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 7 yr. schnauzer mix spayed female was diagnosed with struvite crystals and was put on science diet c/d. After a month she was rechecked and everything looked good. She continues to be on c/d. My problem is that she is gaining weight. She is very overweight now. I give her a very small amount at her feeding and she is still getting fatter.. I brought this to the attention of my vet and she said c/d is very fattening. I had to take one of my other dogs in and was seen by another vet in the practice since my reg vet was out of town. I told her how concerned I was about the weight gain and she said to put her on w/d. I didn't want to do that without checking with my reg vet and she said absolutely not. I had to keep her on c/d, that w/d would put her back to what she had been possibly. Can you offer me any suggestions. I can not give her less food as I am about to starve her now. Really. I add string beans and carrots to give her some filler. Thank you for any suggestions.
My 10 yr min schnauzer spayed female has blood in the urine.(Microscopic) No clinial signs of anything. I have wellness checks done on all my dogs every 5-6 months. She showed clacium oxalate chrystals. Did an ultrasound and they noted a small possible stone or blood clot in the kidney. Culture was neg. Vet said to recheck with a culture and urine check in a month. He said that he didn't think I needed to change her diet. (I know that the type she has cannot be changed by diet) I feed her Purina One Healthly Weight. I also have another schnauzer that currently has no issues (Knock on wood) Should I feed them a different brand of food or something that would be better for dogs prone to stones as schnauzers are. Thank you for any suggestions that you can offer.
Answer Susan,
The best thing I know to combat struvite and oxalate crystals are homemade diets formulated specifically for the respective conditions. One of the best books I've found for this is called Homemade Dog & Cat Diets - The Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD. I would highly recommend that you get a copy of this book and try the diets he recommends for the two conditions (they are very different from each other). I don't know of a single commercial dog food out there that would be as good, and the Hill's presciption diets aren't meant for long-term use.
