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 Laura,
I hope this message finds you well and I hope that you are enjoying the holiday season. I know that you are very knowledgeable about pet nutrition. I try to give my dog the absolute best. She is from a pet store (God, forgive me for any support I may have contributed to some awful puppy mill somewhere) and I know that means she is probably poorly bred. I am trying my hardest to use nutrition to maybe make up for what her genetics might lack, to try to keep her in her best possible health. I bought her because she had been in and out of the hospital, had stopped eating, and I knew if she stayed in that store she was going to die. After months with me and my husband, she is the picture of health, thank goodness- but I would love to keep her that way for many many years. Currently, I am feeding her Innova Evo. However, her food is starting to get low, and I figured I should ask some questions before I go out to buy her a new bag.
- Which food is better? Innova Evo, Wellness, or Eagle Pack? Or are they on the same level of nutrition, and it's only a matter of preference?
- I have heard different schools of thought on rotating food. Should I change her food to fill in any nutritional gaps, or should I just stick to one really good food at all times?
- Should I be using canned food in addition to her kibble? Which canned food is best? I have heard Cannidae and Chicken Soup for the Dog's Soul, but maybe you know of other brands.
- What else should I be supplementing her food with? Currently, I give her a couple drops of natural fish oil, some fat free plain yogurt from time to time, and a scrambled egg with nothing added every sunday.
- What are the best treats for her? We are currently working on training, and I need to giver her a lot of treats- but I don't want her to get fat, lol. We are currently using Pet Botanics training rewards- are those okay? We also give her cooked and frozen (by me) chicken livers- but we don't want to carry those to training classes each week. :)
Sorry for so many questions, but I know that you know your stuff! Any insight you could give me would be awesome. Thank you in advance for your answer, and again, enjoy the holiday season!!
Answer Emily,
EVO is a very good food - I generally prefer canned to dry, but it's really up to you and what you can afford. A great site for rating dog foods is www.dogfoodanalysis.com. They go from a 1-star (the worst!) to 6-star foods. I agree with everything on that site with regard to the quality of the ingredients and the fact that grain-free is the best way to go. Check it out and you'll find some very good foods.
With these higher end foods, you don't need a lot of supplements. The essential fatty acids are good, and I recommend rotating between fish oil, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed oil in order to provide a full range of Omega 3s and 6s. I also supplement with digestive enzymes, but unless you're experiencing any health problems, that isn't absolutely necessary. If you do, I suggest Prozyme, as it includes enzymes for every type of food.
The yogurt and egg are a great addition, as is the liver. If you want to provide treats that will help her keep her girlish figure, try baby carrots, frozen green beens, and other vegetables. Dogs don't have the capacity to break down whole, raw vegetables, so they'll have fun chewing them and they'll pretty much come out the way they went in without adding any unwanted calories.
