WHY HAS MY DOG STOPPED EATING RAW?
- There are many contributing factors as to why your pet has lost interest in his or her raw diet, and most of the time it is simply because they are not hungry. Most of the time they are being overfeed and that's why they are leaving food. Don't be concerned – simply skip a meal and then reduce the amount you feed them going forward. It's always best to feed your pet based on the weight and activity level (please refer to our feeding guide for more details).
- He/she might be self-fasting. There are many raw feeders who fast their pets once a week (here at LCDC-Raw Meats we fast our pups every week). This action is said to help a dog's digestive system rest and reset between proteins. However, a dog can self-fast on their own and dogs have the tendency to do this every now and then, it’s rare but it happens.
- That time of the month! Female dogs have the tendency to loose their appetite during this time but don’t worry this will only last for a little while until her heat is over.
- Your pup is sick. Always check to make sure your pet is drinking, sleeping, and being within their normal activity level. If there are any changes in their mood seek veterinary assistance immediately.
- Overfeed. When transitioning or feeding a raw diet it’s important to feed your pup the appropriate amount according to their weight, age, gestation, lactation period and/ or activity levels. The amount of raw meat they ingest may cause some reverse effects, like turning down a meal or two but no worries! Just skip a meal and fast your pup for a day.
- Bored or picky. Some dogs also have the tendency to be picky or bored eaters. We recommend fasting your pup for a day and continue normal feeding the next day. Also, never free feed your pup. He/she should have a scheduled time to eat everyday and if your pet is not interested in the meal, remove the food from sight until he is ready to eat. NEVER leave food out for him to decide when he wants to eat because leaving food out for your pup will cause them to loose interest, with any diet. If your pup is a "picky" eater we recommend adding raw beef green tripe to his or her diet. Beef green tripe helps aid in digestion and will give your pup a higher appetite!
STRANGE POOPS?
- White Crumbling Stools - When you feed a raw diet your pup may have white stools every once in a while or all the time, no worries this is normal! White stools are caused by the calcium from the bone content in the raw diet and/or the bones you are feeding as treats.
- Runny or loose stools - The transitioning to raw period may be causing your pup to detox from the kibble or other food previously feed, this problem should fix itself in a few days and your pup should poop small almost odorless poops going forward. Also, your pup may experience loose stools while on a raw diet which can be normal from time to time.
- Yellowish stool - Could indicate too much chicken fed for too long without a different protein rotation. If prolonged it could also indicate issues with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
- Black dark stool - Can occur if pets have a lot of salmon or organ content in their meals.
- Bright red in the stool- Generally indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract or closer to the anus. Can occur with ongoing straining during elimination. If ongoing, veterinary advice should be sought.
- Dark Blood in the Stool- This is serious as it can indicate internal bleeding and should be addressed with veterinarian immediately.
ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN WITH ANY CONCERNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.