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 OK, I have had my dog, Oscar for about 3 years. He is an Australian Shepherd Mix, looks more like a Dalmatian, very lean. For a few months he has been having some troubles pooping. When he does it, he whines like its hurting him, and just a little squirt comes out. Then 5 minutes later he's doing it again. Sometimes he's fine and pooping normally, sometimes the troubles. I have tried several different foods, including high fiber, low fiber and high vegetable content. There seems to be no difference. I've even tried giving him cooked whit rice with his food for a few weeks to "Roughen" up the content, no change. Can you suggest any Nutritional things I might be able to do to help him, or do you think its a health problem that a vet needs to check out???? Also, he is worm free as well, so its not a parasite. Any help appreciated!!!!
Answer Hi Ammanda.
The first thing I would do is to add digestive enzymes and probiotics to his diet. A good digestive enzyme is Prozyme and you can get lactobacillus acidophilus at any grocery store. (Or you can check out the web site below.)
The enzymes will help him digest whatever it is you're feeding him. Adding rice won't help and might make things worse. A better choice would be veggies. Making about 30% of his total diet fresh, cooked vegetables will help add the fiber you want as well as lots of good natural vitamins.
The other thing that is always good to have on hand for this is plain canned pumpkin. It's really high in fiber and helps for both diarrhea and constipation. (Not the pumpkin pie mix with the spices, but plain canned pumpkin.) You can feed him a couple of tablespoons 2-3 times a day. It usually helps within 24 hours.
