Purrs McBarkin'

05/04/2026

05/03/2026

https://youtu.be/kBJzd6Jaskk?si=j564XRDUJhGBTD4H

Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive
Let’s clear the air with the Facts!
As a certified nutritionist and owner of an independent pet store, I’m setting the record straight on one of the most misunderstood topics in dog food.
No hype. No fear. Just real talk about what your dog’s body actually needs.

Certified Nutritionist Explains the Grain-Free Dog Food and DCM Debate

05/02/2026

https://purrsmcbarkin.com/

Shop Purrs McBarkin' in Hartsville SC for premium dog and cat food, treats, and nutrition guidance from a Certified Canine and Feline Nutritionist.

05/01/2026

Big news.

I'm super excited to announce that Purrs McBarkin’ made the finals for Pet Age’s 2026 Retailer Excellence Awards in the Single Store category.

This is a national award, so for a small independent pet nutrition store in Hartsville, South Carolina, this is a pretty big honor.

Honestly, I think it is big news for our town too.

It shows that a small business in Hartsville can be noticed on a national stage when it is built with care, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

If you believe in what I do here, and if Purrs McBarkin’ has helped you or your pet in some way, I would be truly grateful for your vote.

Voting is open through June 1.

Thank you for supporting this little store. It means more than you know.

Vote here:

The inaugural Retailer Excellence Awards REA , presented by Pet Age, celebrates the achievements and resilience of the pet industry s interconnected community. Though the awards program is primarily focused on pet stores the REA recognizes excellence in six specific award categories it also honors t...

04/29/2026

When you shop at Purrs McBarkin’, you are not just buying a bag of food, a treat, or a supplement.

You are supporting a place where your pet’s story actually matters.

A lot of what I do here happens quietly, behind the scenes.

It is the evening research after the store is closed.

The extra time spent comparing ingredients.

The follow-up thought that comes later, when I am still thinking about a customer’s dog or cat.

The questions I ask because sometimes the small details are the details that matter most.

I do not do that for recognition.

I do it because when someone trusts me with a question about their pet, I take that seriously.

That is the difference.

Big stores can offer aisles.

Online retailers can offer speed.

But Purrs McBarkin’ was built around something different.

Care.

Education.

Purpose.

And the belief that pets deserve better than guesswork, marketing, and whatever happens to be stacked highest on a shelf.

When someone walks through my door, I am not trying to rush them to a product and send them on their way. I want them to understand why something may or may not be a good fit. I want them to feel more confident. I want them to know there is still a place where questions are welcome and where answers are not copied from a label.

Because behind every question is an animal someone loves.

The itchy dog.

The cat with stomach issues.

The picky eater.

The senior pet slowing down.

The overweight dog who needs a better plan.

The pet parent who feels overwhelmed and just wants to do the right thing.

That matters to me.

Purrs McBarkin’ is not here to be the biggest.

It is here to be thoughtful.

It is here to be honest.

It is here to care about the dog or cat attached to the decision.

And when you choose to shop small, you are choosing more than a store.

You are choosing the kind of community you want to live in.

One with empty storefronts and transactions without connection?

Or one where people still know your name, care about your pets, and are willing to look deeper even after the lights are off?

Shopping small is not charity.

It is a choice.

A choice to support care over convenience.

Knowledge over noise.

Purpose over volume.

And when it comes to the animals we love, that choice matters.

To everyone who supports Purrs McBarkin’, thank you.

Your trust means more than you know, and I do not take it lightly.

Dave Zanoni
Founder, Purrs McBarkin’
Certified Canine & Feline Nutritionist
Southern Illinois University

04/29/2026

Purrs McBarkin’ now proudly offers BAYDOG Monterey Bay life jackets by special order. These top-quality jackets offer buoyancy, bright visibility, and a secure fit. Measure your dog carefully, come in, and place your order by Saturday at 6 p.m. It’ll be ready for you by Tuesday. Your next adventure starts with Purrs McBarkin’.

04/27/2026

# # # HEADS UP FOR MAY # # # (UPDATED)
Purrs McBarkin’ will be closed Friday, May 15 THROUGH Monday, May 18.
My wife and I are taking a long weekend out of town to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
Please make sure you have enough food and supplies to cover that time.
I’ll be back in the store on Tuesday, May 19.
Thank you for your support. It truly means a lot.

04/25/2026

8 years ago, my wife and I adopted our boy Vinny from the Humane Society ❤

04/23/2026

Hey folks,
You may have heard that Fussie Cat, once exclusive to independent shops, is moving into PetSmart, and even Farmer’s Dog will now be available through Walmart online. It’s a sign of the times. Costs are up for everyone, and even big brands are doing what they must to stay afloat.

For small, independent stores like Purrs McBarkin’, these shifts add new challenges. But what keeps this place going isn’t exclusivity, it’s the relationship I have with you and your pets. It’s the trust you place in the guidance, care, and honesty I try to show every day.

I’m truly grateful for that. And I hope you’ll continue supporting the small shops that genuinely care about you and your pets.

Dave Zanoni
Owner, Purrs McBarkin’
Certified Canine & Feline Nutritionist
Southern Illinois University

04/23/2026

There was a recent voluntary FDA recall involving a specific lot of one Farmina dog food product.

This was strictly due to a labeling error and nothing more. The protein listed on the front of the bag did not match the ingredient panel. It is classified as a Class III recall, which means there is no health or safety risk.

The product was distributed to a limited number of states and was not part of the supply chain for this store.

No products on the shelves at Purrs McBarkin’ are affected by this recall.

I stay on top of situations like this at all times. Every product that comes into the store is something I pay close attention to, from sourcing to labeling to overall quality. If anything ever directly impacts what I carry, you will hear it from me clearly and immediately.

If you ever have questions about what you’re feeding your dog or cat, I’m always here to help.

Dave