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.
I have a german shepherd and rottweiler. I have decided to change their food as the german shepherd seems to be allergic.
Is Hill's science diet the best food to give them or are their other leading brands which are just as good? Cost is not a huge issue for me.
Answer Hi James,
There are a lot of different opinions on the best way to feed a dog. Like everyone else, I have my preferences, but in the end you'll have to make the decision for yourself.
I am a raw feeder. I feed a diet consisting of raw meat and bones. I used to feed commercial dog food, but my dogs were so sick and unhealthy that I researched raw feeding and switched them over. In the seven years I've been feeding raw, I've seen every one of their health issues disappear. I spent thousands of dollars at the vet in the first three years and less than $500 in the last 7 years combined (and that only on checkups). Every raw feeder I've spoken with has similar success stories.
There are many other people out there that feed homemade cooked diets. I think this is still preferable to most of the commercial dogs foods, but if you are not feeding bones, you need to get into some supplements such as calcium or bone meal. But still, a diet of healthy people-food with the proper supplementation is an excellent way to raise a puppy.
If you are not prepared to feed a natural diet, I would recommend buying the very best dog food you can. This is not always the most expensive. The problem is that most people have never heard of the really good foods because the companies that have the most money to spend on advertising use the cheapest and unhealthiest ingredients and the companies that make the better dog foods do much less advertising. The best resource for comparing dog foods based solely on their ingredients is www.dogfoodanalysis.com. Based on the ingredients, Hill's is among the very worst foods on the market, and their prescription diets are the absolute worst. If you look it up on this site, you'll see that they use cheap ingredients of questionable sources and that it is frighteningly low in meat protein (meat should be a dog's primary source of protein). If you check out their 5 and 6 star foods, you'll see some really good choices.
That's about the most rounded opinion I can give you. I swear by my way of feeding but I also realize it's not for everyone. I only recommend that if you are going to stay with commercial dog food, you do some research and know exactly what's in the food.
