Marlin’s Raw Super Foods

It’s clear Sarasota is a city of pet lovers. From play dates at the many dog parks to boutique pet shops, we will do almost anything for our furry best friends. But when it comes to one of their most basic needs are we considering all the options? Typically pet owners pick up a bag kibble and maybe a few cans of wet food and call it good, but is there a better way?

Dr. Mark and Carol D’Amato, husband-and-wife proprietors of Marlin’s Raw Superfood for Pets, say yes!

Recent studies show that pets are generally nutritionally deficient, which contributes to many common health problems. Most of these diet-related issues can be healed with proper nutrition.

“We just decided that we didn’t want to raise our dog on food that wasn’t biologically appropriate for him,” says Carol, a clinical nutritionist with a degree in dietary science. “We wanted to feed him really healthy food … it was hard to find. There are nutrients of many different varieties in all parts of the animal. Those organs and glands have specific nutrients.”

By utilizing the entire animal, Marlin’s meals are complete and balanced and species-specific, which means they are eating what nature intended.

Marlin’s Raw Superfood for Pets opened last July. “We have had a wonderful response so far,” says Mark, a chiropractor, situating Marlin’s right next door to his practice on South Tamiami Trail. “We realized that in Sarasota, we needed a store like this,” says Carol.

With veterinary cooperation they target individual needs of the clients and are able to build a program to meet health goals. Taking into account allergies, deficiencies, the age of your pet and even looking into environmental toxins, Marlin’s will customize meal plans right for your pet. Mark and Carol work closely with owners to properly transition from current food to a raw superfood, whole-prey diet, step by step. “We are gentle and we work with the owners to educate,” says Carol.

Marlin’s products aren’t available only to those following a specific program; anyone interested in trying the products can come in and pick them up. Marlin’s has a variety of raw superfood toppers and all-protein treats, too.

Comprising a well-rounded team, including son Nicolas, a certified dog trainer, and of course namesake Marlin, a young Vizsla, this is truly a family business. Together they aspire to become a natural health hub for pets, even eventually offering holistic veterinary services on site.

“We just believe this to be a far better way … and the results are turning out in the most gorgeous ways,” says Mark. The D’Amatos share a passion for the health of our four-legged friends and we couldn’t be happier to have them in our community.

► Marlins Raw Superfood: 4450 S Tamiami Trail Suite A, Sarasota; 941-929-9704; ; marlinsrawsuperfood.com