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 QUESTION: Hi I was wondering if you think Natures recipe is a good food. My 3yr old lab/golden is on Science Diet and I want a better food but not to expensive. Any suggestions
Thanks
ANSWER: Jen,
Take a look at a site called www.dogfoodanalysis.com. Check out the Science Diet and you'll see it's rated as one of the worst foods on the market. (It gets 1-star on this site because there's nothing lower.) If you're cost-conscious, just look at upgrading to something in a higher category. Even a 3- or 4-star food would be an improvement, if you can't afford one of the premium foods.
Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com
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QUESTION: I switched her to Pro plan and i was suprised that it was a 1star food because it was one of the better foods in the store and it was a step up from science diet. How do you like that food?
Answer Jen,
Personally, I hate Science Diet and Pro Plan about equally. They are only considered "top" foods because their companies spend so much on advertising telling people they are top foods. In reality, they are both extremely cheap foods with sub-standard ingredients. I wouldn't feed them to a raccoon.
Of course, I'm a raw feeder and I dislike most commercial dog foods. The reason I sent you to the dogfoodanalysis site is that they provide a very unbiased view of the foods out there free from commentary from people like myself. In reality, the best foods are put out by companies that rarely advertise, so many people have never heard of them. The best way to feed a good diet is to learn about the various ingredients - what's good and what's bad - and then do some serious label shopping.
