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! Laura, do you have an opinion about a suggestion for a dry food we can switch to that would help with the various problems our beautiful yellow lab has? wish list includes: Large Breed, weight control, prone to ear infection (recurring), coat could be shinier, some nervous biting/itching? so maybe he has some skin sensitivity, notorious lab shedding, insatiable hunger...he engulfs any food we give him in about 5 seconds. sorry for wanting the all american 'one stop shop'. Our vet has suggested changing his food...we've done that a few times to try and get the ear infections under control. I want to try and settle on a food we can stick with. He is 3 years old. Thank you very much for your expertise.
Answer Hi LJ,
Sorry, for the delay -- I'm going to have to go offline here for a while and have been trying to catch up.
If you've read my bio, you know I'm an avid raw feeder and believe that's the way to clear up practically any condition, most of which I think are a direct result of the poor quality foods that are on the market.
Home cooking is good, too. Many of the skin conditions you're describing are a result of poor quality grain fillers in the foods. You want most of your dog's dietary protein to be meat-based. Raw and home-cooked meals are easy to balance that way, but there are some good commercial foods, too.
If you want to do a direct comparison of dry dog foods on the market without the advertising hype, try a site called www.dogfoodanalysis.com. They rate dry dog foods based solely on their ingredients. You can't go wrong with one of their 5- or 6-star foods.
