Tails of the City — Food — and More — for Thought
By Peggy Scott

If we are, indeed, what we eat, then many dogs and cats are comprised largely of things like soy beans, hydrolyzed chicken and “by-products,” as you’ll find out during a visit to Howlistic in Mission Hills.
“Many dog and cat foods sold aren’t made with what they should be eating,” said shop co-owner Don Kennedy. “Our focus is on good nutrition. We’re passionate about it.”

When Kennedy and his business partner, Craig Ahlstrom, opened the store a year and a half ago, they were determined to improve the selection of pet foods in San Diego. Howlistic, a “natural, holistic, and organic” dog (and cat) wellness center, was the first in the San Diego area to offer Stella & Chewy’s premium raw foods. The shop’s refrigerators contain several raw brands. Kennedy’s own dog, Sadie, is on a raw food diet.

“They are carnivores — cats especially so — and the way their system works, they shouldn’t eat things like corn, wheat and such. We have a lot of options,” Kennedy said.

Even committed kibble-feeders have a lot to choose from, including San Diego-based The Honest Kitchen, Evo, Wellness-Core and Canidae. Canine customers (and their people) will also find treats, supplements and vitamins. Not sure what food is right for your pet? Howlistic has a resource center — including seminars and workshops.

In an effort to offer one-stop shopping, Kennedy and Ahlstrom stock supplies like beds, collars and leashes, shampoos and toys. But again, Kennedy is cautious about his suppliers. “We judge companies by how environmentally friendly they are, and the quality of their products,” Kennedy said, noting how after the various contamination and toxicity scares in certain countries, he buys exclusively from U.S and Canadian companies. “Quality and safety are first and foremost.”

Kennedy is a fountain of pet food knowledge, and willingly shares it with anyone who needs advice. “We like to see healthier, happier pets,” he said.
Howlistic is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The shop is at 914 West Washington St. in Mission Hills. For more information, visit www.howlistic.com or call (619) 255-7369.

Peggy Scott is a freelance pet writer. She can be contacted at [email protected]