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Dr. Patricia Cooper is a little bit different than most veterinarians.

But of all the alternatives practiced by Dr. Cooper, the one she’s preached for years in her homeopathic practice is rapidly becoming more mainstream: homemade pet food.

“The best diet I like to see fed to them is one you prepare at home.  That way you can control the ingredients that go into it,” she said.

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The way the doctor sees it, there’s nothing like some good home cooking – whether it’s for man or beast.

And in the wake of the highly publicized pet food contamination that’s been blamed for numerous cat and dog deaths around the country, it’s become an option that more and more pet owners are considering.

“I think it’s time for people to back up and look at the foods,” Dr. Cooper said.

It might also help to look at the labels.

The labels of most canned foods read like chemistry books: Dicalcium phosphate … Zinc sulfate. But oftentimes the first ingredient listed is meat byproducts. 

And what that entails is an ugly secret that pet owners should know.

“I hate to say but that can be the meat of any animals – and I’m talking about other dogs and cats – so that’s horrendous,” Dr. Cooper said.

That’s precisely why Teresa Osborn’s dogs get food fit for both man and beast.  It takes more time and costs more money, but whether you’re dealing with humans or pets, a good diet means good health.