Shopping for Pet Food & Supplies
A pet owner is at a pet store, looking for a specific type of pet food or new pet toy. They might ask a store employee for help or advice.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sensitive stomachs
This phrase means a pet's digestive system that gets upset easily, like causing diarrhea or vomiting. Use it when asking for special food for pets with tummy problems.
wet food
Canned or moist pet food that comes in a pouch or tin, often more flavorful and hydrating than dry types. It's good for picky eaters or as a treat.
dry kibble
Crunchy, pellet-shaped pet food that is dry and usually cheaper to store. It's the most common type for daily feeding and helps clean teeth.
picky
Describes someone or an animal that is choosy and doesn't like many foods. For pets, it means they only eat certain things; say 'My dog is picky about treats.'
grain-free
Food without grains like wheat or corn, often recommended for pets with allergies. It's a common label on pet food packages for healthier options.
probiotics
Helpful bacteria added to food to support digestion and gut health. They're like yogurt for humans but for pets; useful in food for sensitive stomachs.
pâté
A smooth, soft food like a paste, often made from fish or meat for cats. It's easy to eat and appealing; pronounced 'pa-tay'.
interactive toys
Toys that pets play with actively, like ones that move or require effort. They keep pets entertained and exercised; great for cats to chase or solve.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm looking for some new cat food.
This is a polite way to start asking for help in a store. 'Excuse me' gets attention, and 'I'm looking for' expresses your need. Use it when shopping for specific items to sound natural and courteous.
Do you have anything for sensitive stomachs?
A question to ask for specialized products. It uses 'do you have' for availability and specifies the problem. Useful in pet stores or pharmacies when seeking items for health issues; shows you're informed.
Are you looking for wet food or dry kibble?
This offers choices politely with 'or' to clarify preferences. It's a common sales question; practice it to help customers or ask in stores. The structure helps narrow down options quickly.
My cat, Luna, is a bit picky.
Introduces your pet and explains behavior using 'a bit' to soften it (meaning slightly). Useful for sharing details in conversations; the comma after the name is for apposition, making it personal and engaging.
I recommend our 'Digestive Care' formula.
A suggestion phrase with 'I recommend' to advise positively. Quotes around the product name highlight it. Use this when giving advice in service roles or asking for recommendations; builds trust.
What's the price for the large bag of dry food?
Direct question for cost using contraction 'What's' (what is). Specifies the item clearly. Essential for shopping; practice varying sizes like 'small' or 'medium' to ask about prices naturally.
I'll take the 5-pound bag to start with.
Means deciding to buy something, with 'to start with' implying trying it first. 'I'll take' is common for purchases. Useful at checkout; shows caution for new products without committing to large amounts.
Let me know if you need any help finding something specific!
Offers assistance politely with 'let me know' (inform me). The exclamation adds friendliness. Use in customer service or when helping friends; the conditional 'if' makes it optional and helpful.