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Holistic Hound
Rating Details »
Categories: Pet Stores, Pet Services [Edit]
Neighborhoods: North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto1510 Walnut Street
(between Cedar St & Vine St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 843-2133
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
57 reviews for Holistic Hound
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Very often, I seem to come across boutique pet stores that sell items just because they know that pets are a big industry.
Holistic Hound may come across that way in passing, when you consider the location in a wealthy part of Berkeley but it really is nothing like that. It is an exceptional place. Those other stores actually just make me appreciate Holistic Hound even more. I trust the quality of all the foods, toys, and remedies I buy there and find their products very tasteful/useful.
The staff genuinely care for animals and are equally welcoming to me and my dog every time we come by. It is very clean and well organized in the store. My dog also had a very effective, non-anesthesia teeth cleaning there which was great. I also appreciate that they put up pictures of pets for adoption in their window. Overall, this is one of my favorite stores in Berkeley.
I finally went into Holisic Hound and was so excited to find knowledgeable folks and a plethora of toys, that are non-toxic and safe for dogs, and their food selection is awesome, wholesome and the store is immaculate. They have what you need to keep your pets healthy.
Hooray for Heidi, for taking a stand for our beloved 4-leggeds
Meeeeee-YOW! We LOVE this store and my cats do too, especially the cat toys. Latest discovery is "Da Bird"...my cats (and we) will never be the same. It's great...they think it's a real bird and don't go out hunting anymore! Well, not for birds anyway and that's a big help, don't you think?
They also have GREAT holistic medicines! Oh, btw: the owner,Heidi Hill is a very good homeopath too! Go for the good food for your pets, go for the fun, go for your (and your pets) needs... you'll simply enjoy your trip - I don't need to tell you to have fun, but I will anyway - HAVE FUN! PS: Have a cuppa at Peets Coffee next door after stocking up on supplies at Heidi's Holistic Hound!
Great store with incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Yeah, it's expensive. But I also appreciate the fact that they don't carry junk - no junk food, no junk snacks, no junk toys. Just wholesome everything for a healthy pet.
If I could give them an extra star for the lovely Pearl I would - she's a beautiful dog with an incredibly calm manner. Good model for my nervous guy.
This place is fantastic! Heidi (owner) is a certified homeopath herself and very knowledgeable of holistic pet care. On top of that, her dog "pearl" is gorgeous and if you catch her asleep in her kennel, you will laugh out loud. she sleeps as if she is practicing savasana .... it is worth going there just to witness this :-) They have good energy and welcoming vibe. Highly recommended by my collie, Mackie Boy...WOOF!
This is one of my favorite pet stores and Heidi, the owner, has been very informative if I needed any advice. They do carry a wide variety of foods such as Orijen, Acana, Evo, and Great Life holistic kibble (one of the best and healthiest dog food ever made). Also, they have one of the best selections for organic treats. They also carry supplements, vitamins and other organic remedies. The only cons are the boutique prices and the fact that one of the workers (the bald guy) acted a bit creepy and strange when I went to the counter to pay for my purchases.
My name is Gabriela from Sacramento. My 7mos. old puppy became very ill, We took her to the vet and where told she had parvo. The Vet said i could do two things treatment at around $1500 or put her to sleep. My boys and I started to cry. Knew we could not afford treatment . The nurse went on to tell me I should just put her to sleep. I picked up my puppy and left. I called my oldest son to tell him the bad news. By the time we get home my son called me said he was on his way to Berkeley to pick up meds he read online. 5 hours later he was at my house. we started with PARVAID, every hour and VIBACTRA PLUS every 6 hours. I really didn't believe it would work. Into the 3rd day she started trying to eat. 5th day 100% better. So if your vet tells you your dog has PARVO, please try these meds. We are so thankful to the people at Holistic Hound .
I visited this place for the first time today. We were in search of one specific product, but came out with something completely different and satisfying.
There is a good selection of organic products; specifically in the freezers with the variety of raw food. I was pleased to see that the owner was quick to order a product they were low on and that it'd be in the next day, if I wanted it. Great customer service!
When I need to fulfill my fuzzy creature quota I make a beeline for Holistic Hound; there's always a four legged friend of some sort lapping away outside their door.
Inside you'll find a whole myriad of pet goodness. It's a quintessential Berkeley establishment, lots of light and air, an organic version of everything, homeopathy for dogs guide on the counter with prices to match the Walnut Square/Gourmet Ghetto real estate.The stock is top notch and sensibly organized: expertly chosen foods and treats from the most simple to gourmet, hygienic care products, adorable and practical accessories and clothing, a rainbow of toys.
Fantastic for the necessities and a little spoilage, too!
This place has the feel of a pet supply store but carries products you find at pet boutiques, along with very high prices.
The POgOS pet treats freaked me out a little. Freeze dried fish is one thing. Freeze dried calamari and rabbit are a little weird. But freeze dried mouse is too much for me. Something I will NEVER get for the pups.
Loves it!
This is the closest pet store to us that carries Parvaid (a holistic supplement to traditional Parvo treatment in dogs) -- so we raced over to pick it up for our sick puppy. Unfortunately, the long drive and a pit stop at the hospital where our sick pup is admitted meant we arrived literally 1 minute before closing time. They were kind enough to stay open late for us, and held the very last bottle for us in the meantime. Two thumbs up for customer service! The clerk on staff was also extremely knowledgeable about the product and administration of the supplements, which you can't say for the staff at every pet store. I also dug a lot of the toys, green alternative beds and pretty much everything we saw in the store during our brief visit. We'll definitely be coming back, despite the drive.
Knocking one star off for the price (you can get it online cheaper, but probably not faster) -- but really, it's a gem of a store with many hard to find items and I recommend checking 'em out.
There is an overwhelming selection of cute and healthy goodies! Woman ringing my purchase up at the counter mentioned they don't carry food made in China -- thank god! Human grade dog food sounds good to me.
I was shopping for my sister's dog -- picked up a dinosaur shaped chew toy for her medium-to-large dog. The Holistic Hound also had an adorable stuffed warthog for sale, but unfortunately, Molly the dog eats stuffed animals for breakfast.
Awesome Resources!!
When we and our vet reached our wit's end with the dog's dietary issues she recommended home cooking. I didn't know where to start, but I figured I should start here. It was a good call! They were so helpful, providing literature on recipes and nutrition, making sure I had the right supplements and vitamins I needed and offering a card with a number to "call if I had any further questions."
Can I just tell you how much my dog's health has improved since then? And now that I know a thing or two about homecooking and feeding raw, they have one of the best selections of supplements in the entire Bay Area. Including bonemeal supplements and fishoils that you can't get anywhere else.
They were super helpful. For any holistic pet care supplies, definitely go here!
This is the best Pet shop in East Bay area! We need more Holistic pet shop like that!
Ask owner about Holistic animal care ! She is fantastic lady !
I love Holistic Hound! Great store for all-natural dog food. If you love your dog and want the best food for them, this is the place! Got my dog food here and never looked back. There's a wide variety of natural dog food and the staff are very knowledgeable about what type of food your dog is suitable with. They have plenty of other stuff too like (all-natural) dog treats, rawhide, grooming, toys..etc. And there's a cat section too.
Plus, you get to see the cute adorable Husky!!!
I've had dogs for all of my life and have never found a better dog food and supply store than the Holistic Hound in Berkeley, CA. All of the food is certifiably natural, and all of the store's employees are FRIENDLY and KNOWLEDGABLE; how often do you find that any more any where?
One time on a Sunday evening I got to the store 10 minutes after 6:00 pm (closing time) to pick up a bottle of Bach's "Out of Control" I had ordered for my overly energetic pit butl Gus. The owner was still inside helping another desperate customer, who had come in for dog food, so she let me in as well. Now come on! How often do store owners do that for you anymore? Almost never is when.
They allow leashed dogs within the store. My dogs love all of the food and treats I buy them, and all of the sales people can actually answer questions--Now Come On--that in itself is reason enough to go to the store. Any where else you go these days try asking one of the sales people a question and see what happens--try this especially at either Best Buy or at Home Depot. I swear to God your answer will be "I dunno" b/c these stores mainstream the retarded that's why. You can be standing right next to the printer cartridge that you want-they can be in full view, and you can ask a Best Buy employee where the cartridges are, and the Best Buy employee will look at you like you're some kind of sea monster and say "I dunno" and then lumber off mindlessly to no where.
But I digress. The Holistic Hound is a store that makes shopping a pleasure again; like it used to be; you know, back in the day when the products were high in quality, reasonably priced, and the people who worked in the stores knew what they were talking about.
I love this place
I couldn't go back home empty handed after having gotten myself and the hubby some cupcakes from "Love at first bite," without getting some treats for our fur baby, Benji. Seeing as Holistic hound was right next door and being the kind of fur parent that only gets the best for her baby, we decided to go in and have a look.
There was a great variety of holistic and organic dog and cat foods, plenty of great and unique treats as well as a wide selection of toys and other items, most notably the holistic herbs and ointments for your pooch or kitty.
I decided to try the "Ori-Jen" trial size dog kibble since I had read about this one on-line but having such a picky pooch, I was so glad they carried a trial size in it. Also picked up some gourmet dog jerky, containing grass fed beef and a "bark stick" from the bakes goods, which is basically a doggy bread stick.
Overall, I loved the great selection of holistic and organic pet products. I will definitely be shopping here again, especially for treats and holistic supplements. However, I did find the some of the brands they carried to be significantly over priced. I also did not like the fact that non of their canned foods had the prices listed on them which is why I had to minus a star.
So if you are someone who believes in feeding your beloved companion a human grade food, and spoiling them rotten with all natural goodness and herbal and holistic remedies, then I highly recommend coming here, especially for some of the more harder to find brands and supplements.
Try some find dining at the Gourmet Ghetto for you AND you're best friend! ;)
When I need something for my puppies I always shop Holistic Hound first. Their store has the besy quality toys, leashes, and food I have seen in a single store, ever. Better quality may mean a little higher price, but you get what you pay for here. They have a great selection of raw food and kibble. When the health problems started with my dogs in the fall of 2007, before we went raw, I needed very specific dry food. It could not contain chicken anywhere in the food, and needed to be under 17-18 percent fat. That is really hard find, and Heidi helped me look through every bag of food they had in the place to see what options were even available with those very specific needs. We found a few foods that worked and for a while that helped tremendously.
Later last summer my Great Dane started having some very difficult to treat and diagnose stomach issues. His vet and I did lots of test to try to find out why he had diarohhea for six weeks and was losing a lot of weight. He ended up having SIBO. Its a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. He was supposed to be on antibiotics for six weeks. To make a long story short the vet ended up saying he will be on them for the rest of his life. I do not want my dog on antibiotics for the rest of his life. So we came to see Heidi for her homeopathy service in May of 2008.
Our first visit was a little over an hour long talking about the limited history I had with Killian since he was a rescue and everything I have observed since I got him. We tried several different remedies and supplements and he was taken off antibiotics in July, I think. In late summer/early fall we had one six week span where his stomach was acting up again, but she was EXTREMELY patient, understanding, and supportive to me and my dog. We ended up getting him through that time without any antibiotics and since then he has been doing amazing. He is maintaining weight over 120 pounds when before we came to see Heidi he was somewhere between 113-118. He also has gained 4 inches of chest girth, has an amazing coat, great improvement in energy level, and overall is much more even tempered. He looks and feels great now.
I can't say enough good things about Holistic Hound. I have been in the store at least 25 times, and for the six weeks that Killian was having his issues I called the store almost everyday and have never had a bad experience here.
I just purchased a product online called "Parvaid" for my puppy after hearing what a wonderful product it was for all sorts of doggie illnesses, including vomiting and diarrhea. I gave it five stars since I have since found out that It appears to be one of only two stores in the East Bay that sells this product, along with lots of holistic products and "healthy" stuff for pets. I can't wait to go visit the store after reading all the positive reviews....will let you know what me and my dog Bailey think.
This is an excellent place to find high quality food for your four legged companion. I sometimes drop in and buy Klausy's kibble here. The owner is trained in holistic medicine and is very knowledgeable when it comes to the well being of your pet. She informed me that dogs should have their diets rotated, so that they get different nutrients, as well as different flavors. Would you like to eat the same damn thing everyday? No. I told her that my dog has a sensitive stomach, so I have to transition him slowly, she assured me that if it was a high quality food, it shouldn't be an issue. She was right. I can switch between Innova EVO and Orijin without any problem. Klaus is healthy and happy, which makes me happy.
They also carry plenty of toys, leashes, herbal remedies, books, and treats...oh yeah, lots of treats. Prices are high, but you are paying for quality.
One other thing, this place is next to my favorite cupcakery...Love at First Bite. So, listen to me, go get your best friend a treat at Holistic Hound, and then treat yourself to a red velvet cupcake, because you deserve it for taking good care of your furry friend.
I like this store. It's nestled in this little shopping nook. From Vine St. you head up the stairs and follow the path way to this charming store. Inside is all the pleasures of keeping your hound fed and cute. The staff treated my dog to a little treat and offered help during my visit as I was looking for a new collar.
Compared to some other stores I've been too, while they had a nice selection, they didn't have the stuff I was hoping to find. But, the staff was kind enough to offer to order whatever I might be looking for and at the mention that I'm in the market for a "dog tote" that I can put my pooch in while I shop, the manager offered to add that to her list of things the store should carry.
Unfortunately, I don't live near Berkeley so coming up to this store will be a special treat.
This is, paws down, my favorite place to shop for Ed!! Heidi, the owner, and Elizabeth-the-wonder-assistant are always more than happy and helpful, the store stocks a wide variety of high quality food for dogs and cats, a vast array of homeopathic & holistic remedies, terrific collars & leashes (Ed sports a red squirrel collar these days!), and some snacks that Ed just thinks are like dog-crack:" Etta Says" treats!!! They are little cubes of compressed & dried lamb or chicken liver, and while they don't do a thing for me, the pooch behaves like nobody's business if he thinks a couple of these are in the offing!
There are always dogs in the store, there is a very tolerant atmosphere, and I never leave here empty-handed. Good people, good business, and a much loved addition in my neighborhood!
When I first moved to the bay area, I was desperately trying to find a pet store that carried Orijen pet food which led me to Holistic Hound. They offer a variety of all natural products which I like to give my pup. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. The store is packed with toys, treats apparel and accessories for dogs and cats. My dog loves making a trip to the store too. I've since recommended this place to other dog owners who now have become fans of Holistic Hound. Check it out.
This is by far the best place in the East Bay to buy dog treats. I drive 30 minutes for their selection of healthy and high-quality treats.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place after having lunch in the gourmet ghetto.
First off the staff are exceptionally friendly. Second, they had the TOY!
Lola has a thing for monkeys. No you don't understand, she has a THING for Monkeys. Every time we go to a story she heads for the toy monkeys and so we always need to get one cause she loves them to death.
Well this monkey was cute, actually it was more like an orangutan and it was bigger than her, but not to worry, she took to the ape and pounced, making him grunt uncle over and over and over again. It almost was disturbing, but everyone always think Lola is the cutest thing.
She is!
oh we also got some cool paw balm to keep her nice and moisturized.
I checked this place out without wiener dog, because to my horror, he peed in the cat food aisle of this other joint I frequent. For shame! You've lost your retail shopping privilege, wiener dog!
This is a cute store with nice staff, selling great products. However, I'm very disappointed to find out that this super expensive item I purchased (Comfort Zone/DAP spray for dogs; marked up nearly 100% compared to buying online and at least 10 bucks more than other retail shops) is so dated that its expiration date is only TWO WEEKS away. The only way I can finish this product in 2 weeks is if I start using it as my own signature scent and also bathing in it and pretending it's hair spray or breath freshening spray.
If you buy pet supplements or perishables from here (or anywhere), remember to check the expiration date BEFORE you buy it, especially if it's the last one in stock.
This is one classy joint. Great quality products and excellent service.
Heidi is extremely knowledgeable about both homeopathy and animal nutrition and the staff is always helpful and friendly. Pearl, the canine hostess holds court like a queen with charm and is very gracious to doggy visitors.
And dogs and their people do visit. Holistic Hound has more of a neighborhood hang out vibe than simply a boutique pet store. Sometimes me and my crew just pop in for a doggy snack and some good conversation.
Visit HH, you won't be disappointed!
This store is amazing. I have been looking all over the place for Orijen puppy food all over the area. This was the only place around my area that carried this brand. They carry a lot of food that are organic and well made products. Price is right. I mean what do you expect for organic food, they don't sell isam. They were friendly, clean, very experienced, and great customer service. I am so grateful to have them here in Berkeley.
This store is excellent.
Great selection of food, pet acessories, and toys. The owners are very knowledgable and friendly. It's cute without being precious.
Also, their mascot, a surprisingly chill husky, is a must meet.
First off I loved that the owner was actually in the store, with her dog and chatting up all the cutomers. She must be really awesome, I over heard her saying she was customer of the month a Petes!
The shop has alot of things you want, need, and a few things that are just for fun. I didnt pick up anything this time for Lexi, but my sister got a cute new collar for her kitty. Yes they have Kitty stuff at the Holistic HOUND.
I will definatley be back.
This is a great store with an owner who really knows her stuff and will take time to figure out what your pup needs. We got a doggie jacket that has reflective piping, water resistant exterior and fleece-lined interior. Whoa, like $90! Luckily this was paid for by the boyfriend's mama, who recommended this place to us. Hello, I don't even pay that much for my own outerwear.
On to flea prevention: we got some awesome, totally natural non-chemical flea powder for Dango's bed, and some essential oil flea repellent "Natural Defense" to put on his back. The owner told us what else was available, but didn't push any of it on us. Very respectful. (An truthfully, once your pet is healthy, they need less extra stuff anyway.) What's best is that these flea treatments really work and they are not full of poison.
Also, they sell raw food! I prepare Dango's raw food myself, but if I couldn't, I know I could find something safe and healthy here.
The only thing preventing me from giving a full five star rating is that the prices are really high. I understand that specialty holistic products/stores are generally in a separate league than chain pet stores. But then I found Natural Defense at Pet Club in Emeryville for less! So, a combination of boutique-only items and common outlet finds will do it for me.
Exceptional Pet store!
This store is focused on natural pet care.
They have lots of speciality items you won't find in other pet stores and good prices on everything.
Among other things, they carry: freeze dried organic liver (buffalo, venison and lamb), vegan dog treats, dried fish treats made out of "human grade" fish, all sorts of supplements and vitamins, several brands of raw food, and great toys for dogs and cats.
The owners are very knowledgable and are happy to special order anything you want.
Diego loves going to Holistic Hound to pick up his favorite dog food(s) and snacks. He thinks the staff is awesome and loves it when they give him treats. He gives this wonderful place 5 barks!
Heidi was very helpful and knowledgeable when I consulted with her about Diego's diagnoses of red mange. We put him on a grain free diet with immune booster powder, and he is doing so much better. Heidi even sent an email with a holistic cure for mange.
I can't say enough about H.H. other than take your four legged child to see them!
There is a lot of competition for dog stores in the east bay! But Holistic Hound holds it's own by carving out a unique niche. It is a wonderful resource for dog owners who want to find alternative- do it yourself health care. . The store is stocked full of high quality supplements, allergy free foods and wonderful little things that enhance your dogs life. I can't say enough about the kind helpful staff- make this a weekly stop like i do for your doggies good health.
Nice store but PRICEY! I can find a good amount of the stuff they sell here at Pet Club for a lot less. Of course, Pet Club doesn't have the yuppie ambiance that this place has, but in this economy, SCREW AMBIANCE!
I was amazed by this place. I wandered in there by chance one day, and I've got to say that, not only are the workers very warm and friendly, but they are infinatley knowledgeable about all of the products they sell, and can order you pretty much anything they don't have on hand.
I also like that they only carry food and treats that are actually good brands. You can walk out of there with confidence that the food you have bought is nutritious and good for your pet, and the prices aren't much different than Pet Foot Express. Some may say Holistic Hound is pricier, but my experience has been that the products/food/etc that Holistic Hound sells are just higher quality.
Who wouldn't spend an extra buck for the one creature in the world that will love you no matter what?
Great store, definitely worth the drive to Berkeley!!!
The products are excellent and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I like the fact that the staff makes recommendations, but don't push you to buy their products. I'm a believer in organic and truly natural products for my pooch. They've recommended an organic salmon oil to add to my dog's meals and its amazingly cleared up his dry skin and hot spots in a matter of a few weeks.
when i first stumbled upon this place (right next to Chester's, my breakfast spot: see review) i figured it for just another chichi pet store. But i have been pleasantly surprised. It is a chichi spot but with more emphasise on your animals health than its stylish outfits or humorous dog toys (though it has plenty of the latter two iteams as well). The people who work there are very friendly and always helpful with advise. They also carry a squeaky ball that my pup cant live without, and that alone is enough reason for my periodical visits to the spot. I guess my only reason for not giving this place 5 stars is alot of the stuff they sell is way out of my price range. Hey, it is North Berkeley and they do have rent to pay, but regardless it does price me out a bit.
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So it turns out puppy gets horrible seasonal allergies. She was an itchy mess all summer. The vet gave her steriods which worked for a few weeks, but after it wore off the itching came back with a vengeance. Not wanting to dope up my pooch for a potentially endless period of time, i went to Holistic Hound for relief. The woman there really knows her stuff! Nothing worked 100% but it certainly made a difference. And at the end of Coconut's allergy season, she wasnt on some crazy meds doing who knows what to her immune system. HH is now my go to spot for her health. 5 stars!
great store with a very knowledgeable and friendly owner. My yr old lab has been sick with something on and off since we adopted her at 10wks. I was at my wits end trying to figure out what to do for her. Heidi took the time to read and respond to my email before I even stepped foot in the store. She was so helpful. My pup is doing much better. She has since answered numerous questions over email.
While it is a bit far (45mins) it was so worth the drive!
GREAT selection, reasonable prices, staffed by folks who are crazy about their dogs as i am. thanks, guys!
