Testimonials

I wrote Dog Dish Diet because I have had more success in the past 15 years advising dietary changes than I used to have when I just used medications on chronic skin, ear, stomach, bowel problems, and seizures. I have found that nutrition has the power to heal , while medicines only patch the problem for a time.  In my  entertaining, easy to read book, I will help you keep your dog out of the veterinary hospital. This is not hype, or a gimmick. My own pets taught me what I was doing wrong in my practice and I figured out how to keep them healthier and happier. I want to share my experiences with you.People are amazed how simple, economical changes to the diet can often help in as little as a week and save a ton of money in the process.Every dog owner should have the power to keep their pet healthy by electing to feed them as individuals.Not all dog food is good for every dog.

4/25/2012

I ordered your book about two months a go because one of our dogs has some form of allergy.  For the past year she has had itchy feet, to the point of chewing them raw, and just over all itchy.  We narrowed it down to the dry food, not sure if it’s the process or chemicals involved but after about a week of making our own, we noticed she wasn’t itching as much.  It’s been about 6 weeks and she is itch free.  Thank you.  No more drugs for her.

 I did use the crock pot but with three, now four Cardigan Corgi’s it became a daily thing.  I’ve started using the pressure cooker, which works great! 

Thank  you again for helping us head in the right direction with our babies.

  Sandra Poulson

4/5/2012

I have your book and love it. I have been cooking for my two dogs for almost five months now. Both are so healthy and happy. My shih tzu is five years old, my chihuahua mix is five months old. Both are healthy as can be. I bake two chickens in my rotisserie (one for me-one for them). After removing the meat I put the bones, carrots, celery and whatever else I am adding in my pressure cooker. After 1 1/2 hours the bones are so soft. I mix it all together and voila. Dog food. Love your posts!

fbalavage on You Tube

4/2/2012

It was nice seeing you today, and discussing Trapper and your book.
Trapper (TJ) has been on your Dog Dish Diet for 2 years. Prior to him going on the Dog Dish
Diet, he would have as many as 3-4 seizures a month (that we saw) we have not witness any
seizures since the Dog Dish Diet. He also has not had any hotspots since either. This just makes
perfect sense to us to continue. I only wished I had this knowledge for our other dogs.
We will continue the Dog Dish Diet for all our dogs.

Making his food is very simple, all I do is cook chicken thighs in water for several hours, making
a nice broth, add fresh carrots, green beans and spinach. I make enough for about 2-3 weeks,
freezing half.
We have placed him on a chicken and rice kibble. He receives his chicken mixture stew
(warmed) every evening with his kibble.
I was adding barley and corn in his stew and he was having bouts of
diarrhea,(with your help) I removing these two items, he has not had any problems since.
TJ receives in the morning a raw egg 1-2 times a week and also olive oil on his kibble.
Since, TJ has been on the Dog Dish Diet, it has been easy to keep his weight off. His coat is shiny
and smooth and there is no indication of flaky skin.
Thank you Greg, for researching and writing this book and for helping TJ along with
many other of our fur-ever family members.
I look forward to your crock pot book.
Debbie & Steve Andrade
Gilroy, CA

3/15/2012

From Dr Greg’s You Tube Channel at http://youtube.com/drgregdvm

I am sure there are some skeptics that laugh out loud at the thought of cooking food for a dog. After watching these videos and reading through Dr. Greg’s book I gave it a shot a few months back. My dog just loves it and believe it or not it is coming out cheaper versus any kind of quality dog food. Get a few pounds of poultry from your manager’s special area at your local grocer, some green beans and carrots and a couple potatoes. I can feed my dog for a week and a half for under 10 bucks.

3/11/2012

Vanity, my eight year old pug was having 2 seizures a month. After following your nutritional advice the seizures stopped! I stopped feeding commercial treats and started Natural Balance canned food!

2/14/2012

Lilo was having seizures once to twice monthly.After taking your advice in Dog Dish Diet, the seizures have stopped. Thanks for the advice!

Dori Pemburton

2/14/2012

My beagles chronic ear infections have cleared in one ear. Thanks for letting me know it might take a few months for the other ear to clear up also.

Freedman

2/13/2012

Thank you so much for your insights into canine nutrition.  Jillian (Jilly) is a lot more healthy and happy since we moved her to your recommendations.

Jilly is an Italian Greyhound / Jack Russel mix that we adopted from a rescue when she was 8 weeks old. We have struggled for a year and a half to figure out what she would like to eat.  We found out greyhounds are very picky eaters and this one was no exception.We tried all the expensive high end foods and she would try them and leave almost all of it. She started looking skinny, even for a greyhound.  Since the first time we made her a crock pot of chicken,
yams and rice, she has been eating her weight of it per week.  Jilly has gained 20-30% in body weight and she looks great.  It’s only been a little more work to feed her food this way and it is a fraction of the cost.

Cheers,

Pam, Jared, Emily, Jacqueline, Alyson, Jasmine & Jillian –  The Huff-Herd

2/3/2012

Dr. Greg,

1/5/2012

Greg Chisolm’s setter, had little hair, thick skin, and was constantly on medications. Once he started home cooking, the hair grew back and the itching subsided. When he started feeding a hypoallergenic kibble the itching started again. Ingredients or processing chemicals in all processed commercial diets may cause itchy skin!

1/7/2012

Shadow, my lab/shepherd cross  had itchy skin and red ears. We followed your advice and changed the food to Taste of the Wild:  salmon and sweet potato and are adding more people food. Shadow quit itching and his coat is much better.

12/18/2011

I got your book about two months ago – and started cooking dog food that day. I have a dog that had rotating ear,skin, and digestion problems. He is not itching, or smelling like yeast or having loose stools for the first time ever after? about two months on home made food. I wanted to cook dog food at home for years but, the big dog food corps. do a great job making people think its impossible to do it home. Im so glad I decided they were wrong. Both of my dogs coats have improved so much, too!

Ms Taffy Pulls from youtube.com

12/4/2011

10/26/2011

9/11/2011

Just bought your book and read it after looking over your web site for the last
couple of weeks. Just fixed my American Husky using your ear cleaning video. He was
shaking his head a lot and whimpering when he would use his paw to scratch his ear.
I followed your video and it worked great on his problem. Big Thanks on that one. 

The last week I changed his diet to about a half cup of kibble (Blue Buffalo,
chicken), cooked carrots, canned green beans, cooked sweet potatoes, spoon of olive
oil, half a chopped up chicken quarter I cooked in my solar oven with an egg yoke
every other day. I am feeding him this once daily because that all he wants (NO
BEEF). He never has been a big eater. No treats or dog bones other than some turkey
franks. He loves those. His coat has gotten a lot softer in the last few days and he
feels so much better. Playing a lot and alert. This is a whole lot different than
what he usually does like pulling at his hair and scratching and leaving big puffs
of fur all over the carpet. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and making
pets everywhere feel better in their lives. What a great thing to do for somebody. 

Thanks,
Jack Rivers
Concord, CA

8/29/2011

Hi Dr. Greg,
Kallie is doing really well on your crock-pot meals, her coat is so soft!! I’ve also turned a friend here in Belfast onto your ideas and website who’s really happy with the results.
While Kallie has pretty much stopped itching , I have noticed that the black stuff, our vet had said was allergy related, in-between her toes hasn’t gone away. Any ideas?
Best,
Rebecca Ross

That can be due to “hay fever” or allergies to grasses by inhalation or contact. Send me a pix with the toes spread so I can see. It does take a few months for some allergy symptoms to disappear. Does she chew or lick her feet a lot? Antibacterial shampoo, vinegar/water rinse, or cortisone ointment may help

8/15/2011

Dr. Greg,

This came for you. I think you may be using a
different email address now -- I am
sending this to the address on your website.
Hope you are doing great. Cori is now
on a 100% homemade diet now, largely thanks to
you and your book. 

Sincerely,
Sarah dogfriendlycompanies.com

Dr.Greg

8/12/2011

I believe that food is medicine. I have seen the difference that home cooking and raw food has made in the life of my furherd. My geriatric Cocker  Spaniel lost weight and the stomach issues that had bothered her for years went away. My rescued Lab mix’s coat came in thick and soft and shiny after he was taken off of kibble. His ear infections that required constant care when he first came to my house are now gone and have been for 2 years. He used to get sores on his feet and they are gone as well. And my Golden Retriever is thriving in spite of her allergies. I notice a difference in their overall health when I am feeding home cooked and raw foods. Granted it isn’t as easy as pouring kibble into a bowl, but seeing my dogs thrive is a wonderful thing. I thought I would lose my Cocker Spaniel 3 years ago. She’s never been healthier than she is now.

I will never purchase kibble again. I know that I feel better when I eat non-processed foods. I believe it is the same for dogs.

Sherri & The Hounds

5/27/2011

Hi Dr. Greg!

Just wanted to share with you… my sister is now cooking for tmy brother’s 2 labs with the crockpot….and one lab stopped having seizures…and the other one has stopped losing his hair!

I shared all your ideas/books with my vet…and she suggested that I supplement your recipe with a product from a company called Honest Kitchens.  Www.thehonestkitchen.com.  There are different varieties…and I use the “preference”.  Have you heard about it?  What are your thoughts?

I was wondering if dogs have issues with kale? I am making kale chips…and remove the pithy stems…. but I thought about adding them to the dogs crock…. but wasn’t sure if there were any issues…like onions or chocolate.   Your thoughts?

As always…looking forward to hearing from you!
Cheers
Jeanne Schumacher
5/22/2011 Alisha Ward Sanford

Our 5 yr. old schnauzer’s teeth were awful, until we switched to the crock pot recipes in the DDD. They are slowly becoming whiter and the tartar is going away. It’s amazing! Our 1 year old basset’s teeth are shockingly white. She’s been on the DDD since she was about 9 mo. I recommend it to everyone! We switched to the DDD when the “puppy” food started causing pano with our basset.

5/23/2011 Rebecca Ross

Hi Dr. Greg,
I finally received Dog Dish Diet and read it cover to cover! Thank you so much for writing such a great and practical book. It has really helped to answer most of my questions about Kallie’s new diet. I noticed as you mentioned it that beef definitely seemed to be an allergen for her. I’ve been cooking about 4 weeks now and the first week was one of your crock pot recipes and she seemed to itch a LOT less! The next week (before I’d read Dog Dish Diet) I used ground beef and noticed she started itching again. Then I received the book and realized the ground beef was most likely the culprit! So no more beef for her. Thanks again for making it simple to feed her better.

4/29/2011

Charlie Kemp I highly recommend this book. Murphy loves his food and his coat is way softer. Even if you don’t jump right into the recipes there are still alot of tips for a healthier best friend!

4/27/2011

Dr. Greg,

I would be honored for you to use my letter….I will be seeing my Vet this weekend ( rabies shots) and she is going to get an ear full about my dogs new diet!…….You know, you are also encouraging good mental health in your pet owners , by making them feel so good about how they are encouraging good health in their pets! I always felt so bad about feeding them that nasty smelling stuff! Now I find great joy in watching them chow down!!!

You will get a chuckle out of this. I am an in home daycare provider. One of my clients came to pick up his child; he asked what I was cooking for dinner because it smelled so good? I told him “dog food”. He repeated himself, and I repeated myself!   I suppose one day I will hear him barking at my door!!!

My poodles are loving their new diet, and I am feeling like a really good dog momma. Only one problem, I cannot go into my kitchen now without them underfoot. My littlest one scratches at the cabinet when he sees the crock pot out! It’s wonderful, not really a problem!! I am enjoying your book!  So many good tips!  Thank you once again!

Take care, and keep up your enthusiasm!  We need more like you!

Patty Lay

4/13/2011

Dear Dr. Greg,

Cathie Musser 2/19/2011

Your book has literally saved my dogs and added years to their lives. Two days a week, raw chicken wings, necks and backs. Then, I slow cook the rest of the chicken for over 24 hours so they can get the total nutrition including the cooked bones. Add veggies…good food for pups. Apples twice a week. My 13 year old JRT finally has a coat again! My 14 month old Corgi is beautiful and strong. Just a few of the things I do. You have given me my “pops” for many years to come. Thank you!

Lynn Cummings 2/3/2011

Our dog, Raoul, lost a considerable amount of weight following your recommendations. His coat is shiny and soft, and his symptoms of arthritis are gone. The result is one happy, healthy 8 year old Labrador … Thanks so much, Dr. M!!

Pepper Jackson 1/21/2011

Just wanted to send you and update on my pair of Boxers; Our female, Delilah has had digestive issues since she was very young. Diarrhea is the main problem and we have tried every food imaginable. Within two weeks of putting her on this crock pot diet she has now become a “normal” dog.  Sampson & Delilah’s favorite is; turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, russet potatoes and rice cooked in the turkey juice.Thanks again,

I was referred by two friends who ranted and raved about your office and am thrilled to have taken the drive from south San Jose.My corgi and I meet you at the end of October after my dog had been on a week long diet of rice and chicken due to off and on vomiting, diarrhea and what appeared to be blood in his urine. You suggested and referred me of your website and I’m just thrilled to inform you that after two weeks we saw significant changes in our dogs appearance. I has not had any commercial dog food in over seven weeks and Bucky’s eyes are brighter, his fur is shinny, softer and fluffy with no greasy feeling. He is shedding less. His nails are softer and easier to trim. We have had family and friends compliment on his appearance and how well he looks. I know he is feeling better and is happy. No more vomiting or diarrhea even though he occasionally still chomps on grass but it is not causing him to vomit (as in the past) but do see blades of grass in his poop.Thank you so very much and I’m thrilled to see my dog happy and feeling better!
Ruth Garcia & Bucky

Dr. Greg,

Many thanks for speaking this weekend at the St. Francis Kennel Club Dog Show for our Miniature  Pincer Club!

The members very much appreciated the talk and are still emailing about it.

By the way, that dog I brought to you 6 mo. ago about not having a healthy shiny coat, now has a shiny, healthy coat after changing to your feeding recommendations.

He won best of breed on Sunday.

You were there and saw it.

Many thanks again.

Katie winters

“Thanks, Dr. Martinez. Once we identified the cause of Baxter’s allergic reaction, we changed ingredients in his diet and his ear problems cleared up. It’s remarkable to witness just how powerful the connection between nutrition and good health really is. It really is all about ingredients.” - Supervisor Donald Gage, County of Santa Clara, San Jose, CA

Hi Dr. Greg,

I’m writing to you to follow up with you on our Brittany “Scout”, and most importantly, to say THANK YOU!!!

After following your advice to transition Scout away from dry food to the “Dog Dish Diet”, within 48 hours her problem with gas and diarrhea ended.  Digestive problems have plagued her since we brought her home at 12 weeks.  At 18 months, after trying several dry dog food changes, we were beginning to think that her problems would be lifelong.  After switching to the Dog Dish Diet, the change was so immediate it was startling.  We have not had a single bout of diarrhea since, and all gassiness has ended.  At the same time we switched her away from rawhide bones to hard, marrow filled buffalo bones.  Within 2-3 weeks her teeth became bright white – we laugh because she looks like she has been using Crest white strips!!

Anyway, we wanted to give it time, just to make sure that we did not have a setback before writing.  The diet is easy to make, takes little time, and costs about the same.  Her energy level is high and weight is perfect.

Dr Greg, we are amazed at the transformation!!  Thank you very much!!!

Any thoughts on a book on cats?

Kerry Wallace and Scout.

“I have noticed several changes in Sammy since I started feeding him ‘The Dog Dish Diet.’ One of the biggest differences are his eating habits…when I was feeding him dry dog food, he had little or no appetite.  He ate barely enough to keep him alive. Now, he wants to eat 3 times a day and I’m sure he’d eat more if I let him!!!  Another big change is his coat…his fur used to feel dry and brittle, and now it feels healthy and soft.  Finally, the last change is one that I hesitate to mention because it’s not usually a topic for polite company…but he seems to poop less!  I love making his food for him and knowing that everything in the food is something that is good for him. ” - Robin Nye

“Dr. Martinez truly understands his clients and their pets’ nutritional needs. I have two Golden Labs and a mutt. My 18-month-old Golden, CJ, has had problems with hotspots from 6 months on. I was taking him to a different vet before changing to Dr. Martinez. The other vet said he was hyper-sensitive to fleas, even though I had him on Advantage and bathed and sprayed him weekly. The other vet suggested (after $900.00 of vet visits) that we have his blood and thyroid tested. This could have cost me another $2500 to $3000. On the suggestion of a friend, I changed vets and took him to see Dr. Martinez–a second opinion just like you would do for yourself.

“Thanks for advising us to change the way we feed our chocolate lab, Trousers. You remember him? He got the name when he ate a clothes item and you made him vomit it up to prevent a surgical problem. He used to vomit a lot, but when we changed to better ingredients in the food and treats, the vomiting stopped. It is wonderful to use nutrition instead of lots of medication to clear up medical problems.” - Anthony and Angeline Ruggiero

“After asking me a series of questions, Dr. Martinez suggested we change his diet. I took his advice and changed to an allergen-free diet. Amazingly, in the last 6 months, CJ has not had one hotspot break out. Now all my ‘kids’ are on the same diet and, as a result, my 5-year-old Golden has lost 10 lbs and is healthier than ever.” - Mary Cortani, Gilroy, CA

“Thanks for telling us how certain ingredients in dog foods and treats may cause seizures in some dogs. Once we made allergens and glutens were not in the dog food, Sassy’s seizures stopped after a few months, and we were able to take him off the anti-seizure medication. He hasn’t had a seizure for almost 2 years.” - Heather and Andrew Angell

My dogs love your treat ideas like string cheese instead of dog junk food biscuits. They are slim and trim using your suggestions from Dog Dish Diet

Nicole Bellamere

“In his outside-the-bag look at pet nutrition, Dr. Greg opens the eyes of the reader to a commonsense approach to feeding our four-legged friends. Rightfully dispelling the myths and misconceptions of feeding pets from the table, Dog Dish Diet guides the pet owner through the commercial pet food jungle and leads them to the bounty of fresh meat and produce found in those sections of the grocery store normally reserved for those who walk upright. In his enlightened work, Dr. Martinez journeys back in time and returns with the “Paleo Diet” for pets—biologically appropriate foods that kept Fido’s ancestors healthy and strong…and living much longer lives than most of today’s over-medicated pets. Dog Dish Diet is a must read for those dog lovers whose companions have been plagued with chronic illnesses and abbreviated life spans. It is definitely time to think outside the bowl, and Dr. Greg’s no nonsense approach to canine cuisine will help bring out the wolf in anyone’s pooch.”- John B. Symes, D.V.M. (aka “Dogtor J.”)

“Dr. Greg Martinez shows us that food is not only medicine for people but for our dogs (and cats) too. It’s common sense yet until now most of us haven’t thought about our dogs’ health that way. This simple approach addresses the root cause of the unhealthy symptoms to support long-term health. Dr. Greg has written a delightful, straight-forward, how-to book to help pet owners and veterinarians alike keep their pets, and themselves, in tip top shape. All I can say is bow wow! It’s about time.” - Robin Nielsen, Certified Nutrition Consultant, Juvenescence, Morgan Hill

“I work with Search and Rescue Dogs and I have found first hand that the K-9s have more stamina to search longer hours in arduous conditions if they have a high-protein, balanced diet that’s free of allergens…while following Dr Martinez’s diet suggestions.” - Gerri Schmutz, FEMA USAR K-9 Handler, Morgan Hill, CA

“Our 11-year-old Brittany, Sarah, suddenly started throwing up at all hours of the day and night. Our other dogs were fine. I made repeated visits to the veterinarian. None of the tests our vet did found any problems with Sarah’s digestive track or internal organs. She continued to throw up, losing 6 pounds in three months. During this period, I started feeding Sarah home-cooked chicken & rice but left the other dogs on the high-quality kibble we had been buying for years. We saw an improvement; Sarah threw up less, but she was still throwing up. It was not until I followed Dr. Martinez’s advice that she stopped throwing up entirely. Even now, just a couple mouthfuls of kibble are enough to make her throw up. Sarah has put on several pounds. She is back to being a happy dog.” - Theresa B., Morgan Hill, CA

“Thanks for telling us how certain ingredients in dog foods and treats may cause seizures in some dogs. Once we made sure beef and wheat were not in the dog food, Sassy’s seizures stopped after a few months, and we were able to take him off the anti-seizure medication. He hasn’t had a seizure for almost 2 years.” - Heather and Andrew Angell

“Buddy has always had a sensitive stomach, but when I moved recently his digestive system went haywire. He also became very itchy and allergic, which had never been a problem in the past. Meds helped, but didn’t come close to solving the problem. They only masked the problem for a couple of days. I was desperate, so I contacted Dr. Martinez and told him everything…all of Buddy’s toys and treats and food. I told Dr. Greg I would do anything as the meds only hid the actual problem.

“Dr. Greg advised me to basically eliminate all the treats I was using as a lot of them had gluten or by-products as a main ingredient….I changed food, got rid of all the treats and found new healthy treats (which proved to be quite difficult) based on Dr. Martinez’s recommendations. I also started giving him oils daily. I am ecstatic to report that Buddy has very minimal itching; his coat is shiny and healthy, and we haven’t seen a loose poop in months. My other dogs are also doing wonderfully on the new program. I am forever indebted to Dr. Martinez and his canine nutritional wisdom. You have a client for life!!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!!” - Emily, Buddy, Zoey, Keli and Sally, San Juan Bautista, CA

“I own a kennel and training facility located in Gilroy, CA. Dr. Martinez has seen many of my personal pets, competition dogs and clients’ pets for allergy related issues. The symptoms have varied from excessive itching, hair loss and hotspots to gastrointestinal issues. Upon changing the diet, my clients and I noticed significant improvement in the animals’ health immediately.”- Deleta Jones, K-9 Ambassador, Gilroy, CA

“My Wolf Hybrid Iniki had problems gaining weight and maintaining his health. On Dr. Martinez’s recommendation, we changed his diet to lamb and rice, gluten-free products. Within weeks we saw the results and his problems cleared up.” - Brenda N., Morgan Hill, CA

“We can honestly say that we attribute our dogs’ health and well-being to Dr. Greg.” - Ron and Barbara Gailen, Hollister, CA

“Thanks for advising us to change the way we feed our chocolate lab, Trousers. You remember him? He got the name when he ate a clothes item and you made him vomit it up to prevent a surgical problem. He used to vomit a lot, but when we changed to better ingredients in the food and treats, the vomiting stopped. It is wonderful to use nutrition instead of lots of medication to clear up medical problems.” - Anthony and Angeline Ruggiero

“Dr. Greg’s book,  Dog Dish Diet, is a great resource in understanding your pet dog’s diet.  I compare it to having Dr. Spock’s baby book handy.  Our mixed Corgi / Chihuahua had a very sensitive stomach.  Dr. Greg’s veterinary experience and knowledge helped our Molly with her doggie diarrhea and promoted her diet to foods that were natural.  If Molly were able to read, she would have advocated me reading Dr. Greg’s book from the outset.  Thank you, Dr. Greg for a wonderful, helpful book.”-Gene Sakahara, retired educator and Garlic Festival demonstration chef.

Dr. Greg, Thank you SO much for this information:) My Samoyed’s, Sammy & Max think that I am the best mom ever to let them eat raw chicken! I was nervous at first to give them the frozen chicken thighs but they handled it like a champ! They enjoyed every bite and it took quite a bit or tarter off their teeth. Now, that’s all that they want to eat!!! I am excited to also order your book and get them on your Dog Dish Diet. I always thought it wasn’t good to give them people food but it makes complete sense actually after researching your website and your http://www.youtube.com videos. I learned so much and have already started telling my friends about it!:) Thank you SO much Dr. Greg! It’s nice to know that there are veterinarians out there who think outside the box for our babies well-being! Also, I am sending you an e-mail with some questions re: cats on the Dog Dish Diet! Thank you again and I will definitely continue to “spread the word.” People definitely need this information for their pets:)

Dear Dr Martinez,

I met you at the Golden Gate Kennel Club dog show in San Francisco this past February and bought your book after talking to you. I was already making my own dog food, but your book was a real eye opener about the allergens. My Golden Doodle was suffering  from all the symptoms. I have been following this for a month or so and already she has improved. I have become an active advocate for your book and tell all my dog friends about it.

Thank you so much,

Susan Crowe