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 Scooby, my 4 year old Dane has blood in his urine. Xrays do not indicate bladder stones. Urinealysis showed a ton of struvite crystals and PH of 8. He's on antibiotics and pain meds now. He's a rescue so we don't know his history. Always had intestional problems - chronic diarrhea. Have been feeding him California Natural Herring and Sweet Potatoe due to skin proble when I got him last year. Dr. Goodpet Probiotics, too. Skin problem is fine now. Research on net tells me Herring is high in purine which can lead to crystals and then stones. Vet not helpful with nutrition. Don't know what food to switch him to and need to do it soon. Protein percentage, fat content? etc. Please advise.
Answer Hi Edith.
Scooby sounds exactly like my Brittany, Dixon, did for the first three years of his life until I switched him to a raw diet.
A canned food diet is better for urinary stones than a dry one because of its higher water content. I looked at the California Natural brand food and the chicken formulas aren't as good as the herring, so I would recommend a switch to a different food.
If you can bump him up to a canned food, I would recommend one of these: Canidae, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, Innova EVO formula, Nature's Variety Instinct Formula, and Wellness. Since he's so large, I understand if you need to keep him on dry food because of cost. If that's the case, I would recommend one of the following: Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Adult Formula, C&P's Organix, Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Formula, and Wellness CORE formula.
To any of these diets, simply supplement with a couple of fish oil capsules every day. This will give him the fatty acids he needs to keep his coat in good shape.
In addition, I would suggest adding several cups of cooked vegetables to his meals every day. The vitamins that naturally occur in vegetables are very helpful in maintaining a healthy Ph. My dog was on huge doses on Vitamin C that caused loose bowels. When I switched him to a raw diet with lots of raw veggies, he was able to cut out the supplementation all together and he hasn't had a recurrence in 6 years.
