Mounting evidence and my experience with these difcult cases in clinical practice suggest that a substantial contributing factor is what our animals eat. The presence of chemicals and preservatives as well as llers and a deciency of optimal amounts of vitally important nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and anti-oxidants play a large role in the development and progression of most of the disease conditions that prevail today. It never ceases to amaze me that when the body gets the nutrients that it needs, it works wonders to restore health. When an animal's diet is changed to include natural (wholesome and with optimal amounts of bioavailable nutrients) well balanced foods, animals With our background of scientic dogma it can be difcult to take a step back and give credence to the body's inherent healing wisdom and to revere natural balance. We need to remember that veterinary practice is not just about science but also about the art of healing. As health professionals providing value to our clients and working toward the well-being of our patients, we need to move even more from merely treating disease to a discipline of healing and prevention. There are times where we end up between a rock and a hard place - for example, a dog with auto-immune disease that is treated with immuno-suppressive drugs acquires a urinary tract infection only sensitive to an anti-biotic such as gentamycin and then develops drug induced renal failure. Our striving as scientists to quantify and qualify, manipulate and control natural systems ultimately brings us to a point of no return, a place where our healthcare systems for many health conditions from which our animal patients suffer, are not sustainable. our strategies for treating these conditions have been aimed at managing symptoms and in many cases prescribing drugs to help alleviate the negative effects of medications that the animal becomes dependent on. SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE continued Encouraging the use of unprocessed food, farmed as naturally as possible, assists in embracing a culture of environmental sustainability and also reduces our impact on the planet. Nature knows best and by respecting natural principles, feeding our animals with food that their bodies have evolved to eat over thousands of years, we will not only help to ensure that we are rewarded by our loyal friends living long and happy lives but we will also have peace of mind knowing that we are contributing to the well-being of our environment and helping to sustain a healthier planet. generally show a remarkable improvement in their condition, their working performance is enhanced, and often, chronic ongoing health problems begin to resolve. Our clients are increasingly aware of this and additionally they are prepared to take the time and energy to invest the love and care required to feed their animals with food that is nutritious and full of natural goodness. They are reliant on us as vets to give them quality information and to assist them in supporting their animal's optimal health and sustained well-being. Guiding animal owners in this direction need not be laborious. An ideal diet for dogs and cats includes raw meat, ideally from animals which have been well nourished and raised in a wholesome environment. Meat should be free of chemicals and preservatives and contain optimal amounts of nutrients. Meat should be fresh, pre frozen or air dried to minimize the risk of disease from pathogens. Cats and dogs however, have a greater tolerance for organisms such as salmonella and E.coli than humans, especially if they have healthy immune systems (which of course are supported by the quality of nutrients which they consume). Additional components include plant matter to simulate the gut content of prey consumed in the wild which contains phytonutrients, vitamins and other nutritive substances important for vitality.