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I discovered this video after I read the SkeptVet’s review of The Forever Dog. I was curious if anyone else had created any content debunking the book, Dr. Becker or Rodney Habib, and immediately found this video, published on September 23, 2022.
In the video, Dr. Em of Vet Med Corner discusses Dr. Karen Becker and explains why they believe the information shared by Dr. Becker is pseudoscience. I will be referring to Dr. Em as they/her as these are her preferred pronouns based on the video about page.
Who is Dr. Em?
Dr. Em is a veterinarian who makes videos to offset misinformation and fear-mongering being promoted by others. I couldn’t find her full name or practice to confirm that they are a veterinarian, and from this, I gather that they want to remain somewhat anonymous. According to her YouTube channel, they reside in Canada.
Why I’m Debunking Dr. Em
Watching Dr. Em’s video, I quickly saw that they had misinterpreted many things Dr. Becker said. I thought addressing this would allow me to learn more as I seek to debunk her statements. I’m not doing this to shame or attack Em; I’m simply offering an alternative and, in some cases, a more accurate interpretation of the information shared by Dr. Becker.
While some may disagree with engaging with Dr. Em, others may feel I am promoting her content. Avoiding discussions with folks sitting on the other side of the aisle is a mistake. If I’m confident in my actions, I shouldn’t be afraid to encounter individuals who don’t support the path I’ve chosen for my dogs. I see this as an opportunity to learn something new, share what I’ve learned, and provide an alternative perspective to pet parents who may not realize that there is more to learn outside of Dr. Em’s statements in her video.
I’ve provided timestamps for each item that I’ll be covering. I link to studies, university articles, and news websites. I do not link to any resource that many in the fresh food community respect and follow to avoid being labeled as biased.
00:42 – Dr. Becker’s Illinois Clinic
Dr. Em appears to question whether or not Dr. Becker’s clinic is still open. Dr. Becker no longer lives in Illinois. I don’t know when she moved, but she’s lived in Arizona the entire time I’ve known her (I believe I met her in 2016). Today, she appears to travel back and forth between Canada and Arizona, with frequent trips around the world for speaking engagements.
Closing or selling a clinic when you move out of state isn’t a cause for alarm. Veterinarians close and sell their practices for many reasons, including a move, retirement, or a career change.
00:46 – Certificates in Homeopathy and Acupuncture
On the screen, as Dr. Em speaks about Dr. Becker’s certification in homeopathy and acupuncture, you will see a meme with the words, “this is nonsense.”
What is Homeopathy?
“Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process. It was developed in the late 1700s in Germany. It’s common in many European countries, but it’s not quite as popular in the United States.” ~ WebMD.com
Although I have worked with a homeopath (when Scout was diagnosed with cancer) and successfully used homeopathic arnica on my dog and myself, I am not enough to prove to Dr. Em that homeopathy isn’t nonsense.
In my research, I could not find any empirical evidence that homeopathy is a valid and effective practice. Many feel that any success with homeopathy is a placebo effect, and the practice discourages people from seeking help from medical professionals while encouraging distrust of pharmaceutical medicines.
What is Acupuncture?
“Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles may be manipulated manually or stimulated with small electrical currents (electroacupuncture). Acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years. It originated from traditional Chinese medicine but has gained popularity worldwide since the 1970s.” ~ National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health
There is plenty of evidence of the benefits of acupuncture. This practice isn’t nonsense. Although these articles were written with humans in mind, it’s not a leap to believe that acupuncture is beneficial for our pets too.
01:12 – Is the Mercola Website a Health & Wellness Site?
During this video portion, Dr. Em uses finger quotes when they state, “health and wellness.” This is about the Mercola Healthy Pets website, which hosts articles written by Dr. Becker.
The Mercola Healthy Pets website is a health and wellness site. It hosts articles by a veterinarian that discuss pet health and nutrition. Although Dr. Em may disagree with the articles, this does not preclude this site from being categorized as Health and Wellness.
Later in the video, it becomes clear that Dr. Em believes Dr. Becker sells supplements. Dr. Becker formulates the supplements for Healthy Pet Mercola; she does not sale supplements.
01:30 – Fear-Mongering Words & Phrases
Dr. Em considers the following words fear-mongering: organic, GMO-free, and human-grade. They say these terms have no bearing on how good a substance is for an animal.
organic – one reason pet parents look for organic ingredients is they believe organic foods have had less exposure to chemicals, like Round-Up, which have been linked to cancer and disease.
GMO-free – one reason pet parents want to avoid genetically modified ingredients is that they are made in a lab, and some feel that this new process may lead to long-term side effects.
human-grade – one reason pet parents seek human-grade ingredients is that we know that the processing would be better than what we’ve seen happening in some dog food manufacturing facilities – piles of rotting animal flesh immediately come to mind.
Pet parents look for these words mainly because they make us feel that we’re giving our pets something safe – something we can eat too. It’s inaccurate to blame Dr. Becker for using manipulative words – these words are essential thanks to pet food and treat recalls that killed pets.
2:23 – Ineffective Ingredients?
In this section, Dr. Em questions the claim that Larch Arabinogalactan (LA) benefits dogs and states that no research supports this claim. However, I found research that LA boosts the immune system. Dr. Em misstates information about colostrum. And Dr. Em couldn’t find evidence that the Moniga Oleifera Leaf has been used for a long time.
What is Larch Arabinogalactan?
“Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is found in many plants. It is found in highest concentrations in larch trees. Most of the larch arabinogalactan found in stores is produced from western larch or eastern larch trees. But larch arabinogalactan can also be produced by other larch tree species. Larch arabinogalactan is sometimes used for medicine. Larch arabinogalactan is used for common cold, flu (influenza), ear infection (otitis media), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. In foods, larch arabinogalactan is used as a stabilizer, binder, and sweetener.” ~ WebMD.com
I found a study that found Larch Arabinogalactan boosts the immune system, but it only had seven dogs, which might be too small of a sample size.
According to ClinicalEducation.com, “L.A. is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a source of dietary fibre, but also has potential therapeutic benefits as an immune stimulating agent and cancer protocol adjunct.”
A 2016 study found “after daily administration of either 4.5 g of an arabinogalactan preparation or placebo over a period of 12 weeks, it appeared that larch arabinogalactan (ResistAid® brand) increased the body’s potential to defend against infections. The incidence of common cold infections in the group supplemented with arabinogalactan was significantly decreased compared to the placebo group in both analysis sets.”
What is Colostrum?
According to VCA Hospitals, “colostrum is the antibody-rich fluid produced from the mother’s mammary glands during the first few days after birth. Colostrum also provides several important growth hormones and other compounds such as lactoferrin for the newborns.”
In this video, Dr. Em shares on the screen, “colostrum can only be absorbed for 18 hours after birth.” I believe Dr. Em has made an error here. Older dogs may no longer be able to absorb the antibodies in the colostrum (or not as well as younger dogs), but colostrum is still beneficial. It would have been beneficial for viewers to know this; as the video stands, people walk away thinking colostrum is ineffective.
Also, from VCA Hospitals: “Although older animals cannot absorb antibodies as young animals can, colostrum may still be able to exert a local anti-inflammatory effect in the intestinal tract when ingested, or on the skin when applied topically. There is also evidence that colostrum may increase the effectiveness of some vaccinations, improve the immune response against certain viruses, support gut microflora, improve bone and muscle function in older animals, and supportively treat periodontal disease in dogs and cats. Bovine (from cows) colostrum is the most common source.”
This article by Innovative Veterinary Care points to several benefits of bovine colostrum for dogs.
What is the Moringa Oleifera Leaf?
“Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.
Moringa has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.” ~ MedicalNewsToday.com
I read on several sites that moringa oleifera (MO) has been around for thousands of years, but I don’t have definitive proof that this is the case. I was able to find a couple of studies that highlight the anti-inflammatory benefits.
3:35 – Kibble = McDonald’s
Dr. Em disputes that kibble is the same as fast food because fast food isn’t intended to be complete and balanced.
Several veterinarians and canine nutritionists have made this comparison over the years, and it’s burrowed deep into our brains because it makes sense to us. No one believes that McDonald’s was intended to be a complete and balanced diet. The comparison comes from the processing of the food. Both kibble and McDonald’s are highly processed.
I cannot speak for Dr. Becker, but I find it difficult to believe that she thinks fast food is designed to meet a human’s nutritional needs.
Our Exchange
I commented on Dr. Em’s video, sharing several of the above points, and received a response. Although I’m not surprised, I am disappointed by how quickly Dr. Em dismissed what I had to say.
After the above interaction, I felt discouraged. I considered walking away and not finishing my review of the video after a handful of people misunderstood my intentions. But I kept thinking of the pet parent I was in 2013 and how this video may have swayed me, giving me the impression that fresh food and alternative care weren’t beneficial for my dog. Would Rodrigo still be with me if I came across Dr. Em instead of Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Cathy Alinovi, and Dr. Judy Morgan?
5:16 There’s Zero Evidence About Raw Feeding
Dr. Em states there is zero evidence that raw or minimally processed diets are better, and there are “many many many risks” associated with feeding these diets. Dr. Em doesn’t provide evidence for the “many many many risks.”
There is a growing library of studies about raw feeding. Still, I’m confident that Dr. Em or anyone like Dr. Em would claim that we’re either cherry-picking information or misinterpreting the data.
Dr. Conor Brady supports everything in his book, Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry vs. Raw Debate, with studies and other data. The Dog Food Nutrition Course offered by the Feed Real Movement also provides additional data to support each segment of the course.
Also, Paws for Change hosts a website that lists studies that support feeding fresh food to pets: Raw Pet Food Research Database
5:24 Dental Health for Dogs
Dr. Em disagrees that feeding a species-appropriate fresh food diet improves dental health. Informed pet parents understand that feeding a high-starch diet increases the risk of plaque build-up on the teeth and along the gumline. This plaque can be removed, but this must be done before it hardens into tartar.
A fresh food diet is low (or lacking) in starches and sugars that will lead to plaque build-up. Also, raw meaty and recreational bones help remove plaque and tartar, improving dental health.
Feeding Raw Bones
Dr. Em tells viewers to avoid feeding bones, and, in this case, I don’t entirely disagree. I’ve seen too many discussions online about dogs requiring emergency surgery due to bowel perforation or blockage from eating bones. Raw feeders understand not to feed cooked bones because of the risk of splintering – but raw bones can splinter too.
I’ve learned to match the bone to the dog and only feed softer bones – poultry bones, rabbit bones, and lamb neck bones. I avoid weight-bearing bones.
Dr. Em goes on to share that if we can’t indent the bone with our nails, it is proof that it’s too hard for our dogs to eat. I wonder if she’s ever been bitten by a dog. Apollo accidentally bit me as we simultaneously reached for a bloody steak wrapper I dropped – his bite strength was insane, and he wasn’t at full power. Therefore, I’m confident that he can handle many bones.
Dr. Em speaks in absolutes. ‘Bones don’t slow down dental disease.’ ‘Bones do cause tooth breakage.’ While we can point to cases that support these statements, we can point to more that do not. Raw feeders have been successfully feeding raw bones to their dogs for centuries. I’ve learned that it’s essential to choose the correct bone.
My Experience with Bones and Dental Disease
Although I feed my dogs raw bones, I don’t feed them often enough to keep their teeth clean. And I prefer chews from Real Dog Box to raw bones (less mess). So, I spray a dental supplement on my dogs’ teeth daily to keep them clean. The supplement softens the plaque, and the chews chip it away.
Bones can break teeth, which is essential to match the bones with the dogs. I do not feed weigh bearing bones (they’re too hard). Instead, I stick with duck necks, duck wings, duck feet, whole quail, and rabbit.
Probiotics and Dental Health
Dr. Em disagrees that probiotics will support gut health. Probiotics replace harmful bacteria with good bacteria, which help to protect the teeth and gums from tartar buildup and oral disease.
6:56 A Pattern of Unsupported Information
This is where I somewhat agree with Dr. Em.
When researching topics for my dogs, I would use Dr. Becker as my source and never look further. This changed after Google made an update, and I went from 200,000 people visiting my blog each month to 50,000 people. Yikes! The purpose of the update was to reduce the number of websites delivering unsubstantiated medical and nutritional advice.
Some people lost 99% of their traffic and shut down their websites. I was fortunate. I learned that Google was looking for support for our claims. I write from my experience as a pet parent because Google considers me an expert in my dogs. I still need to support my statements, and Google encourages links to studies and respected medical websites.
When researching a topic, I would look for links within the article or follow up with a separate search for studies and other data. From time to time, Dr. Becker would mention a study or confidently claim the benefits of a supplement, food, herb, etc. – but there wouldn’t be a link to a study. This is rare, but it has happened.
Who’s Paying for these Studies?
Dr. Em doesn’t acknowledge the lack of funding for such studies. Many of Dr. Becker’s claims can be supported through human studies. We understand that humans and dogs aren’t alike (except when the pet industry tries to convince us that they can be vegetarians). However, recent news about cancer has found that humans and dogs have more in common than previously noted.
In some cases, Dr. Becker has links at the end of her articles. And in a few cases, I had to do more research. But it didn’t take much to find support. And while some pet parents will not do the extra research, I don’t think they’re being led astray by Dr. Becker’s articles.
7:58 Nonsense About Cancer and Longevity
I understand why Dr. Em questions the information about canine cancer and longevity. I don’t believe the information is nonsense. Having lived through the loss of two dogs to cancer, I can confidently state that The Dog Cancer Series helped me tremendously. While my dogs didn’t survive their diagnosis, what I learned gave me more time with each of them.
Scientists around the world are exploring canine cancer and longevity in our dogs. Again, this takes money and collaboration. I’m curious about what Dr. Em has contributed to this area of canine health.
Dr. Em states that Dr. Becker is making unsubstantiated claims, yet they don’t share where these claims are stated, nor do they share evidence that they aren’t valid.
The “evidence” that Dr. Em shares include links to people who believe as they do. This isn’t a non-biased review where they thoroughly explore both sides of an issue. In this section of her video, they insinuate that it’s only Dr. Karen Becker making claims about diet, nutrition, canine cancer, and longevity, and the rest of the veterinarian community believes otherwise.
8:43 Propaganda, Effectiveness of Repetitive Messages
Dr. Em concludes that Dr. Becker shares propaganda, and it’s effective because the messages are on repeat and begin to sound valid to unsuspecting pet parents.
Sort of like the following statements:
- dogs are omnivores, not carnivores
- dogs evolved to eat a diet that is 50% carbohydrates
- corn is an excellent source of protein for dogs
The kibble manufacturers have done a great job of repeating messages to convince pet parents that feeding highly processed hard pellets is a species-appropriate diet.
Dr. Em’s conclusion was the pot calling the kettle black.
Why We Should Question the Experts
This experience was eye-opening. While I knew some veterinarians disagreed with fresh food and alternative medicine, it’s been a while since I’ve engaged with such an individual. In the past, the discussions were less dismissive. The veterinarians were open to my perspective, asked questions, and shared their knowledge. In some cases, they approved of the path I had taken because it was clear that I was doing my best to continue educating myself about my dogs. Other veterinarians agreed to disagree. In all cases, the discussion was respectful.
Although Dr. Em dismissed my contribution to the discussion, our engagement was respectful. In a world where people quickly become defensive and start calling each other names, it was refreshing that this wasn’t my experience with Dr. Em.
However, I don’t feel that her video does a service to pet parents. Not because they critique Dr. Becker but because they fail to offer recommendations or alternative solutions. Instead, they repeatedly point to the lack of evidence to support Dr. Becker’s claims, which isn’t true.
We must question our experts because this keeps the conversation going, helps to clarify the message, and helps other pet parents. We don’t always have to agree, but we can have a great discussion that inspires and informs us. I don’t agree with most of what Dr. Em shared in her video. And Dr. Becker and other experts in the Fresh Food Community have shared things I disagree with as well. This is okay; it’s part of the journey to raising healthier pets.
Disclaimer
For the individual who stumbles upon this post and believes I’m biased because I support Dr. Karen Becker. This isn’t the case. Dr. Becker has clarified that she does not respect me or my work. My goal is to provide an alternative viewpoint for pet parents interested in learning more about raw feeding and alternative care. Not to get on Dr. Becker’s good side.
If you’d like to join this discussion, I welcome respectful comments below, and I encourage you to engage in the discussion on Dr. Em’s video. It’s not about fighting with Dr. Em; it’s about showing unsuspecting pet parents that there is a different way. We can do this by engaging in respectful dialogue and sharing factual information.