least some level of quality, purity, or healthfulness of a pet food product bearing the term. It gives us a sense of confidence and trust in the product. But what is special about pet food packaging that proudly claims the product is holistic? Are there any guarantees?

k9 Things Research

by Dr. Ryan Yamka

FDA Finds No Evidence that Grain-Free Diets Are Causing Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Since 2018, Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been a hot topic in the pet food industry, the veterinary community, the press and among pet owners. Although some veterinarians hypothesized there may be a potential association, there has never been a proven direct link (i.e., cause and effect) to grain-free foods (both over the counter or therapeutic) causing DCM in dogs including the FDA investigation.

by Nicole R. Cammack

The Best Holiday Pet Gift? Cats & Dogs Rejoice!

Is your pet on the good list this year? Treat them to a very special NorthPoint Pets Holiday Boredom Bag! We'll stock your bag with the most festive treats and toys that are hand picked just for them. This exclusive offer is only available for a limited time!

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Nicole R. Cammack

Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA. Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.

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