Croot's Country Store

Food Friday

Looking for something a little different for dinner this weekend?

This Venison Mince Chilli is packed with flavour and is a great way to enjoy local Cowal Deer venison. The lean venison mince works perfectly with warming spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans to create a hearty meal that's easy to prepare and ideal for batch cooking.

Our venison comes from wild deer harvested in the hills and forests of Cowal before being processed locally in Sandbank. It's a natural, sustainable food source with virtually no food miles and exceptional flavour.

Ingredients:
500g Cowal Deer venison mince
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
1 x 400g tin kidney beans, drained
200ml beef stock
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
Add the onion and pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic, chilli powder, paprika, and cumin and cook for 1 minute.
Add the venison mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the kidney beans and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with rice, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.

Would you try venison in a chilli instead of beef?

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
www.crootscountrystore.com

Cowal Deer venison available in-store and online.

SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY

Stay Seen. Stay Dry. Stay Comfortable.

Whether you're working on the farm, around machinery, on a work site, or simply need reliable high-visibility clothing for the Scottish weather, our Stoney Creek Hi-Vis range is built to perform when conditions are at their toughest.

Featured this week:

• Stoney Creek Hi-Vis Rammer Jacket Orange
Designed to handle wet and windy conditions while keeping you highly visible. Tough, practical and built for people who work outdoors day in, day out.

• Stoney Creek Hi-Vis Pioneer Overtrousers Orange
Designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable whatever the weather throws at you. Featuring reflective tape, reinforced lower legs, articulated knees for improved movement, and durable construction for demanding outdoor work.

• Stoney Creek Hi-Vis Silverdry Short Sleeve Polo Orange
A lightweight, quick-drying polo designed to keep you cool and comfortable when you're working hard. The Silverdry fabric helps move moisture away from the body while maintaining excellent visibility.

Why choose Stoney Creek?

• Built for hardworking outdoor professionals
• Comfortable enough for all-day wear
• High-visibility designs to help keep you seen
• Durable construction designed for demanding conditions
• Trusted by farmers, contractors, forestry workers and outdoor professionals

When worn together, this combination gives you a practical, high-visibility outfit ready for whatever the working day brings.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
https://www.crootscountrystore.com

Pop into the shop to see the Stoney Creek range for yourself. We stock a wide selection of quality country clothing, workwear, waterproofs and outdoor gear both in-store and online.

SKINNERS DOG FOOD IS BACK IN STOCK!

Fresh delivery just landed and the shelves are full again.

We now have 15kg bags, 2.5kg bags and wet pouches available across one of the UK's most trusted working dog food ranges.

Available now:

• Maintenance
• Maintenance Plus
• Light & Senior
• Puppy Chicken
• Puppy & Junior Chicken
• Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
• Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
• Working 23
• Working 26
• Salmon & Rice
• Muesli Mix
• Lamb & Rice
• Duck & Rice
• NEW TO CROOTS – Ruff & Ready Muesli Mix

Why do so many dog owners choose Skinners?

Skinners has been producing dog food in Suffolk for generations and is trusted by working dog owners, active pet owners and breeders across the UK. Their Field & Trial range is formulated to suit different life stages, activity levels and dietary needs, making it easy to find the right food for your dog.

Got a fussy eater? Try the Muesli Mix or our new Ruff & Ready. These recipes combine different textures and flavours to keep dogs interested in their food and are particularly popular with dogs that get bored with standard kibble.

Need grain-free? We've got Chicken & Sweet Potato and Salmon & Sweet Potato.

Got an older dog? Light & Senior helps support dogs that are less active or need a little help maintaining condition.

Working dog burning plenty of energy? Working 23 and Working 26 are designed to help support active lifestyles.

We work hard to keep our prices highly competitive, giving local dog owners outstanding value on quality nutrition without compromising on service or advice.

Pop in and see us, or message us if you're unsure which Skinners food is best for your dog.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
https://www.crootscountrystore.com

DOG TREAT TUESDAY

Looking for a treat that's a little different?

Our Pawtato Ocean Treats are now available in Small and Medium sizes at Croots Country Store.

Made with sweet potato and ocean fish, these tasty chews are a great alternative to traditional rawhide treats and are packed with benefits your dog will love.

Why choose Pawtato Ocean Treats?

• Rich in fish-based protein to help support healthy muscles
• Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Sweet potato provides a natural source of fibre to support digestion
• Long-lasting chew to help keep dogs occupied
• Grain-free recipe, ideal for many dogs with sensitivities
• Helps satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew
• Available in Small and Medium sizes to suit different breeds

Whether you've got a little terrier or a larger canine companion, these tasty ocean-flavoured chews are proving popular with dogs and owners alike.

Have you tried Pawtato treats before? Let us know what your dog thinks.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
www.crootscountrystore.com

Thinking of calling in? These are the times we’re open. Whether you’re after something specific or just having a look around, you’re always welcome.

STAFF PICK SATURDAY

This week’s Staff Pick comes from Joe, and it's a product that has earned its place in the truck, on the hill, and by the loch – the Bushnell 8x42 Binoculars.

Offering a bright, clear image with excellent light transmission, these binoculars are ideal for wildlife watching, bird spotting, hiking, and enjoying the scenery around Cowal. The 8x magnification provides a steady view, while the 42mm objective lenses perform well even in lower light conditions.

They're comfortable to carry, built to withstand the outdoors, and represent excellent value for anyone looking for quality optics without breaking the bank.

Better still, they're currently reduced from **£99.99 to just £74.99**, saving you **£25**.

Do you own a pair of binoculars? What's the most interesting thing you've spotted recently? Let us know in the comments.

Available now at Croots Country Store.
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284

www.crootscountrystore.com

FOOD FRIDAY

A quick and easy favourite using Cowal Deer venison mince.

VENISON BURGER STACK

Ingredients:
• 500g Cowal Deer venison mince
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 4 burger buns
• Cheese slices
• Lettuce and tomato
• Burger sauce

Method:

1. Mix the venison mince with onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into 4 burger patties.
3. Heat a frying pan or grill and cook the burgers for around 4–5 minutes per side.
4. Add cheese for the final minute.
5. Toast the buns and build your burger stack with salad and sauce.

A proper homemade burger using lean local venison.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
https://www.crootscountrystore.com

SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY

This week’s spotlight is on the FURminator Dog Grooming Tool — a professional-quality grooming tool trusted by groomers and dog owners alike, available now at Croots Country Store.

If you’re constantly finding dog hair on the sofa, car seats, carpets and clothes, the FURminator is designed to tackle loose undercoat hair before it ends up around the house.

Unlike ordinary brushes, the FURminator reaches through the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the coat or irritating the skin when used correctly. It’s especially useful for heavy shedders and double-coated breeds.

Why dog owners rate the FURminator so highly:

• Professional-quality grooming tool used by many groomers
• Helps reduce shedding around the home
• Removes loose undercoat hair effectively
• Helps prevent knots and matting
• Designed to glide through the coat comfortably
• Can help improve coat condition with regular use
• Suitable for many long and short-haired breeds
• Reduces loose fur before it ends up on furniture and clothing
• Easy hair-release button for quick cleaning during grooming

Regular grooming with the right tools can make dogs more comfortable, particularly during seasonal shedding periods, while also helping owners stay on top of coat care.

A brilliant addition for any dog owner wanting to keep coats healthy and homes a little less hairy.

Available now at Croots Country Store.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
https://www.crootscountrystore.com

DOG OF THE MONTH – IT'S HEATING UP!

We've had a fantastic start to this month's Dog of the Month competition, and the entries so far have certainly brought plenty of laughs.

Don't forget, the twist for this month is that we're looking for your SILLIEST dog photos. Whether it's a funny face, an unusual sleeping position, a muddy adventure, or your dog caught in a moment of complete chaos, we want to see it!

There’s still plenty of time to enter, and every dog has a chance of becoming our Dog of the Month.

What can you win?

The winner will receive:
• A Dog of the Month certificate
• A £10 voucher to spend at Croots Country Store
• The honour of being crowned this month's champion

Entering couldn't be easier. Simply upload a photo of your dog along with a short description using the link below:

www.crootscountrystore.com/dotm-application

Know someone with a dog that always makes people laugh? Tag them below and encourage them to enter.

Good luck to everyone who has entered so far – we can't wait to see more of your hilarious photos!

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
www.crootscountrystore.com

Keep your dog looking and feeling their best with the Ancol Ergo Grooming Range, available now at Croots Country Store.

Regular grooming is about far more than appearance. It helps keep coats healthy, reduces loose hair around the home, improves comfort and gives you a chance to check for knots, ticks or skin problems early.

The Ancol Ergo range is designed to make grooming easier and more comfortable for both dogs and owners, with ergonomic handles that provide a secure grip and better control during grooming sessions.

The range includes tools for every coat type and grooming need, including:

• Slicker brushes for removing loose fur and tangles
• Pin brushes for everyday coat care
• Combs for detangling and finishing
• Shedding tools to help reduce moulting
• Nail clippers designed for safe trimming
• Soft brushes for gentle grooming sessions

Benefits of regular grooming:

• Helps maintain a healthy shiny coat
• Reduces matting and tangles
• Removes dirt and loose hair
• Encourages healthy skin and circulation
• Makes dogs more comfortable, especially during shedding season
• Creates a calming bonding routine between owner and dog

Whether you’ve got a muddy spaniel, a fluffy retriever or a short-haired companion, the Ancol Ergo range has the right tools to help keep them in top condition.

Available in store now at Croots Country Store.

Croots Country Store
Holy Loch Marina, Sandbank, PA23 8FE
01369 760284
https://www.crootscountrystore.com