Photo: Courtney Taylor

Tonya Payne and Deb Dempsey founded Mouthfuls after a quest to formulate a delicious mint to combat stinky dog breath. Doggonefresh breath mints were born and were quickly followed by twenty-seven other products. In 2005, the retail portion of the business was launched.

While the fun signs and brightly colored toys in the window serve as hints, a passerby would never guess what wonders lie behind the front door of Mouthfuls.

The deli case filled with gourmet dog treats that look almost too good to feed to your pet is the first thing you see when walking into the store. This fixture has become somewhat of a trademark for Mouthfuls. The store seems a bit cramped at first glance, with toys, clothes, treats, and food in every nook and cranny. But, it takes only a minute to realize that "cramped" is really "cozy", and you begin to wonder how this super-friendly staff has enough love for every four-legged customer that walks through the door - and there were plenty! People and pets filtered in and out as if Moutfuls had a revolving door. The employees knew all return customers by name and new canine shoppers received formal introductions and had their picture taken.

One of the store's owners, Deb Dempsey, is a regular writer for American Dog magazine. You can be sure that she has done her research on every food in the store. Bill, a Mouthfuls employee, found my current dog food in their reference book and evaluated the ingredients. He then recommended an all-natural brand carried in their store and provided a brief history of the manufacturing company as well as a list of the high quality ingredients (the first 2 ingredients were bison and venison). Convinced, I didn't leave the store before picking up a 30 pound bag for my Great Dane.

Their assortment of treats is unmatched in variety and uniqueness. Their table of natural chews included the standard bully sticks and beef bones as well as a few rarities. Shark spine, beef and mutton tracheas, tendons, stingray tails, and turtle necks are among some of the more unusual treats. These chews provide variety in your dog's chewing regimine, help clean teeth, and have (perhaps) unexpected health benefits. For example, shark spines have anti-inflammatory properties, are rich in chondroitin sulfate (great for joints), and are under research for possible anti-cancer properties. Ray tails are organic and rich in vitamins and minerals, including chondroitin. As an added bonus, stingray tails typically last two to three times longer than bully sticks of the same size. Tracheas also serve as a natural source of chondroitin.

Of course, Mouthfuls also has a substantial treat bar with goodies in which your dog will love to indulge, including Liver Minis (with Canadian Bacon), Training Treats (with chicken, liver, and beef), Savory Steak Bones, and Mini Breath Beaters. Don't forget Mouthfuls when ordering your dog's birthday cake! The store bakes up two sizes of two-tier cakes, complete with dog toy on top.

With their huge selection, surprisingly reasonable prices, and high level of customer service, Mouthfuls has become an award-winning shop. Twice they have captured the the Top of the Town Award for "Denver's Best Pet Boutique" from 5280 Magazine. My experience at Mouthfuls was absolutely wonderful, and I definitely intend to visit again. While the store features a cornicopia of treats and a plethora of toys, collars, leashes, bowls, and beds, it truly is the care, love, and passion exhibited by the staff that make this place a true Denver treasure.

Location:
4224 Tennyson St. Denver, CO
Located between 38th and 44th Avenues and between Sheridan and Federal
Free delivery within a two-mile radius of the store.

Store Hours:
Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.