Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM…

Hi Kelly… Are you familiar with Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM, the “Internet Vet” from Canada? He sells a nutritional supplement, and I would be very interested in getting your opinion on it. Here are the links to the products: www.thedogsupplement.com and www.thecatsupplement.com.   Thanks!      -Sue DiBianca-

Dr. Andrew Jones (Source:  theinternetpetvet.com)

Hey Sue…  Yes, I have heard of Dr. Andrew Jones (DVM) from Canada.  It seems that he was “forced out” of the veterinary profession in Canada because he went against the conventional veterinary mindset and traditional practices.  Dr. Jones advocates the use of more alternative holistic modalities like herbs, homeopathic remedies, chiropractic, and acupuncture, over more conventional treatments and medications.  He is a strong proponent of proper diet and emphasizes nutrition as a foundation for good health in pets.  Dr. Jones sells his own line of canine and feline supplements and has many E-books and a website on his approach.  Apparently some of his veterinarian peers find that to be problematic.  I wonder how those same people feel about other well known holistic vets who share this type of stance like Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Shawn Messonier, Dr. Richard Pitcairn, and Dr. Martin Goldstein?

What I find interesting is that there are several blogs by other very conventional vets who obviously have much contempt for Dr. Jones.  I’m not really sure if that’s because they really find him to be a danger to pets or because he practices a more holistic based medicine that they are not practiced in or comfortable with.  Further, Dr. Jones sells his own line of supplements and books, so apparently that is unacceptable…Really?   Why shouldn’t a veterinarian be able to educate people on optimal nutrition for pets or alternative and holistic modalities or sell products they believe in at their own practice… Honestly, what is the difference between a veterinarian who sells Science Diet Prescription Food and other brand names of supplements and a veterinarian who sells recipes for home cooked diets and his own line of supplements?

To be fair, Dr. Jones does have a rather provocative delivery of his message like his Veterinary Secrets online newsletter which would certainly put any conventional vet on the defensive…

As many people know, I like to use a balanced approach when it comes to veterinary medicine for all of my pets.  I am not opposed to all things conventional, rather I like to minimize synthetic drugs and chemical treatments that may have long term side effects and negative consequences.  And, as far as diet…the more research you do and the more you really dig into nutrition for dogs and cats, the more you realize that commercial kibble diets are more of a convenience than the best choice for our carnivores.

I have been a pet owner for over 40 years and had a natural pet food/supply store for nearly twelve years.  So, I have seen the benefits of proper nutrition and how incorporating supplements, herbs, homeopathic, chiropractic and acupuncture can bring about incredible positive outcomes for so many pets (and pet owners) who seemed hopeless.  It is my opinion that there is a place for conventional treatments like surgery, antibiotics, steroids and even chemical flea/tick treatments (as a last resort).  But, there is also a place for holistic/alternative medicine as well.  I just don’t understand why some conventional veterinarians just can’t be more open minded when it comes to treating pets with both holistic and conventional approaches… Isn’t it a good thing to empower people with information and allow them to make their own informed decisions for their pets or themselves!

Regarding the supplements that Dr. Jones offers, Ultimate Canine Health Formula or Ultimate Feline Health Formula…  Both of these supplements look to be quality foundation supplements that contain vitamins, minerals, joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin, & MSM), prebiotics and probiotics, amino acids, and several immune boosting ingredients (colostrum, aloe vera, inositol hexaphosphate and maiitake mushrooms).  NOTE:  Not sure why, but I did not see any Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the Feline supplement… would prefer to have that included.  From my experience, all of the ingredients in Dr. Jones’ canine and feline supplements are very beneficial and would be great supplements to add to any pet’s daily regime.  I may even order the supplements for my dog and three cats!