Back in January 2015, an alarming incident involving my own dog, Piglet, prompted a reevaluation of Stella & Chewy's products. After consuming their raw rabbit food, Piglet experienced a seizure for the first time in her nine years. This incident, coupled with the discovery of unusually white patties in place of the expected red, raised serious concerns about the food's quality and safety.
Despite reaching out to Stella & Chewy's with detailed information and a plea for an investigation, the response we received was far from satisfactory. The lack of a thorough inquiry into the matter and the overall dismissive attitude towards our concerns left us deeply disappointed.
Our Decision Reflects Our Values
Over six weeks passed without any substantial follow-up from Stella & Chewy's. This lack of engagement and accountability led us to the tough decision to remove their products from our shelves permanently. It's crucial for us to stand by products and brands that not only share our values but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of pets and the concerns of pet owners.
We understand that some of our customers have asked about Stella & Chewy's dog food since its removal. Our decision was not made lightly but out of a deep sense of responsibility towards the health and safety of your pets. We sought no compensation from Stella & Chewy's—our only desire was for a thorough examination of a product that could potentially harm pets.
Later that year, there was a recall of Stella & Chewy's for listeria. If they had tested the bag I had months earlier so many pets could have avoided getting sick. But they chose to ignore me instead of take responsibility for my dog having her first and only seizure.
Your Trust Is Our Priority
We want you to know that every product in our store is carefully chosen to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality for your pets. The trust you place in us is something we value immensely, and we are committed to maintaining it by being transparent about the products we carry and the reasons behind our choices.
While we understand that Stella & Chewy's may have been a preferred brand for some, we hope you'll find peace of mind in knowing that our decision was made in the best interest of your pets' health. We continue to offer a wide range of high-quality, safe, and nutritious alternatives that we believe will meet—and exceed—your expectations.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in us. Your pets' health and happiness are what drive us every day, and we're here to support you in providing the very best care for them.