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... Can you please advise the best way to roast a beef knuckle bone(temperature and length of time) for my dog to avoid it splintering .
ANSWER: Hi Suzanne,
Actually, the best way to give your dog a beef knuckle bone to avoid splintering is raw! (As a matter of fact both my guys are still working on the ones I gave them 3 days ago.)
Raw knuckle bones are perfectly safe for your dog. They're soft, and moist, and just the right consistency for good chewing. If you cook them at all in any manner, you remove the moisture. This is what causes splintering. Knuckle bones, femur bones, any of those "soup bones" the butcher has on sale are great recreational bones for your dog provided you leave them raw. The only thing you have to watch with the leg bones (as opposed to the knuckle bone) is the amount of marrow the dog is getting. Marrow is rich and can cause diarrhea in too large amounts.
I know the raw knuckle bones can be a little messy, but I just let the dogs work on them outside for a half hour or so. That gets all the blood and extraneous meat off, then they can bring them in for days of chewing pleasure.
Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com
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QUESTION: Hi Laura,
Thankyou for your reply.
I appreciate the best way to serve the knuckle bone is raw however I am sometimes given alot of knuckle bones and would need to cook them .
If I am to cook them, could you advise the best way to do so .
Kind regards
Suzanne
Answer Hi Suzanne, sorry for the delay.
I'm just not sure on this one. I've only ever fed bones raw and wouldn't feel comfortable cooking them. I've seen them smoked and I suppose you could boil them, but either way, it's going to change the consistency and could cause fragmentation.
I do know that they freeze exceptionally well. I pull frozen ones out and give them straight to the dogs without a problem. If you have freezer space available, that would be my recommendation.
