There's a new pet food deli in the Twin Cities that is touted as a health food store for pets. Woody’s Pet Food Deli, owned by Enrique and Michelle Palma, is now open and located at 3008 West 50th Street in Minneapolis.

From its in-store kitchen, Woody’s makes a variety of "fresh, homemade, wholesome pet food, both cooked and raw." In addition, they sell an array of pet supplements and natural treats.

The store is named after Woody, a nine-year-old German shepherd mix the Palmas adopted who was malnourished, had inflammatory bowel disease and was losing hair on his head and legs. Soon thereafter, they added Fred to the family—an 11-year-old beagle who was 46 lbs (more than twice the amount he should weigh,) had pollen allergies, a heart murmur, severe chronic ear infections, arthritis, multiple cysts, anal sac problems, hot spots and excessive shedding.

According to the Palmas, "The changes to both Woody and Fred have been dramatic since moving them to a whole foods diet. Both have soft, shiny, and full-bodied coats. Woody has maintained a healthy weight, and is now seldom beset by diarrhea. Fred is now “buff” at 26 lbs. There are barely signs of his heart murmur and his arthritis and anal sac problems have disappeared."

For more than a year now, the Palmas have been assisting St Francis Animal Rescue by helping unhealthy dogs become healthy by feeding them whole foods. Says Palma "We’ve been seeing how the majority of these dogs’ health problems go away by simply giving them whole foods, be they raw or cooked."

On their website is the quote, "Woody’s Pet Food Deli is our grassroots effort to educate pet owners of proper pet nutrition."

And to that I say, "Amen."

I've yet to stop by, but soon will and am interested in seeing how my cats react to their cat food. I am a huge proponent of proper nutrition for pets. Also, the owners are local, independent and their hearts seem to be in the right place. If you go, let us know what you think.