A Local Gem with a Big Heart

Nestled in the historic district of Winter Garden, Florida, Gracie’s of Winter Garden has become much more than “just a pet store.” It’s a community hub, a holistic pet-supply specialist, and a space where pets truly are treated like family.

History and roots.

Gracie’s opened its doors in December 2009 — in a building that had originally been zoned residential until just a few years earlier. The building itself was built in 1926, the same year the owner’s mother was born, adding a personal, local-heritage touch to the business. The owner, Kim Dannenberg, chose the name “Gracie’s” (which suggests warmth and familiarity), and intentionally shaped the store around holistic pet care values.

Community ties.

Already by its eighth anniversary (in 2017), the store was well known for giving back: the anniversary coincided with an adoption-day event, and the store’s owner donated 100 bags of dog food to relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. On social media, the store emphasizes natural and holistic products. The vibe isn’t just commerce — it’s care.

Why It Matters in the Pet Wellness Space

In the pet supply world, big-box stores dominate. But Gracie’s provides something different — and important.

1. Personalized, knowledgeable service.

Because Gracie’s is locally owned and smaller-scale, staff can take time to help you choose the right food, treat, or accessory for your pet’s specific needs. The website emphasises this:

“Give us a call, and we’ll do our best to provide expert guidance and assistance.”

That human touch makes a difference when you’re dealing with pets’ special diets, allergies, or holistic supplements.

2. Holistic & natural-focus inventory.

Gracie’s lists whole-food, raw, and natural-treat options, as well as dry, canned, and supplement categories. For pet owners seeking more than standard fare — maybe grain-free, raw, fewer fillers, or special toppers — a store like this is a strong asset.

3. Supporting the local economy & pet-culture.

When you buy at Gracie’s, you’re supporting a local business in Winter Garden. That means the money stays in the community, the service is local, and the culture is more personal. That matters for pet-owners who want more than a transactional experience.

4. A living, evolving space.

Because Gracie’s also offers special orders and caters to “harder to find” items, it can adapt to new trends in pet nutrition, health, and natural-care. Their motto—“Pets are family too!”— underscores a commitment beyond the basics.

What You’ll Find on the Shelves

Here’s a breakdown of some of the product types and categories you’ll encounter at Gracie’s — especially with a holistic or natural-nutrition bent:

Dry food — premium brands, natural ingredients, perhaps limited-ingredient formulas.
Canned/wet food — including pâtés, stews, grain-sensitive formulas, etc. (Gracie’s lists these on their website).
Raw food options — for the pet owner seeking a raw or “biologically appropriate” diet.
Treats & toppers — including “meal toppers” and snacks that go beyond basic kibble. These allow you to supplement or elevate your pet’s diet. The website specifically mentions “meal toppers to enhance your pet’s dining experience.”
Supplements & functional foods — for gut health, mobility, skin & coat, maybe allergy support.
Grooming / accessories — not just food, but the extras that holistic-minded pet-owners look for (natural grooming products, healthier toys, or non-toxic accessories).
Special orders — if they don’t carry something you want, you can ask. The website mentions “Special Order” as a menu category.
Small-animal / “bunny” category — interestingly, the menu lists “Bunny,” indicating they stock items for rabbits/small mammals beyond dogs/cats.

Tips for Shopping There

If you’re planning to visit Gracie’s (or use them as your go-to local holistic pet supply outlet), here are some suggestions to get the most out of it:

Ask questions: Because they’re niche and knowledgeable, bring in your pet’s specific needs (age, breed, allergy, sensitivity) and ask for tailored suggestions.
Check for special orders: If you have a brand you love that maybe isn’t on the shelf, ask them if they can order it.
Look into the natural/good-ingredient options: Many pets with dietary sensitivities or owners seeking premium nutrition will benefit.

Use their community/local-business advantage: Since local stores often host events (adoption days, local rescues, etc.), keep an eye on their social media or in-store announcements.
Compare price vs big-box: Sometimes premium products cost more, but the expertise and service may offset that. Also, local small stores often reward loyalty.
Check for delivery/curb-side pickup: Gracie’s notes delivery and curbside options (see from the Fromm site page)

In Closing

Gracie’s of Winter Garden stands out as a local, community-centric, holistic-pet-care destination. From its unique location in a 1926 historic building to its decade-plus of service in Winter Garden’s pet-lover community, it represents what many pet owners are increasingly looking for: thoughtful products, expert support, locally rooted business. Whether you’re a lifelong pet parent, exploring holistic nutrition for the first time, or simply looking for better-quality supplies and real conversation about your pet’s wellness—this is a store worth visiting.

About the Author:

Savanna Westwood

Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.