THE most common questions we get asked by pet parents are related to feeding their pet: what kind of food, which brand or formula, how much and how often, which treats, and what the heck does this ingredient list mean, anyway?
Which is why, as part of Pet Valu’s Animal Care Expert (or ACE 180 program), store staffers are trained to support pet parents when it comes to making decisions about animal nutrition.
They can make recommendations for what to feed your parakeet, how to avoid ingredients that might trigger your poodle’s allergies, or which supplements might help your tabby with her hairball issue.
Zana Ellis — a member of the team that develops ACE training — says pet food was at the top of the list of issues they wanted the program to address.
“We started to base the training on things that would help with the big question we get in store: ‘What's the best food?’ Well, that's not an easy answer, right? Because, it depends on the pet's unique nutritional needs and preferences.”
We love our pets and we understand the importance that a healthy diet plays in both their happiness and their well-being.
But it turns out the ‘best’ food isn’t the same for every pet (even those of the same breed) — that’s where ACEs can step in and help guide you towards the right kibble, the right raw food, or even the right hay for your specific bestie, at every stage of their life.
“We ask about the age, the type of pet, the activity of the pet, and the current health conditions that they have,” says Ellis.
“Once we get all of those pieces the next factor is, ‘What do you feel comfortable feeding?’ because some folks want to feed a raw diet, while some folks want a grain-free kibble, or some folks want to do grain free, and some people are on a budget. We really try to work with what they want, as well as what the animal needs.”
Pet Valu ACEs do two levels of training that include educational modules on animal nutrition. The first is Enthusiast level and next is Expert. These programs are completed within an employee's first 180 days with Pet Valu.
Once a staffer reaches Expert level, they complete a refresher course once a year so that their knowledge of pet nutrition remains current.
If an ACE doesn’t have an answer to a pet parent’s diet-related question, they can contact the company’s nutritionist.
“We are very fortunate to have a nutritionist on staff,” says Ellis. “There will be times when a customer will ask questions that our ACE doesn't have an answer for, so our ACE says, ‘Let me get you the answer, what's your email address?’ They’ll reach out to the nutritionist and get that information back to the pet parent, which I think is pretty astounding.”
Even for the most devoted pet parent, nutrition can be a tricky topic. Our pets have individual preferences and pet food is specifically designed for their needs. Just reading the ingredients list on a bag of kibble can lead to confusion. Pet Valu ACEs are there to help with this important decision-making process.
Maybe you want to switch your pup from canned food to freeze-dried raw. An ACE can guide you towards which type to try and how to make the transition in a way that won’t be difficult on their digestive system.
Perhaps you’ve got a cat with food allergies. An ACE can help you decipher the meaning of some of those unfamiliar listed ingredients so that you can avoid dietary triggers.
Or maybe you’re a first-time pet parent and you aren’t sure what the healthiest type of food for a young turtle is. Visit your local Pet Valu and just ask an ACE about your options.
Nutrition is the cornerstone of your pet’s health. From specialty diets to treats and supplements that support wellness, ACEs are on hand in store to help you navigate all the options available.
What is an “Animal Care Expert” and how do they help pet parents?
If you’ve got pet questions, our in-store staff are specially trained (in courses developed by pet experts, nutritionists and vets) to help you navigate pet parenthood.
Here’s what it takes to become an Animal Care Expert
Pet Valu staff receive expert training so they can provide knowledge-based insight and advice to pet parents
Types of questions you can ask an Animal Care Expert
From grooming tips to breed-specific health conditions, these are topics ACEs can help pet parents with
