About Laura Murphy Expertise Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.
Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
Experience An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
Education/Credentials I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
Past/Present Clients My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
Question I have an 8 week old Chihuahua and a few days ago he started pooping soft with blood in it. I seems to be getting worse today. this has been going on for 3 days, I think it might be because my husband started adding milk in his food to soften it. the puppy seems very happy and active. He had his first set of shots and is due on the 28th for the second set.I am taking him to the vet but wanted your opinion on this matter. Is the diet bad? We are feeding him Science Diet Food for puppies???? Thanks soooo much, Lety
Answer Hi Lety,
I know many people disagree, but I believe that Hill's Products (Science Diet) are among the worst dog foods available in the commercial pet food market. They use poor quality ingredients and are frightening low on meat protein sources.
Go to the site www.dogfoodanalysis.com and look up what you're currently feeding. This site does an excellent job of rating dry dog foods based solely on the ingredients and not on marketing hype. If you switch to anything on that site with a higher rating, you'll be vastly improving his diet. (You'll notice that all the Hill's products get the worst possible rating.)
Milk will give any dog diarrhea because they don't produce enough of the enzyme, lactase, to digest it. It's generally not a good thing to feed puppies or adult dogs. If you want to loosen his stools naturally, add cooked vegetables to his food or feed him a couple teaspoons of canned pumpkin with each meal. These are both good, healthy sources of fiber and will help him move his bowels. He's having problems because of the Science Diet. If you move him up to a better quality of food and add the veggies or pumpkin, the problem should go away completely.
