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, I have a dog, she's about one and a half years old now. I recently took her off Purina Puppy Chow, and put her on Purina Dog chow (About two months ago). She was doing okay on it for a while now, but lately she's been getting sick, just once and she doesn't always vomit from it. I'm wondering if I may have taken her off the puppy chow too soon, or if the brand should be changed?
She acts completely normal after she gets sick, she jumps around and barks, etc. So i'm not COMPLETELY freaked out by this. I just wanted another's opinion.
Thank you for any advice.
Also, she is a Husky/Shepard mix!
Answer Hi Jaclyn.
Your dog is old enough for an adult food, but Purina wouldn't be my first choice. Basically, anything you can buy at the grocery store or a store such as Wal-Mart is primarily fillers, and not ones that your dog was designed to eat. So stomach upsets and vomiting, not to mention large, smelly stools, are all side effects of poor nutrition.
If you are in a position to spend a little more on food, I would suggest going to a pet store or online to a source such as www.petfooddirect.com and get a good, quality commercial food. My favorites would be the Wellness Core brand, the Innova, or the Wysong Archetype. These are all good foods with no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, or all the nasty stuff you're going to find in a brand from the grocery store.
Here's a link to a web page that provides some information on commercial dog food ingredients.
Wether or not you can switch to a better food, it would be a good idea to supplement with digestive enzymes and probiotics. These will help her break down the foods she is eating and get more nutrients from them. This can help her do better on whatever you ultimately decide to feed her.
