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 My 8 year old bichon/poodle had surgery last week for bladder stones. The analysis says they were "struvite". In searching the internet for diet options, all I find is Hill's prescription diet c/d to feed her for the rest of her life. Are there others? Is there a home formulated recipe which will accomplish the same thing? Thank you.
Answer Hi Bud,
Struvite stones are very common. My Brittany had them for 3 years. He was on Vitamin C supplements that gave him diarrhea, and nothing worked until I switched him to a natural raw diet. He hasn't had a single recurrence in 7 years.
I feed a raw diet consisting of approximately 75-80% raw meat and bones and 20-25% vegetables. I stopped all vitamin supplementation and his pH has been perfect ever since. He's 9 now and the picture of health.
Hill's Prescription Diets are among the worst foods on the market. They are full of poor quality fillers, lack real meat sources, and don't even meet the minimum nutritional requirements. They can legally sell them because they are labeled as "prescription" and "not for long-term use." It's no wonder your dog is turning her nose up at it - she knows how bad it is. If you want to check out how bad their ingredients are, go to www.dogfoodanalysis.com and look at any of the Hill's Prescription diets. They only review dry foods, but it will still give you an idea of their lack of quality.
There is a very good book called Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative, by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD. If you don't want to feed a raw diet, he has some cooked diets specifically designed for struvite stones. I don't feed them because they contain grains and I don't feel that dogs or cats should be fed grains, but they are formulated specifically to manage struvites, so I'll give them to you and you can decide which way to go. When calculating how much to feed, figure that your 30# dog needs about 1000 kilocalories a day.
