Since returning to the OC, I've been meaning to stop by the Feed Barn since I'm practically in the area on a daily basis. Like most feed places, the Feed Barn carries a wide array of goods to care for your chicken, horse, reptile, bird, cat, and/or dog.
Located on the corner of Doheny Park Rd & Domingo Av (Photo) - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/feed-barn-capistrano-beach?select=II5ujFkDFCIuJyrd5ITbFA
You won't find your generic off-the-shelf, XYZ brand here, the products here with the exception of most pet toys won't be stamped with "Made in China." If you care about your dog/cat, the first thing you want to do is stop buying anything you feed them coming from China... 'And most people might be wondering why? That's easy, I'm a racist @sshole. I'm joking, I am NOT an @sshole. (Still joking.) Bottomline, most recalls with everything from salmonella, bacteria, to even metals such as lead have been predominantly imported from China. When I buy dog food, snacks, and treats for my dog, that's one of the first things I check, "Where is this from?" Most countries, like USA, Canada, New Zealand, and even Australia are relatively safe sources to get. However, they too are not without incident BUT the odds are in your favor. Also, another challenging factor that is hard to determine is that some of these other "safe brands" might import an ingredient or two from none other than China which helps no one. - "Damned if you do, damned if you don't." I highly suggest doing a little research on your own if you feel the need to dig deeper.
Small Batch Dog Marrow Bones (Photo) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/feed-barn-capistrano-beach?select=ebHtN8OwXk90BSI5o3Wr0A
The Feed Barn carries Taste of the Wild, Natural Balance, Acana, Orijen, Primal, Stella & Chewy's, and Plato... 'Just to name a few. All very good brands ranging from mid to high $$. The price point here is about the norm at what you'd find @ most specialty pet food shops.
A lot of people ask me, "Why would you spend $50 on a 26# bag of dog food?" I usually reply with a question of my own, "How much do you care about your pet?" I know a lot of people who consider their pets as family, I completely get this. So, if this is "family," why wouldn't you spend a few extra $$ for a premium dog food? Would you feed your kids chicken nuggets made in China? Bologna sandwich? Bottled water?... I've crunched some numbers and it comes down to less than $2.50 per feeding when I purchase a mid-level premium dog for HAPA Boy. Most people spend more on a grande size, cup of coffee. Where can you have lunch for less that $3 besides on the McValue menu. ('And do we know how much if that is actual beef?) Our pets don't decide if they want In & Out, sushi, a med-rare ribeye for dinner... We decide that. Imagine eating the same kibble, everyday? As pet owners, we decide where they go, when they go, what they eat, when they eat, even poop & pee. We are control freaks to a certain extent. In essence we are their "god," we basically control every aspect of their life. (Well, we try.)
So, why not pass on the cup of coffee and throw your dog a bone. In the long run, it's better for them, less visits to the vet's office, and hopefully a happier & healthier pet.
Damn, I did it again... Okay, back to Feed Barn. (One of the fringe benefits of ADHD.)
A friend of mine stops by the Feed Barn on occasion and told me about their "Paw Wash," the self-serve dog washing station... 'Good to know that the Feed Barn has one. ($15)
Paws Wash (Photo) - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/feed-barn-capistrano-beach?select=wq4u5G87uae5qMzutN6onQ
I met Chili, Pet Feed's very now resident, guard bird!... 'From afar. Wasn't feeling the aloha from the sideways look I was getting from the hairless wonder. Chili was rescued from a high stress situation that lead to the bird plucking out most of its feathers, poor thing. 8/
Chili (Photo) - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/feed-barn-capistrano-beach?select=IuQp1P3rQDZ__IHyaQ2fFg
I was helped by a very nice, young lady, "Amber." She was great, answered all my questions and then some. HAPA Boy is a bully-pit, Amber asked what type of kibble I feed him. Currently, it's a blend, Zignature Lamb Formula with Natural Balance LID, Lamb & Rice Formula. I also crumble a nugget of Primal's Raw Freeze Dried Turkey & Sardine on his dry food when I'm not mixing it with anything else. (i.e. - Pork loin; eye of round; salmon; wet dog food) On occasion, I'll mix in organic, unsweetened coconut flakes, peeled apples or pears, NO seeds. HAPA also gets a probiotic mixed into his food every other day to help keep his digestive health on track as well. (Brand: Probios) He's not spoiled, just very well taken care of. It goes back to what I was saying earlier, dogs don't have very long life spans so as their caregiver, their family, wouldn't you want to give them the best/fullest life you possibly can? Just a thought...
- Big Aloha!
Food (Pet): 5
Ambiance: 3+
Service: 5
Value: 5 read more