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Changes In Your Dog’s Stool

An improvement in the smell and decrease in the size of your pet’s stool will be one of the first welcome changes that you will notice when you put your dog on a raw dog food diet. A dog that eats fresh food will soak up more vitamins and minerals, and the result will be more compacted, smaller stools.

It is important to note that because the stools will be harder, some dogs will appear to strain. This is OK, and even beneficial, as the harder stools help the dog express its anal glands, reducing the likelihood of infection.

You may notice that your pet’s stool may be loose at times, and harder at other times. Again, you needn’t be worried about this unless your dog is having diarrhea for an extended period of time.  Don’t confuse soft stool for diarrhea.

You may also occasionally see a film around your dog’s stool, especially during transition. This is also OK, and is evidence of detoxification (see next page), i.e., the dog’s body cleansing itself of harmful toxins.

Detoxification: Getting “Unsick” 
The detoxification phase is something that dogs go through as their bodies adjust to the fresh foods of their new nutritious eating plan.  A dog who is further along in years, and is eating raw foods for the first time, will be the most likely to go through this phase.

This condition may be a bit unnerving - you may see mucus coating your dog’s stool, excess shedding, dry skin, runny eyes, or other symptoms. You can rest easy, as your dog is showing you through these signs that he is ridding himself of the harmful substances that have accumulated in his body.

In about a week or two - but sometimes as long as a couple of months - the symptoms and the situation will resolve itself as your dog’s body replaces old toxin-laden cells with new cells throughout this process. You may be able to speed up the process with increased exercise, and by having plenty of fresh filtered water available.

It is also important to know that if your dog has been on any long-term prescriptions or has been taking antibiotics or steroids, the detoxification process will take longer. If you believe that your dog is showing signs of any severe or extremely prolonged problems that are connected to his change in diet, speak with your vet right away.

Dogs With Health Issues

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive disorders may benefit from the addition of supplements to their diet prior to and during the transition. These are generally used daily for the first 4-6 weeks.

Digestive enzymes aid in the digestion of foods and nutrient absorption. These are important during the transition stage of the diet because the dog’s system needs time to begin producing the enzymes required for digestion of raw foods.

Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet - which are known as “good” bacteria - will help to neutralize the “bad bacteria” and balance your dog’s system, promoting a healthier digestive tract and better overall digestion.

Prebiotics provide food for resident microflora. Just a small dose each day will help those resident “good” bacteria have the energy needed to help your body.

If your pet is able to eat dairy products without complications, you can provide them with the probiotics they need, by occasionally offering your dog yogurt or kefir. Goat dairy products are typically tolerated more easily than cow dairy and provide a wider range of beneficial bacteria.

Pets prone to digestive upsets or vomiting immediately following a meal will benefit from preventing them from gulping down their food. Slow them down by placing a clean rock or other object in the middle of their food bowl or plate so the food is spread out.

If your pet has symptoms such as constipation, runny/loose stools or is vomiting even at times when he hasn’t just eaten food, you can help the transition process along by adding some canned or cooked pumpkin to their food. Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup of food. Pumpkin is unique in that it helps with both loose stools as well as constipation.

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