[.ca] Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats (ISBN 1561706361)

Too basic, even for a beginner:
I was new to RAW feeding prior to buying this book. I had done some research and reading on the Internet and already understood the concept of RAW feeding - the core food groups and the recommended proportions of each. However, I needed a book that would help me make the transition from just reading to actually preparing the meals for my pets. This book did not do it for me. It is more of a very basic "theory" book than a "practical" one. I bought the book online - if I had had a chance to flip through it first, I would have gone with another book. This book pretty much just explains what the food groups are, how they contribute to the health of your pets and the respective pros and cons. But, like I said, you can get this information for FREE on the Internet! Schultze only gives ONE easy recipe for BOTH dogs and cats, with varying amounts of ingredients depending on the weight of your pet. After joining a few RAW feeding discussion lists, I was told that most of the things I read in the book are NOT recommended by fellow raw feeders (eg: feeding GROUND meat, veggies, kelp & alfalfa supplements and BOTH cod-liver oil and fish oil, etc.) Even I knew going in that you can't use the same recipe for both dogs and cats and yet Schultze only provides one recipe. Cats, I am told, especially don't need veggies, kelp or alfalfa and they don't need cod liver oil. This book would have been more useful had I not done any of my own research first so overall I found the content to be quite disappointing. Somewhat informative but NOT very practical.

Nice start in the research of the "barf" diet:
this book is a nice intro to the ultimate diet. the downside to this book is that it does not go into enough detail. also, half of the book is filled with testimonies on how well the diet has worked. i would like to see more scientific proof, as well as common sense recipes/ways to feed your pet the barf diet.

A wonderful book for the curious pet owner:
I have read more literature on natural diets and "raw food" then I'd like to admit, and I like to think I know a little about the subject, so I approached this book with the "here we go again" mentality. I was pleasantly surprised! Kymythy Shultze is very straightforward in her presentation of the facts surrounding commercial pet food. She lays everything out on the table in a matter-of-fact way which I find refreshing. It isn't the biggest book, nor is it a "complete guide" but I believe it is an accurate and enlightening book. Best Features: · Easy-to-read style · Honest author who seems "friendly" and definitely credible · Compiled facts for maximum information · Short and to the point, yet not too superficial Other reviewers have mentioned that you can find all of the information contained within its pages in other ("better") books. No, Shultze doesn't have any astonishingly new or outrageous views that can't be found in other natural pet food books or articles... and it is definitely geared more towards dog owners.. But this little book is a great introduction for the curious. Like any book pertaining to dogs, you will want to read more than just one before you consider yourself "informed" and I think this is a good book to begin with. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is partially familiar with natural pet diets or any dog owner willing to learn. I also think it would make a great gift for someone you love who has pets!

this book has opened my eyes!:
I just finished reading this book. And I really urge every pet lover to read it as well. It has really opened my eyes on the way I have been feeding my pets over the years (commercial food) and I just can't wait to take the next step and apply all that I have learned in this book to my everyday pet's life. It is so well explained, clear and logical. My oldest cat suffers from bad kidneys, as most cats fed on commercial food. I hope, also I do not doubt it, that changing his diet to a normal carnivore diet will help him get better and enjoy life longer. I am very happy I have read this book, and trust in it completely, and encourage every cat and dog lover to do the same (read the book) and give more time and better food to their companion. And thank you Kymythy R. Schultze for writing such a wonderful book.

Save their lives!:
Feed your dog in a biologically appropriate manner and watch them get really well for the first time in their lives! This book sets you in the right direction to get you started without confusing you with a lot of recipes and potions. Understand the concept of "building a prey animal", then follow your instincts. This book is a great place to enter into the underground world of natural pet nutrition, leaving the pet food industry behind.