Tom Lonsdale is a veterinarian who has spent many years practically and scientifically researching the effect that diet has on our pet's health and well being.

 

The basic message of his book is that processed pet foods are seriously detrimental to the health, and particularly the dental health, of dogs, cats and other domestic carnivores.

 

Of particular interest is the relationship described between periodontal disease and heart, kidney and liver failure, (and also its effects on the immune system). He describes easy to follow instructions for the promotion of optimal health and condition, and the prevention of dental disease. Feed your pet a diet which is fresh and natural, he says; one as close as practicable to Mother Nature's recipe.

 

For canines this means mostly raw meat and bones. Rabbit, chicken wings and necks and carcasses, ox and kangaroo tails, lamb shanks and other raw meaty bones make up the staple part of the diet.

 

Dr Lonsdale also examines in depth the synergies existing amongst the pet food industry, the veterinary profession, and animal welfare organisations. His study of industry marketing techniques is, alone, worth the cover price.

 

I found this to be a thoroughly researched and most enlightening book. No matter what you choose to feed your dogs, the wealth of information on health and other matters makes it deserving to be on the "must read" list of all dedicated breeders.

Linda Johnson

VicDog February 2002 Vol 6:2 (Journal of the Victorian Canine Association)