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 Hello,
My puppy has an upset stomach and I was wondering what I can do or give him to make it better. Also, What type of food brand do you recomend and are home-cooked meals better than commercial food?
thank you for your time
Answer I'm a huge advocate of natural diets. My personal favorite is a raw diet consisting of at least 75% raw meat and bones (I use chicken, turkey, and rabbit bones and meat from beef, pork, etc.), 10% organ meat (liver, heart, kidney, tripe, etc.) and 15% veggies (ground raw or cooked). I also like any healthy home cooked diets provided they include bone meal for the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus (in the absence of feeding the bones themselves in a raw diet). I have some clients that are on their 3rd and 4th generation raw fed dogs (many large - labs, and mastiffs) and they couldn't be healthier.
In my opinion, home cooked diets are next best provided they are supplemented with good quality bone meal (the NaturVet and NOW brands are good) and lots of fresh, healthy foods. I would recommend that wholeheartedly. If you have the resources to use (or supplement) with some raw meaty bones, that would be great. If not, there's a great site out there that rates the dry dog foods available. It's www.dogfoodanalysis.com and they do a wonderful job of rating commercial dog foods based solely on their ingredients. If you don't see the food you want there, you can submit it and they will review it and add it to the site.
If you go the commercial route, I would highly recomment getting one of their 5 or 6 star foods.
There are a lot of great raw feeding sites that can help you. Just remember that no one way is the only way - even within the raw and home-cooked camps there are many different opinions.
