Rating: 
Summary: this book has opened my eyes!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice start in the research of the "barf" diet
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't shortchange cat owners like many other books
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: The change in our dogs is remarkable...
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Good starting point
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Biologically Appropriate But Unnecessarily Restrictive
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Biologically Appropriate But Unnecessarily Restrictive
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book For Learning About Raw Diets
Review: 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.
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