"All Natural Pet" in Vancouver was packed with dogs and their owners.

Natural food sales were up nearly forty-percent in the six weeks since the first Nationwide Pet Food Recall was announced in March.

Dog owner Judi Truskey stood in line at the counter with her dog Lucy at her side.

She said "she's generally in really good health, you wouldn't guess she's 13.

AP Photo

Pebbles, a 7-year-old Yorkshire terrier is battling kidney failure after eating dog food that was recalled.

She's older now than either of her parents were when they died." Truskey has been feeding Lucy a raw diet for more than six years. She adds "I've done my homework, she has her Veterinarian's approval and I do add supplements."

It wasn't the Pet Food Recall that prompted Colleen Waters to change her dogs' diets. Four years ago her dog, Dealer, had digestive problems.

He's been problem-free since she switched his diet to a mix of raw meat with organic dry food. She thaws pre-packaged, fortified meat medallions and adds them to dry kibble. She said her dogs are healthier, "with the results I get - it's definitely worth it."

Dr. Bob Ulbrich, VMD sees both cats and dogs at the "Holistic Pet Vet Clinic" in Tigard.

He said "we've been recommending raw foods for a long time for general health. Now with the pet food recall, there's an extra reason, because of the fact you don't know exactly what's going in the foods."

And a lot of his clients are getting away from processed foods for their cats and dogs. He said it's best to talk with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's diet, and urged owners to ensure it's a balanced diet, by adding supplements.

Pet owners have options with different products on the market.

The most expensive and convenient option is the pre-packaged, frozen meat.

It has supplements added, you simply thaw and serve. Some pet owners choose to buy a bag of supplement powder, and add it to ground meat and liver. The directions are listed on the back of the supplement bag. The least expensive option is the most time consuming and involves recipes. Pet owners buy the pet food cookbooks, follow the recipes, and make their own meals. Dr. Ulbrich added "there's a lot of alternatives. From the very convenient already made and frozen, to the partially made, to the recipes that you do completely yourself." You can find the products at a Holistic Veterinarian's office and some pet food stores.

So is it safe?

Are dogs and cats able to safely eat raw meat with supplements? Dr. Ulbrich said yes. He said of the hundreds of cats and dogs he's seen at his Holistic Vet Clinic, not one has had Salmonella. He added "wolves and coyotes will eat carrion that's been rotting in the sun for a week. It would send us to the hospital, but they're just fine."

Vets weigh in

Oregon Public Health Veterinarian, Emilio DeBess warned owners to be careful of contamination. He said your pet may not become with sick with Salmonella after eating raw chicken, but the dog or cat might lick your hand and make you sick.

DeBess also urged people to look as closely at the ingredients on pet food labels, as they do on their own food.

More: Pet food recipes (PDF)

Finally, he said the choice of moving to a "raw diet" is up to the pet owner.

For a growing number of pet owners, the "raw diet' is a viable option. Truskey pats Lucy's shiny coat and adds, "I think we're doing some stuff right."