The Best Pet Food Stores in the Pioneer Valley/Western MA

When I adopted my rescued Maltese, Mac, over ten years ago, I learned that he has special health needs which require him to eat natural and/or organic pet food. Grocery stores still don't offer a wide selection of these foods. Luckily, in the Pioneer Valley area of Western Massachusetts, we have several excellent pet food/pet supply stores to choose from. The following stores are my three favorites, listed in order of preference.

The Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange (www.greenfieldfarmerscoop.com) is located on 269 High Street in Greenfield MA. This store sells farm, garden and equestrian supplies in addition to their wide selection of pet food and pet supplies. I LOVE this store! They carry numerous brands of natural, premium, and organic pet food and will special order on request. The staff is always willing to help with any questions. The prices are reasonable, plus the store has online offers via their Website. If you live in the area, they also participate in those coupon flyers which are mailed to homes every couple of months. It is a great establishment for the growing group of people looking to raise chickens (for eggs) in their backyards, too! I normally buy Mac's food here. Supposedly pets are not allowed in the store, but folks bring their dogs inside often.

Dave's Soda and Pet City (www.davessodaandpetcity.com ) is a locally-owned chain store which sells pet food, supplies, farm and garden items (at some locations), soda (at some locations) and small pets (fish, birds, hamsters, reptiles etc). They do not sell puppies or kittens. Dave's does support local animal rescue groups and sometimes holds adoption days at some locations. I shop at either the Hadley or Northampton locations, usually for treats, or if Mac's food is on sale. My friend Mel buys her rescued feral cat Mishka's food,treats, and supplies at those locations as well. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Sometimes they run out of items, and it can take a little longer for backorders/special orders to arrive, than at the Greenfield Farmer's store, but other than that I have no complaints.In addition to the great selection of nationally-known natural,organic and premium pet food brands, Dave's also has a natural, lower-priced house brand which is quite popular. Mishka LOVES the Dave's wet and dry cat foods! Well-behaved pets are welcome in Dave's. Special offers are available online and through the free "Dave's Club" membership card.

Northampton also has a small pet supply store in the downtown area, Every Pet's Dream (www.everypetsdream.net or www.everypetsdreamnorthampton.com ). This is more of a specialty gift store for spoiled pets and their owners, although they do sell some natural pet foods and have a decent selection of treats, including homemade ones that look like cookies! I love the pet toys and clothes.They emphasize sustainable items made from recycled materials.The staff is delightful! I especially like a special service they offer, where you can have your pet's photographic likeness copied and embroidered on pet blankets, tote bags and other items. I have received a blanket and tote bag as gifts, with Mac's picture on them, and the picture looked just like Mac and was a very high quality. Pets are welcome in this store and get a free treat.

In general, the Pioneer Valley is an area where people are concerned about their pets and want the very best for them. These three stores reflect that attitude!