Kymythy Schultze
1 A great starting point
Having known relativley little on the subject of raw natural diets, I found this book to be an excellent starting point. It is easy to read, consise, to the point, and is very encouraging for the novice. It has a sample monthly menu which I found invaluable when changing my dogs over to the nautral diet. I have since read many books on the subject but I refer back to this book the most. I would have liked more specific information regarding feeding puppies and their specific growing needs.
2 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.
3 Killing Little Poochie
The book starts with a study from the 1930's that showed that it took four generations for cats to recover from a cooked food diet. A study that advances Lamarckian theory is an inauspicious start for any book, let alone a book that could endanger the life of your favorite friend and companion, your dog.
To a very large extent, this book bases its theories on what is "natural" for your dog, e.g. what your dog would do in the wild. Since there are no references to studies of the diet and lifespan of domesticated dogs that have reverted to a feral state, you will have to take on faith that your highly domesticated animal is either akin to a wild wolf, or that a feral dog is healthier than your animal that will probably live well over a decade. My Border Collie wouldn't make it a week in the wild, let alone five years.
Exposure to heartworm, fluke, trichinosis, and other parasites is dangerous and a leading cause of death for any wild mammal. Exposure to e-coli, salmonella and other food-born bacteria is highly dangerous - diarrhea is the number one cause of death in human infants in the world. I won't risk my dog's life because cooked food is so "deadly" due to build up of "toxins" as this book proposes. I have weighed the risks and have come up "no contest" for cooked food. There are Web resources that refute the safety of giving your dog raw chicken necks, backs and wings. I feel the very real risk of choking, injury to gums, teeth, throat, stomach and intestines from long-term use of bones in the diet far outweigh unsubstantiated and anectodotal evidence that this will keep my 50 lb. animal healthier. See secondchanceranch.org/rawmeat.html for a serious debunking of these theories.
You will need to do some critical thinking about the "natural" argument. Do you think you would make it over 40 living like a caveman without sanitary plumbing and indoor heating, a clean water supply and cooked food? Believe me, in places where they don't have it, they don't. Do further research before exposing your omnivorous, highly domesticated mammal to this level of risk.
4 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:
á Easy-to-read style
á Honest author who seems "friendly" and definitely credible
á Compiled facts for maximum information
á 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!
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 Thin book without much useful info
I've heard this book mentioned so many times, I decided to pick up a copy. The first thing I noticed was the absence of an index. That should have been enough of a red flag for me to give up on the book, but I read on. It took me about twenty minutes to finish the whole thing. I skipped the thirty or so pages of pointless one-sentence testimonials from random pet owners who feed their pets raw.
Who is the target audience for this book? It isn't people who are already feeding raw. All of the useful information can be found in other, older, far better books than this one. In fact, you can easily obtain all of the books Schultze copied her info from. It can't be for people who are new to feeding raw, because there is very little practical advice on how to go about feeding *your* dog. And it sure isn't cat owners, because the book is really geared toward dog people.
There's nothing really wrong with "Natural Diets," but there really isn't any reason to read it, either. Next book, please!
9 Doesn't shortchange cat owners like many other books
This book is chock full of information, and unlike some other books about pet health, the dogs aren't the only ones who have their day!
This book is a great way to start feeding your cat a raw diet, and discusses safe foods, exact amounts, and otherwise is very specific and helpful. There is also just enough variety in recipes for feeds that the beginner is not overwhelmed by choice, but can be flexible to respond to the pet's approval/disapproval of feeds.
I bought this book soley for the feeding information and recipes, but realized once I got it that it's a great resource for overall pet health. A great value and a good resource.
10 Good Book Not Great
There are lots of books on the market for feeding your pets the BARF diet, this is just one of them. While I agree with the concept, this book makes it a little more comlicated then it needs to be. Good starting point, but I wouldn't base my whole thought process on it.
11 The best introduction to BARF
Kymythy Schultze has done the best job of simplifying a raw diet. If someone were to buy one book on the subject, I would definitely reccomend this one. It breaks it down into each part of the diet and the reasons behind feeding each part without being overly scientific. I read the entire book in one sitting and constantly refer back to it. I must say though that personally, I do not agree with all of her ideas on feeding, but read it with an open mind, there is some great information packed into that book.
12 The change in our dogs is remarkable...
This book was recommended to us & we switched to a raw, species-appropriate diet after reading it. I had a few questions I needed answered & this book was informative & educational & never boring. We have 2 BEAUTIFUL American Staffordshire Terriers who are so magnificent on this diet. Every muscle in their bodies is isolated & defined, their coats are luxuriously shiny, their spirits are HIGH! Feeding them is never boring! My husband & I delight as much in preparing their meals as our "kids" delight in eating them! After reading this book & seeing the transformation in our AmStaffs, it all seems so obvious. Common sense!
13 A Great Book For Learning About Raw Diets
This is the most easily read reference about raw diets out there. Anyone new to raw diets or looking into them should pick up a copy of this book. Though I do not agree with some of the information, it definitely is a worthwhile reference. As someone mentioned there are facts in the beginning about cats in a study, this refers to the Pottenger cat study. The study was by no means any kind of formal study and the cats were being used in research and subjected to other stresses, this study is not the best study in my opinion for proving that a raw diet is best. I feel that while it is worthwhile looking at, new studies need to be done. Also I don't think that she really takes into perspective that every dog is an individual. She says that grains and dairy should not be used whatsoever, but many dogs do well and even thrive on diets including these food groups. It all depends on the dog. Overall this book is a great introduction to raw and a simple, no-nonsense book for beginners.
14 Wonderful starting point for those new to BARF feeding.
I was feeding BARF for about 3 years before I FINALLY got Kymythy's book.
By that time I was already so familiar with her ideas as those who introduced me to the change also use her plans as their guide.
I was so happy and thankful to finally get my own copy.
Now, her book is part of my Kitten info pack going out with each of my kittens to their new owners.
I do not follow her diet ''per letter'', and make changes as I learn and as my intuition guide me.... This all comes with researching and becoming informed. As we learn more what benefits our animals, we make changes.
None the less, an excellent starting point for those new to RAW/BARF feeding.
My only caution is with those she refers at the back of her book.
At least one of those listed is performing nothing less than quackery in his ''Holistic'' animal practice. It was hard to tell a kitten buyer to use caution with one of those she refers..... takes away some of the enthusiasm I have for her.
15 Not much evidence for this
Schultze offers no hard, convincing evidence, or argument for her beliefs. It would seem the natural food is better than the junk from the stores. But who knows? Maybe the animals who are doomed to live with man have acclimated to the commercial stuff. I would like to see real and controlled studies to see if there is any significant difference between what this book touts and doggie bisquits. Personal belief and hype just does not cut it.
16 A miracle!
Miracles do not happen often, but surely this time one occurred after having read Kymythy Schultze's book. We have a 2 year old Jack Russell, Max, who, despite his lively and affectionate nature, was very difficult as to what he accepted for food. We tried tens of different brands of (dry) dog food, but each time after a few days he refused to continue to eat the stuff. His coat became dull, more and more often he had all kinds of skin affections, small injuries did not heal normally and so on. We bought a range of books on how to best care for your dog, but to no avail. Until I found this book with Amazon and started to feed Max The Ultimate Diet from the day we both read it. The change has been fast and dramatic. His coat has become thick and glossy, not the slightest trace anymore of exzema, injuries (resulting from his buldozer approach when out in the surrounding countryside) heal within a few days and he has become more gay and playful than ever! I think we are even more happy than Max himself since this Good Book came to us!
Roel and Catherine Van Zummeren, Condom-en-Armagnac, France roelvanzum@aol.com
17 Good starting point
This is an easy and fast read. I found it incredibly interesting and a great starting point to putting my cats on a raw food diet. Unfortunately, this book left me with more questions than answers. There is no index so trying to find something again is a bit of a challenge. I recommend it for anyone thinking about going raw.
18 This book helped save my dog
My Golden Retriever has suffered from allergies most of her life.She has been on the diet in this book for six months. After a detox period(explained in this book) which lasted 6-8 weeks,her overall health has improved tremendously.My dog is off all of her previous medication(antibiotics and prednisone), and her skin is clear,her coat is soft and thick, and her attitude is great. I would definetly recommend this book.I would also recommend seeking help from a homeopathic vet when switching to the diet.
19 Excellent Book
This book convinced me to switch my dogs to a raw diet. It explained in simple, easy to understand ways why it is the best thing for my dogs. It also explained how to go out doing it. I think it's a must read for anyone thinking of feeding a raw diet or anyone who wants their dogs to eat the best diet they possibly can.
20 Biologically Appropriate But Unnecessarily Restrictive
This is an only slightly revised/updated version of Schultze's original spiralbound book "The Ultimate Diet." There are several books on feeding natural/raw/whole foods to dogs, and Schultze's book is the most restrictive, as it does not allow any grains, dairy products, blackstrap molasses, or raw honey (which many experienced breeders using holistic methods consider a "must" in dog rearing). Unfortunately many people new to raw feeding read Schultze's book and become convinced that giving their dogs even small amounts of whole grains or a little yogurt with raw honey is tantamount to poisoning them! Those of us who have been feeding a fresh foods diet for decades know that nothing is farther from the truth, but Kymythy believes that *all* dogs do better without grains, dairy, honey, etc., and of course her book includes testimonials only from people who agree with her. While it's true that some dogs do indeed fare better on a no grains/no dairy diet, others do much better on a more varied diet that includes small amounts of whole grains, yogurt or kefir, blackstrap molasses, and other foods Schultze feels should be avoided.
My biggest problem with this book, however, is that Schultze repeatedly passes of some rather controversial opinions as scientific fact. Not surprisingly, no footnotes are provided to back up any of her claims. She also uses the cancer research from Colorado State's veterinary school to imply that feeding grains and dairy products causes cancer. While it's correct that a diet high in certain fats and low in simple carbs is recommended for dogs with cancer (as well as those in remission), there is absolutely no evidence that a diet without grains and dairy products helps to *prevent* cancer. In fact, even the cancer diet recommended by Colorado State includes small amounts of whole grains. Cancer causes metabolic changes in the body which makes what is optimal for dogs with cancer not necessarily optimal for healthy dogs.
Of course I'm not recommending a grain-based diet (I agree that raw muscle and organ meats and meaty bones should make up the bulk of the canine diet), but small amounts of whole grain and cultured dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir) can add variety and valuable nutrients to the diet. Dogs, like humans, are individuals and it's important to remember that there is no one diet that is perfect for every dog.
Depending on the exact composition of Schultze's diet, deficiencies in certain nutrients are quite possible, and I would definitely not recommend a diet so low in carbohydrates for in-whelp bitches. On the other hand, if you have a dog with cancer or allergies to grains/dairy, this diet may be just what you've been looking for. It's easy to follow, but I do suggest reading a little more on canine nutrition.
21 A travesty worth no stars at all
Schultze's book attempts to provide "the ultimate pet diet," and it may be that raw or natural foods are wonderful for pets. But her book contains so much misinformation that it's impossible to rely on it at all.
On page 4, while summarizing the results of a study she does *not* provide any citations for, she states:
"The cats that were fed cooked food swiftly deteriorated in health until, by the third generation, they could no longer reproduce."
Unless there is something she's not telling us - like that the cats were also deprived of critical nutrients - this can't be true. If it was, we wouldn't have to worry about spaying and neutering pet cats - we'd have to worry about bringing them back from the edge of extinction. Virtually all commercial cat foods are cooked, whether kibble or canned, and many cats eat nothing else their whole lives - even for generations - and yet somehow we still have cats.
On page 5, she states:
"When the first- and second-generation cooked-food cats were placed on a raw food diet, it took four generations for their line to recover from the ill effects of consuming cooked food."
Unlikely. For any diet to have an effect as strong as the one she describes beyond the second generation after cessation of use, it would have to cause *genetic* change. Feline genes aren't so susceptible to mutation that a diet of good food that is cooked in a normal way - food like humans eat - could cause it, and if genetic change did occur, the cat line wouldn't have recovered.
These are just two examples, culled from the first pages of the book, but there are many others. I simply do not feel comfortable trusting my pet's health to a diet based on such unreliable information.
22 Thinking about making a switch?
I read this book several years ago and have been feeding my dogs this diet for almost 2 years. They have never looked better! I found the book to be very well laid out, easy to read and gave me information I wanted and needed without being full of scientific jargon.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about feeding their pet a species appropriate diet- your pet will thank you for it!
23 Pretty good stuff!
I found this book to be full of useful facts about animal nutrition and care. It gives useful suggestions for your pets dietary needs and also gives an excellent break down of what is essential and what is bad for your pets. However, I didn't care too much for Shultze's writing style. I feel that if she had just stuck to the facts, it would have been more compelling, But she tends to use "emotional" language that tries to frighten the reader into trying this diet, although I do agree that some of the fact are quite frightening. Overall...it is a definate must read for pet owners who really love their pet and want to provide the highest qualitiy of life!
24 Thinking about a natural food diet for your pet?
If you are, I highly recommend this book. It's written in a easy to read style and is a great introduction on what is needed to successfully implement a raw food diet. This book covers a variety of material, including nutrition aspects, how to make up a meal, how to switch your animal over, and a basic guideline with amounts of various ingredients listed.
The book itself is spiral bound, making it easy to set on the counter the first couple of times you try the menu. There are 118 pages, which includes a natural care yellow pages at the end. Included in these pages are a list of books and newsletters to further your understanding.
The last chapter of testimonials from various people who have switched their pets over to a raw foods diet are touching and inspirational. This book made it easy for me to understand the benefits and the mechanics of a natural diet, that I've been left wondering why I didn't switch my dog over sooner.
