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 3yr old lab/golden mix about 69lbs she is a little overweight so we put her on Science Diet lite. She is going to the bathroom about 3times a day so the vet said to change to reg science diet because it has less fiber in it. Is Science Diet a decent food becauze I know there are a lot of other healthy foods out there but they are really expensive. Any suggestions. Also did you ever hear of giving a dog a Vitamin E vitamin for skin itching because my vet said to do that because she is always licking or biting herself and her coat looks okay.
Thanks
Answer Jen,
Your dog is itching and scratching because of all the grains in the Science Diet. I would definitely switch his food to something better. Check out a site called www.dogfoodanalysis.com. You'll find that the Science Diet, along with all the Hill's products are listed among their lowest quality foods. If you can't afford to feed one of the 6-star foods, even an upgrade to a 3- or 4-star food would be a major improvement over the Science Diet. If you get a food with more meat protein and less grains, your dog won't be so prone to putting on weight.
As for the Vitamin E, you would be better off with getting Fish Oil capsules and feeding her 2 a day. That will help her skin and coat, but it will be more helpful with a change in diet.
