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 Hi there! I have two dogs, both herding mixes, who I would like to switch to a more natural/organic feeding. For the price, Flint River Ranch looks like a good option compared to others that have been recommended here. With all the talk about reducing on grains and fillers, I would like a more informed opinion on this brand. Thank you!
Answer Hi Julz,
First, congratulations on trying to find a better food for your companions. I believe that a nutritious diet is the best thing we can give our pets. That being said, I'm not a big fan of FRR. Being a raw feeder, I believe that meat and bone (and perhaps some fresh veggies) are the best things we can give our dogs. Even if you don't feed raw and elect to feed kibble, there are brands that use meat and a minimum of grains. Flint River isn't one of them. In fact, if you look at the ingredients, you won't find meat in there anywhere. They use meat "meal" instead, which isn't exactly meat at all. It is defined as "the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents." It can also contain parts of animals one would not think of as "meat" such as feet, heads, beaks, etc. Dog food companies argue that it is actually more nutritious than meat because the proteins are more concentrated, but I would argue that it's difficult to improve on good old-fashioned meat as a protein source and that the meal is used only because it's cheaper and goes farther.
As for grains, I don't feed them at all. There are several different camps regarding grains, but I think they are unnecessary and, for some dogs, can be harmful. I often recommend a bland chicken and rice diet for dogs with gastric problems, but for a healthy dog, grains are just a way to stretch the feeding budget. For most dogs, a large amount of grain carbohydrates just put stress on the pancreas and can cause skin problems, allergies, and intestinal problems over time.
If you want to provide a good quality natural food and don't want to cook for your guys, you would do far better with something like Nature's Variety, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, C&P's Organix, Solid Gold, Innova, or Wellness. Often, these are available cheaper online than at your pet store (check out www.epetpals.com - they usually have very good prices).
