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.
After doing some research in response to the wonderful information you've already given me, I am very interested in a raw food diet for my puppy. I really don't have the time needed to prepare meals for him everyday, I have a 4 year old boy at home. However, would it be beneficial to offer the puppy raw food as part of his dry kibble diet? For instance, can I offer my puppy raw meaty bones, carrots ect. as part of his daily diet? And would that be a good thing or not enough to make a difference? Maybe even if its just for now until I am able to fully transition him over? I have started to switch him over to the Canidae food. He is now 10 wks. old, adult weight of 70lbs, he currently weighs about 14lbs. I have started feeding him 3 times a day like you suggested, and rounded his kilocalorie intake should be 1000-1225(2 cups of his dry kibble a day). Thanks for any information and experience you can provide!
Answer Hi Wailym,
You'll hear a lot of conflicting opinions on whether or not you should mix a raw diet with a commercial one, but I believe that any improvement is worthwhile. You're doing the right thing by switching to a good commercial food. Supplementing with a raw diet is certainly okay in my books.
I would recommend giving him the raw meaty bones for one of his meals. You can mix ground meat and cooked veggies in with his dry food for any or all of his other meals. Occasionally, give him something different like a half can of mackeral or a couple of hard boiled eggs. My guys' diet mimics mine to a good degree - they get whatever veggies I have that night, on the weekends they get their own omelet, whatever meat I am preparing for myself, they get a little of. It's kind of a new take on the old table scraps diet. Instead of giving them left overs, I just include them in the meal planning and portion out some of the raw meat and cooked veggies for their meal. If you do this, you can probably simply substitute 100% human food for the evening meal and only feed the dry mid-day. Eventually, it shouldn't be too hard to transition to bones in the morning and people food at night.
Good luck and let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. I am always happy to help someone switch to a better diet.
