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Kriser’s pet store in South Barrington focuses on the food bowl
Veterinarian Dr. Barbara Royal offers health tips to Louie Litrenta and his dog Chewie at Kriser's South Barrington location. A new Krisers opened this week in Kildeer. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 21, 2013 2:37PM
South Barrington — Kriser’s, a holistic pet food store and grooming salon in South Barrington’s Arboretum Mall, welcomes pet owners and their furry friends into the store.
The walls are lined with all-natural food and treats for cats and dogs.
“This is a holistic pet food store,” said store manager Tim DiPietro, explaining that all food and treats sold at Kriser’s must be USDA approved for human consumption.
On Friday, Dec. 14, Dr. Barbara Royal, a renowned veterinarian whose many clients include Oprah Winfrey, made a visit to Kriser’s and talked to customers about the importance of holistic pet care.
“The most important decision you make is what you put in the food bowl,” said Royal, who said a lot of what she’s learned about domestic animals has come from her work as a wildlife and zoo veterinarian.
Royal said she believes pet owners must look at the natural, evolutionary needs of animals to lead them towards optimal health. Also, she said, attention to the animal’s shifting needs as they age is crucial.
DiPietro suggested dog owners stay away from grains such as corn, soy and wheat.
“Those glutens are not good for dogs,” he said, explaining that grains such as oat and barley are better, particularly for younger dogs.
In addition to food, treats and toys, Kriser’s also sells an assortment of grooming supplies, supplements and dental hygiene products.
Kriser’s also has a grooming salon in which staff uses only hypoallergenic shampoos and grooming products. DiPietro said having the salon on an appointment-only basis makes for a calmer environment for the animals.
“We keep a very even-keeled grooming room,” he said. “Keeping it calm is very important.”
DiPietro said one Sunday every month, Kriser’s has lock-ins for certain breeds and sizes of dogs.
“It becomes kind of a dog park for an hour,” he said.
Dr. Royal’s visit, DiPietro said, is just one of many events the store holds for pet owners interested in top-notch care.
“They have a lot of neat events,” said Louie Litrenta, whose seven month-old puppy, Chewy, romped around near his feet. “We like the lock-ins. It’s really good socializing for him.”
Royal also offered tips to pet owners regarding safety.
“During the holidays, there are so many things people forget about,” she said. Some holiday dangers for pets, she explained, include food items that are wrapped and placed under the tree, as well as tinsel, electrical lights and mistletoe, which can be toxic to pets.
Kriser’s has several locations throughout the Chicago area as well as stores in Colorado and California. DiPietro said since the South Barrington location opened roughly six years ago, business has grown tremendously.
“Business has grown every month since we’ve been here,” he said.
