Does Real Food introduce Changes in Your Dog's Stool?
Stools from raw-fed dogs tend to be smaller and firmer, as the dog is absorbing more nutrients from its food. Some dogs will strain slightly at the hard stools. This is acceptable, and even beneficial, as the harder stools help the dog express its anal glands, reducing the likelihood of infection.
There may be some variation in the consistency of your dog’s stool. This is also acceptable, although you should consult with your veterinarian if your dog experiences prolonged diarrhoea (soft stool is not diarrhoea).
You may also occasionally see a film around your dog’s stool, especially during transition. This is also acceptable as it is evidence of your dog’s body cleansing and detoxifying itself of harmful toxins.
We have created a page on dog poop here that you should read. As with any change of diet there could be direct effect on the stools.
- Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea or mucusy stools are very common during the transition, and occasionally afterwards as well. Loose stools can also be attributed to dairy, or just too much veggies for a transitioning pet. A process of elimination could be the next course of action. The idea is to start with one type (chicken is usually a safe and a good overall option) of raw meaty bones. Higher concentration of bones (wings, necks, backs) will also yield more firm stools. After a few days of stabilizing other meats, veggies treats and supplements can slowly be added.
- Constipation: Keep in mind that a pet on a raw diet will normally have relatively dry, light coloured stools, due to the bone content of the diet. Those will also be smaller and less smelly then what commercial food produces. If it seems too much of an effort the easiest way to soften the stools is to increase the veggie content of the next few meals. For more extreme situations some recommend giving pumpkin (cooked or canned) or steamed butternut. Again, if symptoms are extreme or persisting, a chat with a pet health professional or even taking a stool sample may be comforting, to rule out other reasons.
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