What is Animal Naturopathy?
I’ve been called a quack, a danger to dogs and cats, a promoter of fake science, and many versions of this. Many have no clue what I do or what naturopaths do in general for humans and pets. The truth is that the philosophy of naturopaths go back to Hippocrates (400BC) who is famous for saying: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
This profound statement made over 2,400 years ago in ancient Greece, emphasized the important link between diet and health. Hippocrates recognized the healing power of food long before nutrition became a scientific field. He advised his patients to pay close attention to what they ate in order to prevent and treat diseases. The same applies to animals.
Animal Naturopathy is a comprehensive approach to animal healthcare that endorses the utilization of natural remedies and therapies for the treatment and prevention of ailments. Despite the fact that natural medicine has been employed for centuries across various cultures and traditions, animal naturopathy as a formalized practice came into existence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exposition furnishes a comprehensive history of animal naturopathy, tracing its roots from its inception to the contemporary era. It includes information on noteworthy personalities in the field, significant occurrences or advancements, as well as controversies or disputes encompassing the practice.
Origins of The History of Animal Naturopathy
The History of Animal Naturopathy can be traced back to traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Native American healing practices, which used natural remedies and therapies to maintain health and treat illness in humans and animals. However, the modern practice of animal naturopathy originated in Europe and North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a reaction to the overuse of drugs and invasive treatments in veterinary medicine.
One of the earliest advocates of animal naturopathy was Benedict Lust, a German-born naturopath who founded the American School of Naturopathy in 1901. Lust believed that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that natural remedies could be used to support this process. Lust believed that the principles of naturopathy could be applied to animals as well as humans, and he developed a range of natural treatments for animal ailments, including diet, herbs, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic manipulation.
Key Developments in Animal Naturopathy
In the mid-20th century, animal naturopathy began to gain wider acceptance as a valid alternative to conventional veterinary medicine. The establishment of professional organizations such as the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH) helped to foster a greater sense of legitimacy for animal naturopathy, and many veterinarians began to incorporate natural treatments into their practice.
Over time, animal naturopathy has continued to evolve. In the 1960s and 1970s, holistic veterinarians began to emerge, promoting the use of natural remedies alongside conventional medicine. This approach, known as integrative medicine, aims to provide the best of both worlds, using natural remedies to support the body’s own healing mechanisms and conventional medicine to treat acute conditions.
One of the most important developments in the field of animal naturopathy was the introduction of homeopathy, a system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like”. Homeopathic remedies are made from highly diluted substances that stimulate the body’s own healing processes, and they are considered to be safe and effective in treating a wide range of conditions in animals as well as humans.
Controversies and Debates
Despite the growing popularity of animal naturopathy, the practice has also faced criticism and skepticism from some quarters. One of the main criticisms of naturopathy in general is that it lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and that many of its principles are based on outdated or unproven theories.
Another controversial aspect of animal naturopathy is the use of alternative therapies such as acupuncture and energy healing, which are often seen as unorthodox or even pseudoscientific by mainstream veterinarians. While many practitioners of animal naturopathy claim to have seen positive results from these treatments, there is still much debate over their efficacy and safety.
Examples of Animal Naturopathy in Practice
Animal naturopathy has been applied in a variety of contexts and cultures, from small backyard farms to large commercial operations. Some common natural treatments used in animal naturopathy include:
- Herbal medicine: Many herbs have natural healing properties that can be used to treat a variety of animal ailments, from digestive problems to skin conditions.
- Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting small needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.
Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are often used to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis or allergies, as well as acute conditions such as infections or injuries. - Chiropractic manipulation: This technique involves manipulating the spine and joints to relieve pain and improve range of motion.
- Hydrotherapy: Water therapy, such as swimming or underwater treadmill exercise, can be an effective form of rehabilitation for animals recovering from injury or surgery.
The Benefits of Animal Naturopathy
There are many possible benefits to using natural remedies to treat animals. Here are just a few:
- Natural remedies are often gentler on the body than conventional medications, reducing the risk of side effects and complications.
- Natural remedies can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression.
- Natural remedies can be used alongside conventional medicine, providing a holistic approach to treatment.
- Natural remedies are often less expensive than conventional medications, making them an accessible option for many pet owners.
The Effectiveness of Animal Naturopathy
The effectiveness of animal naturopathy in promoting animal health and well-being is a subject of ongoing debate and research. While some studies have suggested that natural treatments can be as effective as conventional medicine in certain cases, there is still much we don’t know about the long-term effects of these treatments, particularly in combination with other therapies.
One of the main advantages of animal naturopathy is its emphasis on prevention and holistic care, rather than simply treating symptoms or diseases. By promoting a natural, healthy lifestyle for animals, and by using natural remedies and therapies to boost immune function and support the body’s own healing processes, animal naturopathy has the potential to improve the overall health and well-being of animals in a sustainable and non-invasive way.
In conclusion, animal naturopathy has a long and complex history, rooted in traditional healing practices and shaped by the evolution of modern medicine. While controversies and debates continue to arise around the efficacy and safety of natural treatments for animals, the growing popularity of animal naturopathy suggests that many pet owners and veterinarians are eager to explore new and more holistic approaches to animal healthcare. I consult with several conventional vets in different aspects of animal naturopathy, and I’m pleased to see their satisfaction with the result they observe for this quack lol.
The biggest drive and what will never make me doubt what I do not care one bit about what people call made is that I know I’m on the side of truth;
“I work WITH mother nature,
not AGAINST her.”
The pledge: Do no harm
All conventional veterinarians pledge: to do no harm; the animal naturopath do the same. The treatment methods used by veterinarians are heavily dependent on prescription drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies. The animal naturopath heavily depends on proper food, natural vitamins, and supplements when needed. The main goal is to help the body heal itself.
It does not take much knowledge and understanding regarding which approach causes the most harmful side effects. These are well-known and documented. I’m not going to go into that here; that is another article. But back to the statement of “Do no harm,” and who does most harm? I leave it up to the reader to decide.
In this article, you can learn more about animal naturopathy: Naturopathy for Animals – Does it Work?

Benedict Lust
Benedict Lust (1872-1945) was a German-born American naturopath and a prominent advocate of natural medicine in the early 20th century. He is often referred to as the “Father of Naturopathy” in the United States. Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in 1901, which was the first naturopathic college in the country.
Lust was influenced by the work of Father Sebastian Kneipp, a Bavarian priest, and hydrotherapist who believed in the healing power of water, herbs, and a healthy lifestyle. Lust immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century, where he sought to promote Kneipp’s methods and other natural healing practices.
Lust’s teachings emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being, focusing on the prevention of illness through proper nutrition, exercise, and natural treatments such as hydrotherapy, herbal remedies, and spinal manipulation. He also promoted the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the right conditions.
Despite facing opposition from the medical establishment of his time, Lust’s work laid the foundation for the development and popularization of naturopathic medicine in the United States. Today, naturopathy is a recognized form of alternative medicine, and many of its principles have been integrated into mainstream medical practices.

Juliette de Baïracli Levy
Juliette de Baïracli Levy (1912-2009) was a British herbalist, author, and pioneer in holistic veterinary medicine. She is best known for her work in promoting natural methods for the care and treatment of animals, especially dogs.
Born to a Turkish father and a Swiss mother, Juliette was raised in Manchester, England. She studied veterinary medicine at the University of Manchester, but after becoming disillusioned with conventional treatments, she left to pursue her passion for herbal medicine. She traveled extensively, learning from traditional healers and nomadic people like the Romani and Bedouins. These experiences inspired her to develop a holistic approach to animal care that emphasized the importance of a natural diet, herbs, and the use of environmental factors to maintain the health and well-being of animals.
Juliette de Baïracli Levy authored several books on natural animal care, including “The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat” and “The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable.” These works have been influential in the field of holistic veterinary medicine and are considered classics in the genre.
In addition to her work with animals, Juliette was also an advocate for preserving traditional plant-based knowledge, leading a life that emphasized the connection between humans, animals, and the natural world.

Thomas Sandberg CSAN, CCNC, AADP
Thomas Sandberg is a board certified animal naturopath and carnivore nutritionist. He founder of Long Living Pets Research Projects, a 30-year observational study into raw-fed dogs and cats. Thomas also consults in animal naturopathy, including the prevention of chronic diseases and longevity using all-natural modalities. With more than 20 years of experience with hundreds of cancer cases, he has a deep understanding of why so many dogs and cats get cancer today and how we can lower the risk significantly.
Need help with your pet?
Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?
This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.
Need help with your pet?
Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?
This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.