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 5 yr old Shih-Tzu who just recently has had issues with bladder stones. We just had surgery done to remove them and the tests came back showing he had calcium oxalate stones. My family owns a pet store and we concentrate on holistic diets and natural treats and such so I have some nutritional knowledge. I am hoping not to have to feed Science Diet prescription UD and I have checked into Royal Canin SO diet. Do you know of any other alternatives? My biggest issue is the fact that his PH is above normal ranges, my vet doesn't really know why he would produce these stones with an alkaline body! The diet I was feeding was Chicken Soup for the pet lovers soul adult formula, A homemade diet would be great but I have 4 dogs and work full time so sometimes its hard to keep up with cooking for us and the dogs! I would appreciete any insight you can give. Thanks, Mary
Answer Hi Mary.
My Brittany used to have a huge problem with bladder stones, as well, and it wasn't resolved until I got him on a raw diet. But I totally understand the problems of juggling work and family and dogs.
Congratulations on not getting sucked into the Science Diet myth. I don't think that the higher-priced prescription diets are any better (and in most cases they're worse) than the good quality premium dog foods. If you're used to feeding dry food, I would recommend switching to canned. The proteins are much easier to digest. Dry kibble is being found to have a direct correlation to the increased instances of stones, oxylate in particular. It is just too full of grains and too difficult to digest.
The Chicken Soup food you were feeding is actually quite good and comes in a canned variety. Other good canned foods are Solid Gold Adult Maintenance and the Wellness brand. I would stay away from anything with garlic. It is extremely hard on the intestines and might contribute to the problem.
Another thing you can do is to add a good quality digestive enzyme, such as Prozyme. It will help your dog fully break down whatever food he is getting and may decrease the amount of harmful waste that is passing through his system.
Commercial treats are also linked to oxylate stones. Again, my opinion is that the high garlic content in treats may have something to do with it. I'm going to be posting some natural treat recipes on my web site in the next week or so. Check there if you get the urge the make your own treats.
And don't be afraid to feed him good quality human food whenever you have the chance. A dinner of baked chicken, potatoes, and spinach (or whatever you may be eating that night) is a very healthy way for him to eat from time to time.
