Here We Grow Again!
Attention, pet owners of Toronto! We have some fantastic news for you and your furry friends. A brand-new Global Pet Foods store has opened its doors in the heart of the city, located at 605 Rogers Road, Unit D8, Toronto, ON M6M 1B9. Get ready to embark on a pet shopping adventure like no other!
The moment you step inside the new store, you’ll be greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff, eager to assist you in finding the perfect items for your beloved companions. Whether you’re searching for the healthiest and most nutritious food options, delicious treats, supplements to enhance your pet’s well-being, or the latest accessories to spoil them, Global Pet Foods has got you covered.
Great Selection
One of the standout features of the new store is its extensive range of pet food options. We recognize that pets have different dietary requirements and preferences, so we offer a variety of choices to accommodate every pet’s unique needs. From grain-free and raw diets to organic options, you’ll find a diverse selection of premium pet foods that prioritize your furry friend’s health and happiness.
The location at 605 Rogers Road, Unit D8, Toronto, has been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for both pets and their owners. The spacious layout allows for easy browsing and ensures that you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free shopping experience. The shelves are stocked with an array of high-quality products, including pet food from trusted brands, interactive toys to keep your pet entertained, grooming supplies for that fresh and clean look, and a range of pet-themed accessories that showcase your pet’s unique personality.
Visit the Store Today!
Visit the store and explore the vast selection of pet products and meet the friendly team who are passionate about helping you provide the best care for your four-legged companions. Get ready for a paw-some shopping experience at the new Global Pet Foods store in Toronto!
The kitty litter type and litter box options out there these days can be overwhelming. What may be the right choice for one cat or owner my not work for you and your cat. There are many reasons one might be looking for a new litter or litter box. Maybe you are bringing home your first cat or bringing a new addition to your home, and you want to make sure you are still up to date on your options and making the best choice for them and yourself. Whether you are switching to help ease some strain on your shoulders or switching to find your cat’s preference, we are here to help. We have gone through all the litter types and boxes out there, their downfalls and upsides, so you can make the best decision for you and your furry family members.
With so many different litter types out there, it can be hard to narrow down what’s right for you, your lifestyle, and your beloved cat. We all have different priorities, such as an easy clean up and little dust, or being more environmentally cautious or keeping your budget in mind.
We are going to breakdown many of the varieties available so you can be more confident in making that right choice for you and your cat(s).
| Litter Type | Pros | Cons |
| Non-Clumping Clay Litter | – Absorbs its weight in urine. – Much less expensive than Clumping Clay litter. – Most, if not all cats like it, typically no litter training needed. – Easy to find, many brands fall into this category. – Covers smell to a certain extent. | – Heavy and dusty. – Tracking occurs. – Since it is non-clumping, must be changed frequently (at least once a week). – Not biodegradable, sits in landfills. |
| Clumping Clay Litter | – Made with bentonite clay, allows urine to form into solid clumps to be scooped. – Easy to clean. – Most, if not all cats like it, typically no litter training needed. – Easy to find, many brands fall into this category. – Good at neutralizing the smell. – With good routine, can be changed monthly. | – Heavy and dusty. – Tracking occurs. – Not biodegradable, sits in landfills. |
| Crystal Litter (Silica-gel) | – Absorbs liquid and traps odour better than clay litter. – Crystals draw in urine inside them leaving the outside dry, no clumps to scoop. – Less upkeep, only scoop the poop, switch out monthly. – Very light weight.Little to no dust, bigger crystals result in less tracking. | – More expensive. – Different texture, litter training may be needed, refusal is possible. – Not biodegradable, sits in landfills. |
| Wood Litter | – Made of wood like pine, absorbs liquid well and then turns to saw dust. – Lasts longer. – Less expensive. – Natural smell to control odour. – Biodegradable, more environmentally friendly. | – Different texture, litter training may be needed, refusal is possible. – More frequent cleaning/labour intensive. – Must sift out the dust and keep the pellets regularly. |
| Paper Litter | – Uses recycled paper made into pellets, biodegradable. – Light weight. – More absorbent than clay litter. – Dust-free, little to no tracking. | – Different texture, litter training may be needed, refusal is possible. – Expensive. – More labour intensive and must switch out weekly. – Can be messy, not the best odour control. |
| Corn Litter | – Lighter than clay litter. – Can be formulated as a clumping litter. – Biodegradable, more environmentally friendly. – Less dust than clay litters. – With good routine, can be changed monthly. | – Expensive. – Not as good at odour control. – Some tracking occurs. – Different texture, litter training may be needed, refusal is possible. |
| Tofu Litter | – Made of edible soy, biodegradable and flushable. – Highly absorbent, quick clumping to scoop out. – Dust-free and low tracking. – Light weight. | – Expensive. – Different texture, litter training may be needed, refusal is possible. – Not the best odour control, dependent on brand. – Can go moldy if stored in a high moisture area. |
As many cat parents know, cats can be very particular about their litter box such as, size, shape, depth, and placement. Just like the litter, what may work for one cat does not always work for another, or what worked last week isn’t to their liking this week and it can be hard to figure out why. If cats are spooked by their box or “inconvenienced” by the size or complexity of it, they are more likely to find somewhere more comfortable to do their “business”. We want to help you avoid that scenario as much as possible.
Before we jump into what litter box is right for your cat(s), it may be best to consider how many litter boxes you need. The general rule or recommendation is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the home.
Number of litter boxes = n + 1, n represents the number of cats in the home.
Ex. If you have 3 cats, n = 3 in this instance. Therefore; Number of litter boxes = 3 +1
Total number of litter boxes = 4
Of course, this is a recommendation. Many single cat households are perfectly content with just one litter box, especially in smaller homes where locating multiple appropriate areas is not feasible. In multi-cat households many find that having that extra box helps provide the cats the options they desire and minimizes the chances of them going outside the box.
The first instinct for many is to keep it out of the way, and typically out of sight. This is normally for our own convenience, but there may be a placement that meets everyone’s needs. It is best place it in a cool, dry, and quiet spot. A low traffic area that is away from their food and water. As much as we want it out of the way, we must also choose a spot that is easily accessible, and not likely that they will get locked in or out of that area.
Similarly, to cat litter, there are many litter box options available. All different colours, sizes, depths, and different entry ways. We are going to touch on the big litter box questions, shedding some light on the more popular options.
A big question out there is whether to go with a covered or uncovered box. Every cat seems to have their own preference on the issue. A covered box does help eliminate some mess and odour for us humans. With that said a covered box also traps more dust and odours, which may irritate them than an uncovered box. If you happen to have a cat that is perfectly happy using a covered box, it is even more important to scoop everyday to keep it clean and comfortable.
Our next topic is for those pet parents that are dealing with sprayers or kickers. These cats can leave quite the mess of litter or pee outside the box. Some older cats or those with joint issues may not be able to crouch down as far anymore and this causes them to pee higher than the side of the box. Its best to look for a box with high sides but still a low enough entrance to enter and exit with ease. A covered box is a great choice for these cats as well, if they don’t mind the lid. A top-entry litterbox is another fantastic option for more mobile cats, and it really cuts down on the mess left around the litter box.
Self-cleaning litter boxes have been growing in popularity. These can help keep things clean and sanitary. It can be very beneficial for those that travel and don’t feel comfortable with pet sitters. It provides the convenience of not having to scoop daily while keeping the litter box clean and comfortable for the cat(s). The convenience does come with a bigger price tag, but that may be worth it for many cat parents. Keep in mind, the noise and movement as our cat(s) pass by may scare and make them more prone to avoiding the box and finding somewhere else to go.
The choice of litter box is not always up to us, some of our cat(s) may have more of an input on the decision than others.
Some cats take to a new litter right away and do not require any transition process and make it easy on us. Most of us, unfortunately, are not that lucky. Using a transition method can greatly decrease the stress on the cat(s) during this change. There are two common transition methods we will be going over.
This process is very similar to the traditional approach to switching their food. You add the new litter to the bottom of the litter box and then the old litter on top of it. This way when the cat first steps into it, the texture feels and smells familiar. As they dig and bury, they will get accustomed to the new litter underneath. Gradually increase the amount of the new litter at the bottom and decrease the amount of old litter on top. It may take up to 7 days for the whole transition, and by the end they will be using only the new litter.
This is another way to transition cats to a new litter or box. It may seem a little weird or gross, but it has worked for many cats and cat owners. This involves taking some of your cat’s feces from the old litter or old litter box and adding it into the new litter or new litter box. This creates a positive association for them. It signals to them that this is where they do their “business”, making them more comfortable as it smells like them.
Another great tool when trying to get them accustomed to a new litter or litter box is positive reinforcement. It can be a great addition to any litter or litter box transition. It may seem silly but rewarding your cat after using the litter box helps associate that behaviour to treats or attention, encouraging them to keep using it. This is especially helpful and effective if they are highly food motivated.
If your cat is going outside the box, is it always best to visit your veterinarian and rule out any underlying condition such as a UTI, crystals, or a blockage. It is always best to catch urinary problems as early as possible to prevent the irritability and pain they are feeling. It provides a great peace of mind before you tackle to task of changing litters or litter boxes to find your solution.
If you are unsure of which litter your cat will like most, you can fill two separate boxes with different litter. Over a few days keep track of which box they seem to be using the most or visiting the most. This process will give you great insight on their preferences.
It is also a good idea to avoid too many big changes at once. If you do choose to change the litter, you should keep the box and box location the same. Too many changes at once can overwhelm and stress out your cat leading to them refusing any of the changes. Keep this in mind if there are changes to their general environment as well, like adding a new family member, doing home renovations, or moving. It is best to avoid changing their box or litter if you are in any of those situations.
Are you having a problem with tracking? Litter with larger granules and top-entry boxes help cut down on tracking. Litter mats set up outside the box can also help with tracking as it catches the litter while the cat walks across and can also catch any being thrown out of the entrance.
If you do happen to choose a cat litter or litter box that helps cut down on the daily scooping, keep in mind that our biggest clue into our cats’ health is in their litter box. It can show us if they are having digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, or urinary problems that lead to blood in the urine. Regularly checking the litter box also lets us know that there may be a gastrointestinal or urinary blockage by the absence of feces and urine. The earlier these issues are caught, the better, and may even be life saving. Whether you need to scoop daily or not, you should always check the litter box(es) regularly to stay up to date on their health.
In the end, our cat(s) are the final judge. If they continuously refuse to use the box or litter, no matter how much we want them to use it, it is time to try something else.
If you are struggling or have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our healthy pet care specialists in store. They are happy to help come up with solution together that meets everyone’s needs.
The Huntsville Soccer Club has been putting in a lot of effort this season to form a brand new women’s league. Their hard work has paid off, and the league is now up and running with a great deal of support from the community.
One of the local businesses that has stepped up to support the league is Global Pet Foods Huntsville. They were approached by the Huntsville Soccer Club to take part in the league as a sponsor, and they eagerly agreed. Now, the first-ever Women’s League trophy is sponsored by Global Pet Foods Huntsville and is called the Global Pet Foods Cup.
It’s not every day that a local business gets the chance to sponsor a sports league trophy, especially a brand new one. This sponsorship speaks to the commitment that Global Pet Foods Huntsville has to the community and to supporting local initiatives.
This partnership between the Huntsville Soccer Club and Global Pet Foods Huntsville is a great example of how local businesses can work together with community organizations to create something that benefits everyone. The soccer league gets the support it needs to thrive, and Global Pet Foods Huntsville gets the chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
Have you heard? Global Pet Foods in London, ON is NOW OPEN! They are located at 1820 Adelaide St. N. Unit #4, London ON.
Pet owners in London have a new place to shop for their furry companions as a new Global Pet Foods store has opened its doors. Located on Adelaide Street North, the store is set to become a one-stop-shop for all pet-related needs.
The new store offers a vast range of high-quality pet products, including natural and holistic food options, pet toys, accessories, and grooming supplies. With over 30 years of experience, Global Pet Foods has become a trusted source for pet owners across Canada, and this new location is no exception.
The new store boasts a wide range of products to cater to different pet needs, from dogs and cats to small animals. Pet owners can choose from a selection of premium and natural pet foods that cater to specific dietary requirements, including grain-free, gluten-free, and organic options. The store also features a variety of supplements, vitamins, and treats to ensure that pets receive a well-balanced diet.
In addition to food options, Global Pet Foods London offers an extensive range of pet accessories, including collars, leashes, beds, toys, and grooming supplies. The store also provides expert advice on how to choose the right products for different pets and their unique needs.
Great News is Here!
Have you heard? Global Pet Foods in Kelowna, BC is NOW OPEN! They are located at 1835 Gordon Dr., Unit 105, Kelowna, BC.
Pet owners in Kelowna now have another reason to rejoice as Global Pet Foods has opened its doors in the city. The newest addition to the pet food retail chain offers a wide range of high-quality pet food, accessories, and supplements.
The new store is located at 1835 Gordon Dr., Unit 105 and is ready to cater to the increasing demand for high-quality pet food and products in the region. The store is spacious, brightly lit, and beautifully designed, providing a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners.
The aisles are well-stocked with an extensive range of pet food options, including dry, wet, and frozen food for dogs, cats, and small animals. The store also offers a wide selection of toys, accessories, and supplements, ensuring that pet owners have everything they need under one roof.
The Meade Family: Paws for a Good Time
We would like to introduce you to the people behind the new Global Pet Foods in Kelowna. Meet the Meade family! Marie and Nathan are parents to Milo, 16, and Dexter, 11. During their almost twenty years of being married, the Meades have had an assortment of dogs which showcases their attachment to animals. Without pets, their family would be happy but not complete.
Marie started a job at a local pet store and quickly got promoted to Manager. Learning how much she enjoyed that job, she started to look into owning a store herself and got full support from the whole family. After researching options, Global Pet Foods stood out with its 100% Canadian company and great brands. So, the decision was made and the process was started.
The new Global Pet Foods store in Kelowna will be open seven days a week, providing pet owners with the convenience of shopping for their pets whenever they need to. With its commitment to providing high-quality pet food and products, supporting the local community, and its beautiful store design, Global Pet Foods Kelowna is poised to become a favorite among pet owners in the region.
We’ve got BIG news! In fact, it doesn’t get any bigger… We’ve opened one of Canada’s largest Global Pet Foods Stores in Rothesay, New Brunswick!
Global Pet Foods NB has been family-owned and operated for 11 years. For the past five years, they’ve been searching for the perfect location to help pet parents in Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton and surrounding areas, and we are excited to say: they’ve found it!
At the new Global Pet Foods NB location in the Rothesay Plaza, located at 82 Hampton Road, you’ll find the largest selection of frozen raw pet food in the province, behind 20 freezer doors. Their curated selection of frozen raw, as well as high-quality dry kibble and treats, means you’ll only find the very best natural and holistic foods for your pet. We love pets! That’s why we stock only products we would buy for our own pets and encourage you to bring your pets to meet their knowledgeable and passionate staff in their stores. You may even get to meet their pets too!
Have you heard? Global Pet Foods in Kingston, ON is NOW OPEN! They are located at 225 Gore Rd, Unit 7, Kingston, Ontario.
Our new Global Pet Foods Kingston store has opened its doors in Kingston for parents of every kind of pet! Pet lovers can expect a wide range of products and services, including large selection of high-quality food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and accessories for all types of pets.
The store’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to provide expert advice and support to pet owners on all aspects of pet care. In addition, Global Pet Foods Kingston is planning to host regular events aimed at educating and empowering pet owners in the local community.
Our newest Kingston location will be open seven days a week and is located at 225 Gore Rd, Unit 7. Pet owners are invited to visit the store for special offers and giveaways.
We are excited to share that Global Pet Foods will be taking part in the #BettyWhiteChallenge on Monday, January 17th to mark the icon’s 100th birthday.
As a devoted animal lover, Betty White dedicated her time to help animals in need. Her admiration for all animals inspired the #BettyWhiteChallenge which asks fans of the actress and fellow animal lovers to donate $5 or more to animal rescues or shelters in her name.
Global Pet Foods will match all donations received through the Global Pets & Animals Foundation up to $10,000 on Monday, January 17th. Donations will be made in Betty White’s name to a Canadian animal rescue or shelter in need.
Global Pet Foods has been a strong advocate in supporting Canadian animal charities through our annual Show Us Your Heart campaign raising funds to assist local animal rescues and associations with total donations exceeding 2 million dollars.
To participate in the challenge, go to https://showthemsomelove.com/
#BettyWhiteChallenge
At Global Pet Foods, we truly believe that pets are undeniably part of the family. That’s why we work hard to provide Canadian pet parents with the highest quality foods, expertise, and unmatched customer service. We couldn’t be happier that Global Pet Foods was awarded the 2021 Brand of the Year in the Animalis Edition of the prestigious World Branding Awards.
“The Animalis Edition of the Awards are an acknowledgement to the tireless effort of the teams that build and maintain their brand presence in an everchanging market in the pet and animal industry,” says Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.
Global Pet Foods achieved this honour in the National Award Tier, which recognizes the top brands in each participating country at the awards. These are brands that are household names in their home country that have been judged to be truly exceptional.
Dino Fragaglia, President of Global Pet Foods shared:
“It’s fulfilling knowing that our customers recognize our brand and we’re extremely proud of that achievement. Pet Parents also recognize our strong reputation as leaders in pet specialty innovation, which authenticates our core beliefs.”
Reaching out to the pet community at large and the welfare of companion animals is important to the Global Pet Foods brand.
“Our role in local communities through our Global Pets & Animals Foundation and annual Show Us Your Heart program supports animal rescues which is a commitment we share with our customers.” says Jim Walker, Executive Chairman of Global Pet Foods.
The third Animalis Edition of the Awards, which focuses on Pet & Animal Brands, took place on September 9, 2021, and saw 150 brands from 41 countries named “Brand of the Year” in the first-ever virtual awards ceremony held in the history of the awards. The brands were nominated by over 115,000 consumers from six continents for the special biennial Animal Edition which focuses on awarding the best pet & animal brands from around the world. Over 1,000 brands from around the world were nominated for the 2021 Animalis Edition of the awards.
Paul Thomson, CEO of Global Pet Foods adds:
“Global Pet Foods strives to create the best possible customer experience for pet owners across Canada. Our brand message supports this goal.
The Brand of the Year Award is a wonderful testament to the team effort directed towards this goal.
Thank you to our management group and staff, our marketing consultants, our vendors, and, of course, the franchise associates who make our brand message a reality for our customers.”
—
About the World Branding Awards
The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum. The Awards recognises the achievements of the best brands in the world. Winners are selected based on brand valuation, market research, and online public voting. For more information, visit www.awards.brandingforum.org
—
About Global Pet Foods
Global Pet Foods is proud to be 100% Canadian with over 195 locations across Canada! Since 1976, we have been providing pet parents with holistic pet foods, expertise, and so much more! We truly believe that pets are undeniably part of the family. For more information, visit www.globalpetfoods.com
At Global Pet Foods, we truly believe that pets are undeniably part of the family. That’s why we work hard to provide Canadian pet parents with the highest quality foods, expertise, and unmatched customer service. We couldn’t be happier that Global Pet Foods was awarded the 2019 Brand of the Year in the Animalis Edition of the prestigious World Branding Awards.
“The Animalis Edition of the Awards are an acknowledgement to the tireless effort of the teams that build and maintain their brand presence in an everchanging market in the pet and animal industry,” says Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.
Global Pet Foods achieved this honour in the National Award Tier, which recognizes the top brands in each participating country at the awards. These are brands that are household names in their home country that have been judged to be truly exceptional.
Dino Fragaglia, President of Global Pet Foods shared:
“It’s fulfilling knowing that our customers recognize our brand and we’re extremely proud of that achievement. Pet Parents also recognize our strong reputation as leaders in pet specialty innovation, which authenticates our core beliefs.”
Reaching out to the pet community at large and the welfare of companion animals is important to the Global Pet Foods brand.
“Our role in local communities through our Global Pets & Animals Foundation and annual Show Us Your Heart program supports animal rescues which is a commitment we share with our customers.” says Jim Walker, Executive Chairman of Global Pet Foods.
The second Animalis Edition of the Awards, which focuses on Pet & Animal Brands, was held in the Throne Room of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace on July 3rd, 2019. Over 60,000 pet & animal lovers from around the world voted for more than 800 brands. 92 of these brands were awarded. “A good brand needs to offer a meaningful experience to their customers, while remaining relevant and distinctive,” says Julian Andersen, Managing Director of the Forum.
Paul Thomson, CEO of Global Pet Foods adds:
“Global Pet Foods strives to create the best possible customer experience for pet owners across Canada. Our brand message supports this goal.
The Brand of the Year Award is a wonderful testament to the team effort directed towards this goal.
Thank you to our management group and staff, our marketing consultants, our vendors, and, of course, the franchise associates who make our brand message a reality for our customers.”
—
About the World Branding Awards
The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum. The Awards recognises the achievements of the best brands in the world. Winners are selected based on brand valuation, market research, and online public voting. For more information, click here.
