Oak Ridge Feed

06/06/2024

CLOSED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THIS AFTERNOON, THURSDAY JUNE 6TH!

We will close just before 3:00 p.m. today and reopen around 4:00 p.m.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

03/05/2024

We are always happy to help our shelter!

Looking to support our "Kitten Shower"? These local pet supplies stores are graciously helping collect supplies, so you can easily shop for these fur babies while shopping for yours!

Oak Ridge Feed
Tractor Supply Co.
Pet Supplies Plus - Oak Ridge, TN
Petsense Lenoir City

Additionally you can find items on our wishlists here,
Chewy - https://www.chewy.com/g/friends-of-oak-ridge-animal-shelter-or-foras_b88678699
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ET2RZKOR3N67?ref_=wl_share
We are so very grateful for our community and the way you love animals!

02/16/2024

Is your dog sensitive - or even allergic - to most meats? Check out Square EGG!

Square EGG is the first and only meat free food that features protein quality superior to most meat based grain free premium diets. It's formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs.

Now in stock here at Oak Ridge Feed!

PERFECT PROTEIN VEGETARIAN DOG FOOD The secret to Square Egg® is pure and simple - eggs and whey. These perfect protein powerhouse ingredients help to create a vegetarian formula that provides your dog with truly superior protein nutrition. Eggs and whey each contain all the essential amino acids r...

01/15/2024

We are open, but please don't get out if you don't absolutely have to. Lana is staying at the shop, so she'll still be there when the roads have improved in a day or two!

11/16/2023

FEED THE BIRDS, THEY'RE HUNGRY!

We're delighted to have partnered with The Ferrell Shop to continue bringing Mr. Bird's unique, highest-quality bird feeding products to our community!

Their seed cylinders and bells are made in the USA, last much longer than regular seed, and birds love them!

Find out more at https://www.mrbird.com/ or "Like" their page at Mr. Bird!

We have been specializing in quality wild bird seed products for over twenty years, making every seed block and seed cylinder with natural products that are irresistible to wild birds.

09/21/2023

SEE YOU SATURDAY!

We are so happy to be taking part in Neighborhood Pet Store Day this coming Saturday, September 23rd. Join us for incredible one-day-only specials on many of your favorite brands such as Fromm Family Foods and NutriSource Pet Foods!

Taking place annually on the fourth Saturday of September, Neighborhood Pet Store Day's purpose is to rally the pet lovers of North America in support of independent pet retailers.

09/20/2023

Hey y'all! We're loving our new line of wild birdseed, so please go give a "like" to Songbird Essentials!

https://www.facebook.com/songbirdessentials

Songbird Essentials helps bring families and nature together through the joys of backyard bird feedi

09/19/2023

Just in time for fall, we are beyond thrilled to announce that we have a new supplier of wild bird seed! Black oil sunflower, Special Songbird, and others are now in stock!

Songbird Essentials offers products that bring birds to the backyard and help bring families and nature together

09/01/2023

Chris Keever's daughter and two of his friends talk about the man behind Crafter's Brew. He died unexpectedly at 53 on Aug. 30.

09/01/2023

Wise words here.

We see this issue over and over. Dogs who have behavior issues who’ve been taught all manner of cool looking obedience stuff, but have zero ability to shut it all off and simply relax/turn off.

You don’t have to look far to see the countless examples of humans in your life who use motion (physical body movement, talking etc.), constant activity (work, scrolling, never ending social activities, exercise junkies etc.), and of course all manner of bad habits (alcohol, drugs, food, shopping etc.)… all to help them avoid the busy and uncomfortable mind they’re stuck with because they haven’t done the work to learn how to healthily turn it off.

Our dogs are of course far more simple, and far less crafty in the ways they camouflage their issues, but camouflage they do, and if you’re encouraging it through constant play, constant motion-oriented training, and constant stimulation, you can’t be surprised when your dog is a camouflaging master who not only is unable to be calm/still/relaxed when needed, but who also almost certainly has other seemingly unrelated behavior issues which are absolutely related—you just don’t see how.

Which is why we focus so much on both sides of the coin—and often for the highly anxious ones, we focus even more on the stillness/off-switch than anything else. Learning to see what your dog, or the dog you’re training truly needs, rather than just blindly following training traditions or what the cool kids have to say, is the first step. Then, do a little test: simply check and see if you teach your dog Place or a Downstay if they can actually hold it, with distractions and life going on around them, without melting down with shaking, whining, obsessive licking/chewing, and without constant breaking.

And if you do decide to focus on training your dog how to be calm and relaxed and still, check in in a few weeks or so and see if some of the behavior issues you were struggling with have simply disappeared. My guess is that you’ll be very surprised. We see this all the time.

Remember, a dog who can perform all the obedience work flawlessly, but who cannot be calm, still, and relaxed flawlessly, is a dog who is trained in a very superficial and lopsided fashion. A fashion which serves the owner’s perception of accomplishment, but does not serve the dog’s needs.

08/02/2023

New packaging requirements to be incorporated over the next six years.

New suggested labeling guidelines include standardized nutrition information, clear ingredient statements, and storage and handling instructions.

07/26/2023

ETA 3:30pm Power is on and we are back up and running!

Along with the rest of the city, our power is currently out. Cash or checks only for the time being, as we are unable to process credit or debit cards.

(Photo of a moth for its cooling effect, since it's 90+ degrees outside.)

07/18/2023

We are still booking grooming appointments two to three months in advance, and are currently unable to accept new grooming clients. Thank you for your patience!

05/28/2023

Post Clipping Alopecia or PCA is defined as loss of proper coat growth due to clipping/shaving with clippers. There are a few things you need to know regarding PCA.

1. Who is most at risk of PCA? Fur bearing breeds are extremely susceptible to PCA. This includes any breed whose coat grows to a genetically predetermined length and stops. Nordic breeds are even more prone to PCA. Geriatrics, even those with hair, are also very susceptible to PCA.

2. What causes PCA? There is no definitive answer at this point, but there are two scientific theories from recent research. The first has to do with vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the skin. When the coat is shaved, even in warm weather, the skin reacts by constricting blood vessels that feed the follicles in the skin. Once these vessels constrict the follicles no longer proliferate leading to PCA.
The second theory has to do with the growth cycle. When the coat is shaved, the growth cycle becomes disrupted due to the skin sealing itself with oils from sebaceous and apocrine glands. This traps clipped hairs beneath the epidermis preventing them from shedding out leading to improper growth as well as skin diseases.

3. PCA is unpredictable. There is no way to tell if a particular canine will acquire PCA if you shave. Often there is no issue, but on the third or fifth or even the tenth time, it can happen.

4. Are there actual health risks posed by PCA? The short answer is yes. Again, diseases such as Alopecia X, Black Skin Disease, Furunculosis, and other skin diseases often accompany PCA.
Once the coat has been clipped, the body now strains to properly regulate body temperature. Because dogs do not sweat, a properly maintained coat keeps a canine both cool and warm. This strain to cool the body puts a strain on internal organs.

5. Can there be other causes? Yes. Heath problems such as Diabetes, Cushing's diseases, and Addison's disease should be ruled out. Pets who are known to have these health problems should not be shaved if at all possible.

6. Do felines get PCA? The short answer here is yes. While there is minimal research for canines there is even less for felines. Hair coated breeds such as Persians, Himalayans and others are not affected as often as true fur bearing breeds. While felines seem to be less affected by PCA than canines it can happen.

While there are situations such as severely matted or pelted coats that must be shaved for health health purposes, shaving because you think a pet is hot or shedding too much is simply not in the best interest of the pet. A professional groomers responsibility extends to protecting and promoting a healthy coat. A properly maintained coat will help regulate body temperature and prevent shedding.

Join us at the IAPEG where cutting edge education in the best interest of the pet is our top priority.
Get your membership here > https://theiapeg.com/membership-1

05/15/2023

HELP WANTED: experienced, certified groomer is needed! Please call (865) 482-3229 or come by the shop to apply.

After 8 years with us, our groomer April has moved on to a different career path. We love her and wish her all the best in the future, whether or not that includes coming back to work for us again! (Although hopefully, she will be back at some point in the future.)

Our groomer Karen, who has been with us since 2003, is taking up the gauntlet as best she can. We are currently unable to accept new grooming clients, and the next available appointment for our current clients is the last week of June.

Please bear with us as we all do our best to keep our grooming clients looking great and our customers happy!

04/16/2023

We would like to preface this post with the fact the IAPEG and it's members love dogs. All dogs. Big dogs and small dogs. Fluffy dogs and sleek ones. We love pure breeds and we love mixed breeds.

The 'doodle craze' began after a breeder attempted a litter of mixed breed pups that were smart and hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but that's another discussion. He was in no way trying to create a new breed. News traveled quickly and before you know it, they were all the rage as pets. Very expensive pets. They became something of a status symbol as they wear price tags in the thousands and cost more than a sound, well developed, carefully chosen pure breed.

As professional groomers, we see the fallout with many of these pets and there are a few things you need to know:

1. Doodles are not a breed. They are (insert breed here) mixed with poodle. Golden doodle, labradoodle, maltipoo, pomapoo, yorkie poo, no matter the title, doodles are in fact mixed breed dogs. Being a pure breed of dog mean predictability...size, colors, skull shapes, temperament...any and all genetics are predictable for that specific breed. This is not possible with doodles.

2. There is a misconception that if you mix another breed with a poodle, you get the best of both breeds. This is simply not true. The truth is you have no idea what you will get. You are not getting the best of the breeds because responsible, ethical breeders do not allow their dogs to participate in mixed breeding.

3. As professional groomers, we hear misnomers from pet owners whose pup is a year old and has never been groomed. This is a nightmare for both the dog and the groomer. The truth is, any doodle will need professional grooming. They should start as early as possible just like any other dog. This seems to be a selling point for doodle breeders telling buyers they are low maintenance. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

4. Doodles often have very difficult coats to work with. Doodles with these coats will be more expensive. With most doodles you have a fur bearing breed (Labrador Retriever) mixed with a hair bearing breed (Poodle). This causes many doodles coats to be difficult with a mixture of the two. Some have fur as guard coat and hair as undercoat and some have hair as a guard coat with fur as the undercoat. Either way, more work and time means your professional groomer must be properly compensated or it will lead to number five.

5. There are many professional groomers who are simply not accepting doodles as clients anymore. Misinformed owners are price shocked when they've been lied to by a breeder. Your professional groomer is tired of arguing and explaining just to be properly compensated when there are so many other clients who know what to expect and respect our professional practices.
Because doodles are not the best representatives of their breeds they are often not the most well behaved pets either. Many are high strung, a bit neurotic, and/or have some type of behavior problem.

If you do in fact choose to own a doodle, speak with your professional groomer beforehand so you'll know what to expect. And please respect your professional groomers advice. Their job is to keep your pet on a regular schedule. Depending on the coat...remember these are mixed breed dogs and therefore not predictable before birth...most will need a schedule of 4-6 weeks.

04/09/2023

TEMPORARY CHANGE IN BUSINESS HOURS

Lana is in the hospital for at least a couple of days, but probably longer. While she is out, our store hours will temporarily be:

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SATURDAY 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. You can always reach us on here or call (865) 482-3229. Please bear with us while Lana gets healthy again!

(Photo of Dis Cat for attention.)

02/27/2023

Okay, so forgive me for hi-jacking a well-known saying from the awesome Jocko Willink...but it was just too perfect to not use.

So many struggle imposing structure, rules, discipline, and accountability with their dogs. They feel badly. They feel guilty. They’re worried they’ll make their dogs sad, unhappy creatures, forced to “obey”.

What so many are missing is that it’s the exact opposite. By sharing a more disciplined life with your dog, you earn, and get to enjoy, a bigger, more fun, less stressed life together.

Through that discipline you can earn the freedom to take your dog to restaurants, parks, hikes, beaches. You can have them included in family gatherings, and perhaps even enjoy a simple, relaxing, connected, stress-free walk.

Of course, this is true in our own lives. The more we demand of ourselves, the more freedom, health, and depth of life we enjoy. But even here, with the obvious connection of benefits to our own selves, we still resist.

There’s no doubt that creating discipline, with you or your dog is no easy task - mentally or physically. If it was, everyone would do it. But there’s no getting around the fact that well-behaved dogs get to go a lot more places, and enjoy a lot more life than those who are a mess.

So the decision is up to you. Take the easy way, and endure the harder, smaller life, or take the harder way, and enjoy the bigger, better life.

02/14/2023

Sign up with Fromm to receive your personalized coupon and save!

Save $5 on any Fromm can dog food, can cat food, dog treats, or cat treat purchase of $10 or more.

01/22/2023

Check your peanut butter, etc! The artificial sweetener Xylitol is now also being called "birch sugar", but it is still just as deadly for your dog.

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs, has a new name: birch sugar. And it could cost you your dog's life.

01/14/2023

This goes for every breed!

01/05/2023

Please share with your vet if they don't already know: the FDA has not been able to establish any correlation between grain-free pet foods and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The FDA received far fewer reports of DCM cases from 2020 to 2022 compared to the preceding two years. In total, the FDA received 1,382 reports of DCM from Jan. 1, 2014 to Nov. 1, 2022.

12/27/2022

ETA: We are open as of 1:00 pm, and will be here until about 4:00 pm.

With so many roads still covered with snow and ice, we will open late today - probably after lunch, when temps are supposed to get above freezing.

12/01/2022

Please keep in mind that we are working with sharp instruments around wiggly little critters with individual personalities. When we say, "We will call you when your dog is ready" we do mean it!

11/23/2022

Don't forget to sign up and print out your personalized coupon to receive $7.00 off any purchase of both Fromm dry food and Fromm canned food!

Save $7 on any purchase of BOTH Fromm dry food AND Fromm can food

09/02/2022

We are open our regular hours today!

09/01/2022

We will be CLOSED for at least today, Thursday, September 1st, due to Lana and Elaina both being ill.

06/17/2022

Please make sure your dogs are up to date on their vaccines!

A Jefferson County veterinarian reported that a dog treated for complications at a clinic in May, tested positive for rabies, prompting staff to encourage the community to ensure their pets are vaccinated.

04/14/2021

04/08/2021

According to media reports, pet food products in grocery stores may get a price overhaul.