The Nature of Animal Healing

I lost a cat to cancer two years ago. My feeling that I was somehow responsible for his demise at such a young age wasn't entirely grief related. For instance, was there something wrong with feeding an animal the same old stuff day and night for his/her entire life, often dried stuff at that? If so, what other options were there? And how about tap water? If we the people are concerned about drinking it, what about our pets? Inquiries about diet to everyone, vets included, almost always elicit the same response: do not feed table food or "scraps." Trouble is, most of us just do not have a scientific and/or medical background with which to argue the point. Dr. Goldstein discusses food and tap water and how it affects health in this book.

All that is required for reading this book is an open, active mind and the ability to strive for something better. People who have added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and, yes, even soy products to their diets know that they feel better, look better, and are healthier. And so it would be with animals. My 3 remaining cats are doing much better after only two weeks on real MEAT, grains, and vegetables. I know my cats so you can trust me on this point. Some people will want studies. Well, scientists have concocted chemicals for making the RENDERED BY-PRODUCTS in commercial pet food appealing to animals via smell and/or taste. But show me a study which says it's GOOD for our animals. Isn't it golden age advertising and hasn't it worked, especially in this busy world!! Incidentally, several natural pet food brands are mentioned in the book for non-cookers.

Finally, I've concentrated my comments on diet (and maybe one or two too many on my own opinions :)) because health starts with food and food is one aspect we pet owners really have control over. However, Dr. Goldstein covers many other topics including vaccines, herbs, supplements, natural remedies, and devotes an entire chapter to cancer. Many of his patients are very sick. He explains why he believes in helping an animal heal itself by treating the disease rather than the symptoms. Feeding real food is part of the process. Dr. Goldstein writes from experience. He even admits he doesn't understand how or why some of the holistic methods work; he's just seen it work year after year. His final chapters deal with the spiritual realm, including our relationship with our pets, and death of pets (choosing when to let go, euthanasia, grieving). There is an extensive resource guide at the back.

I also recommend FOOD PETS DIE FOR by Ann N. Martin. She spent 7 years investigating the ingredients in commercial pet food. If you read that book first, you'll surely want to read this one (or vice versa).

Whoa, did I get ever get carried away here. But I've waited a long time for this book. Thank you, Dr. Goldstein, for writing it.


I wouldn't be without this book   December 30, 2003
French Fancy (Brittany, France)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book totally changed my view about vaccinations which - like lots of dog owners - I just took for granted. My new puppy has had the initial combined shot which, by law here in France, she was required to have. But following advice obtained from this wonderful book she will have no further vaccinations at all. Her natural immunisation will be enough.

This book also gave me much information about pet food, again something I'd always taken for granted. This book makes you start to question everything you once considered to be standard practice. I have recommended it again and again and no-one buying it has been disappointed.


What an enlightened view of animal health and welfare.   July 7, 2000
gerry.whelan@breathemail.net (Harrow, Middlesex)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book was recommended to me by a dog breeder. The information contained makes so much sense that I am amazed there are not more vets who practice holistic methods. Here in England most of the vets still advocate that animals are vaccinated every year and pump them full of antibiotics at the drop of a hat. All pet owners should read this book and then lend it to their vet!


Excellent! Every health concerned pet owner should read!   August 30, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Finally! A book that makes sense without being over technical. I haven't enjoyed such a book since Dr. Pitcrain's Guide to Natural Pet Care. Dr. Goldstein gives you insight as to actual veterinary medical cases; many problems of which were the result of over medication, vaccination and an inadequate commercial brand food. This book truly enlightened me to believe that the best caretaker for my pets health and well being is Mother Nature herself. Much of Dr. Goldstein's treatments for chronic diseases are based on common sense; something we all have but have forgotten how to use! I will use this as a reference for years to come.


Riveting   August 22, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I loved this book so much that I bought a second copy for my grandmother (who just got a new puppy). What I especially appreciated was the chapter on pet food. My dog is now 13. I have always fed him home cooked meals of meat (usually chicken), rice (or other starch), vegetables (he loves carrots and zucchini) and fruit (also, tidbits of yogurt, cheese, scrambled eggs, etc) and of course just plain old leftovers. Every vet I've taken to tells me I'm nuts, that dogs should get kibble. I did not know the gross details of the matter as explained by Dr Goldstein, but I always suspected as much. You don't have to be some lefto-pinko to recognize that corporations --why, entire industries, even -- have been known to get away with selling the consumer what amounts to murder. (As an ex-smoker who started at age 17, imagining that, as on TV, I was oh so terribly glamorous, I know what I'm talking about here.) Anyway, thank you Dr Goldstein for confirming the common sense notion that animals should eat FOOD -- that it is not some ridiculous thing that puts an owner in the category of "addled old eccentric," but simply part of properly caring for your animal. And the rest of book was terrific, too!