WHAT THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY IS NOT TELLING YOU

A wellness plan for dogs featuring a raw food diet.

Krol, who has a background in education and real estate, is neither a veterinarian nor a canine nutritionist; she was motivated to write this book because of a health scare involving Winston, her beloved dog. Instead of accepting the bleak prognoses offered by veterinarians, the author “decided to take my dog’s health into my own hands.” Her extensive research led her to implement a “Monogastric Diet” that, she asserts, turned her dog’s life around. Along the way, Krol discovered what she characterizes as the deficiencies of the American pet food industry and medication-oriented veterinarians who, she says, “are not in the business of restoring health.” The author carefully cites scientific studies and sources and includes comprehensive references to back up her claims, and she deftly and seamlessly weaves her suggested nutritional approach into stories of her dog’s journey to better health. Early chapters lay out the basis for the author’s wellness plan; she clearly describes her dog’s illness and the details she learned about commercial dog food, and she explains why she believes that holistic veterinarians are preferable to others. She also provides a sobering evaluation of the content of dog food, noting that pets “become the recipient of all the byproducts humans will not or cannot eat.” The book offers readers a cogent overview of canine diseases while frankly discussing current veterinary practices, especially regarding vaccinations; on this subject, she cites research that suggests “Vaccinations can hinder and hurt your dog’s natural life-giving state of being.”

Most of the book centers on Krol’s belief that dogs should be fed a raw food diet of meat and plant-based material. However, although she passionately supports this position, she acknowledges that some veterinarians and pet owners may not be raw food enthusiasts. While exploring the diet, Krol candidly concludes that the positives outweigh the negatives, advocating a method she calls “Single Category Rotational Feeding,” which involves alternating meals of meat and plants with periods of fasting. Portions of the plan may meet with resistance or even skepticism from some dog owners; for example, the author endorses feeding dogs raw bones, which, she writes, “are needed for proper nutrition”; despite the inclusion of citations to support this, some dog owners may still be hesitant. The plan calls for creating a menu of raw meats, including fish, cooked vegetables, and fruit. Krol helpfully provides “feeding options,” including daily schedules and “recipe samples and bone details.” She also helpfully includes a chapter on how to modify the plan for puppies and even explains how to adapt it for cats. For pet owners who are interested in administering such a raw food diet, Krol provides justification and sufficient information for anyone to easily execute the plan. At times, however, one may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of detail as well as the additional preparation associated with the author’s dietary method.

A diligently researched pet-care manual, but some readers may balk at the considerable commitment required.