question:
Help! I’m supposed to talk to a group of kids at an animal camp at our local shelter tomorrow about pet nutrition. They will be 6 to 12 years old. Any ideas on what to do? I don’t want to bore them. — Amanda M. Wilbourne, Nautical Dog, Williamsburg, VA
- Talk about physical differences between dogs/cats and people, their different style of teeth, that their jaws don’t go side-to-side — have everyone try it — and how that means they are designed to eat different foods than us. Could be fun. — Margarat Nee, Dexter’s Deli, San Diego, CA
- If it’s on nutrition, show them different snacks they can share with their dog and different snacks that they should not share with their dog. Or how to make frozen or baked treats for their dog. A lot of the companies have little recipe cards for some of those. — Melisa Wynn, Paws & Fins Pet Shop, Bainbridge Island, WA
- We do a LOT of tours and talks for this age group! I like to bring stuffed animals (dog, cat, snake, lizard, bird, rabbit, etc.) and teach about carnivore versus omnivore versus herbivore. What the differences are: how their poop is different, how herbivore teeth grow constantly, etc. I keep it simple. — Megan Kurzweil, Forepaws, Minooka, IL
- Quiz them on what they think dogs and cats ate before dry food was invented. Find out if their PE class talks about how fresh foods are good for their bodies and explain how it’s the same for our pets. Adding a little fresh to the dry food is better than nothing. — Theresa Sexton, For Healthy Pets, Montgomery, AL
- Talk about the history of dogs a bit, which would then lead to raw diets. And maybe also about what human foods are bad for dogs. Compare different dog foods to McDonald’s, etc, basically make it relatable. Ask them questions: Show of hands how many feed their dogs kibble versus canned versus raw, who helps parents get the food ready, etc. — Andrea Klee-Jenkins, Simply Tailz Pet Sitting Services, Plainfield, IL
Editor’s note: All answers printed with permission, edited for clarity and length. Join the private PETS+ Facebook Community for retailers and service providers at facebook.com/groups/petsplusmagcommunity.