Leena Watts
Diarrhea in dogs can be stressful and harmful to their health if left untreated. While a raw diet is considered the natural and ancestral diet for dogs, it can sometimes lead to diarrhea. This can occur during the transition period as dogs' digestive systems get accustomed to the new diet. It can also be caused by an imbalance in the ratio of meat, bone, and organs, or by consuming too much fat. Diarrhea can also indicate a more serious health issue, so it is important to monitor your dog's stool and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
Why does my dog have diarrhea on a raw diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transitioning too fast | The dog's digestive system needs time to adjust to the new diet. Transition over 10-14 days, starting with 25% raw food and 75% old food. |
| Incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratio | The calcium-phosphorus ratio should be balanced to maintain healthy bones and joints. This can be challenging to get right and may cause diarrhea. |
| High-fat content | Some raw meats, like lamb, duck, and beef, are high in fat. This can cause diarrhea, especially if the dog previously had frequent loose stools. |
| Inadequate gut flora | Some dogs may lack the necessary gut flora to digest raw food, leading to diarrhea. Probiotics and digestive enzymes can help with the transition. |
| Underlying health issues | Diarrhea can be a symptom of intestinal blockage, toxicity, or other health problems. Consult a veterinarian if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. |
| Water intake | A raw diet provides more water content, and dogs may decrease their water consumption during the transition. Ensure fresh water is always available, and consider adding moisture to the diet if concerned about low water intake. |
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What You'll Learn
Transitioning too quickly to a raw diet
Transitioning your dog to a raw diet can be a great way to improve their health and reduce loose stools. However, it is important to introduce new foods gradually, as dogs can experience digestive issues when their diet changes too quickly.
The first step in transitioning your dog to a raw diet is to choose a raw food that is similar in protein content to their current diet. For example, if your dog is currently eating beef dog roll and kibble, you should start with a raw beef recipe. This will help minimise digestive upset as your dog adjusts to their new diet.
On the first day of transitioning, fill your dog's food bowl with 75% of their old food and 25% of the new raw food. You can then slowly increase the ratio of raw food over the next 7-14 days, or longer if needed. It is normal for dogs to experience some digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, during this transition period as their bodies adjust to the new diet.
If your dog develops diarrhoea during the transition, reduce the amount of raw food and increase the old food for a few days until their stool returns to normal. You can also try feeding lower-fat ingredients to help ease digestion. Raw rabbit meat and raw chicken breasts are low in fat and can be good options for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
It is important to remember that every dog is different, and some may take longer to transition to a raw diet than others. Be patient and monitor your dog's stool to ensure they are adjusting well to the new diet. If diarrhoea persists or becomes severe, it is best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratio
Maintaining the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus in your dog's diet is essential for their health. Calcium and phosphorus are both essential minerals that play a critical role in bone health, among other functions. An excess or deficiency of either can lead to adverse health effects.
Meat is typically high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so an all-meat raw diet can cause an imbalance, leading to skeletal issues. Puppies, in particular, are susceptible to problems caused by calcium deficiency, such as skeletal demineralization of the pelvis and vertebrae, and developmental bone diseases like osteochondrosis. In addition, too much calcium can interfere with normal bone growth and mineralization, especially in young, large, and giant breed dogs.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to include raw meaty bones (RMBs) in your dog's diet. Bones are rich in both calcium and phosphorus, with a ratio of approximately 2:1. When the bone to meat ratio is around 1:1, the balance of calcium to phosphorus is generally appropriate for bone mineralization and formation. This means that RMBs can help ensure your dog receives sufficient calcium to balance the high phosphorus content of meat.
However, it is important to note that not all dogs can chew bones safely. Senior dogs, puppies, small dogs, and those with poor teeth may struggle to eat bones and risk breaking their teeth. In these cases, alternative sources of calcium are necessary, such as bone meal, eggshells, seaweed, or coral calcium. These alternatives have different calcium and phosphorus ratios and may only be suitable for adult dogs or low-fat diets.
Additionally, vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption and uptake of calcium and phosphorus. While vitamin D3 (calcidiol) can be obtained through sunlight, vitamin D2 (calcitriol) must be added as a supplement. Including a vitamin D supplement in your dog's diet can help ensure proper calcium and phosphorus absorption.
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Feeding high-fat meats
Feeding your dog high-fat meats can cause diarrhoea. This is because the liver must increase its bile production, and the gallbladder releases stored bile to break down and absorb the fat.
Raw rabbit meat, chicken breasts, and turkey are low in fat and should make up the majority of your dog's diet. Raw beef, lamb, and duck are high in cholesterol and should be fed to your dog in moderation.
If your dog has diarrhoea, you can give them a digestive rest by not feeding them for 12 to 24 hours, and then reintroducing easily digestible foods. You can also give your dog Slippery Elm Bark (SEB) powder 15 minutes before a meal to help with gastrointestinal inflammation.
It is important to transition your dog to a raw food diet slowly and carefully over a period of 7 to 14 days. Start by introducing 25% raw food and 75% old food for a few days, and monitor your dog's stool. If everything seems normal, you can gradually increase the amount of raw food. If your dog develops diarrhoea, cut the percentage of raw meat until their stool is normal again.
The key to a balanced raw diet is variety, but not when it comes to mixing different proteins into one meal. Some meats are easier to digest than others, and some are fattier. For example, mixing milk and raw eggs will cause diarrhoea, as will sardines and chitterlings.
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Inadequate water intake
When transitioning your dog to a raw diet, you may notice a decrease in their water intake. This is because raw food provides natural hydration, and your dog's water needs are partially met through their meals. However, it is important to ensure they still have access to water and are drinking enough.
Dehydration can be a serious issue for dogs with diarrhea, as they can quickly lose fluids and become dehydrated, leading to further health complications. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it is essential to provide them with frequent small amounts of water to prevent dehydration.
To ensure adequate water intake during diarrhea, withhold food for 24 hours while continuing to offer small amounts of water regularly. This will give their digestive system a rest while maintaining hydration. After 24 hours, introduce a bland diet, and if the diarrhea has stopped, gradually transition back to their regular diet.
It is important to monitor your dog's water intake, especially during periods of diarrhea, to ensure they are getting enough hydration. Proper hydration supports overall health, organ function, and digestion. If you have concerns about your dog's water intake or diarrhea, it is always best to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance.
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Underlying health issues
Diarrhea in dogs can be indicative of underlying health issues. It is important to note that diarrhea can be a symptom of a bigger health problem, and it may be necessary to take your dog to the vet. Sporadic diarrhea can be a sign of intestinal blockage, toxicity, or other ailments. If your dog is experiencing explosive diarrhea and vomiting for more than 24 hours, it is imperative to seek veterinary help.
Gastrointestinal (GI) irritation can occur in dogs that have been consuming a high-carbohydrate diet for an extended period. Dry dog food often contains high amounts of carbohydrates, whereas raw diets provide quality protein and healthy fats. The transition to a raw diet can be challenging for some dogs, and they may experience GI inflammation and digestive issues. It is important to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog's stool to ensure a smooth transition.
Additionally, the calcium-phosphorus ratio in a raw diet should be balanced to maintain healthy bones and joints. This can be a challenging aspect of raw feeding, and incorrect amounts of calcium and phosphorus can lead to diarrhea and the development of hip dysplasia. It is crucial to ensure your dog's diet includes the correct amounts of bones and organs to prevent these issues.
Underlying health conditions that may cause diarrhea include gastroenteritis upsets, colitis, liver disease, anal gland issues, immune problems, arthritis, and obesity. A qualified veterinarian can perform a physical exam, blood test, and stool test to identify or rule out these potential issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Diarrhea during the transition to a raw diet is normal and usually occurs because your dog's digestive system is unaccustomed to digesting its ancestral diet. This should pass within 7-14 days.
Introduce 25% raw food with 75% of your dog's old food for a few days and monitor your dog's stool. If everything seems normal, you can gradually increase the amount of raw food.
Raw rabbit meat, raw chicken, and turkey breasts are low in fat and won't cause diarrhea. Raw beef, raw lamb, and raw duck are high in fat and should be fed in moderation.
You can give your dog digestive enzymes and probiotics to help with the transition. If your dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, you should take it to the vet.
The recommended amount of raw food for the transition period is half a pound of food per 25 pounds of body weight. Once your dog is accustomed to the diet, you can adjust the amount of food according to its age and activity level.
