Raw frustrations

[SaraB]

I would switch to turkey or try removing the skin/fat. Fast her first.

[Kat09Tails]

Originally Posted by SaraB

I would switch to turkey or try removing the skin/fat. Fast her first.

^^ This. I would also try a grind with some probios. I might even add some smashed cold boiled potatoes or squash for fiber. Think bland bland blandity bland for about a week until you see good poops

[AdrianneIsabel]

Well Denis made an executive decision, she's going back on kibble. He's too upset seeing her poop blood. Ah well. Thanks guys, I'll still try supplementing here and there and maybe ease into the raw over time.

[kady05]

You said she's had chicken before without issues, right? So that would tell me that she's not allergic to chicken, if I read that right.

I'd definitely fast for 24hrs. I have always fed chicken quarters; have always found backs to be too boney. I'd remove the skin and excess fat and feed her just that for at least a few days to try to get her back on track. Were you feeding what she should normally get, or did you reduce it? I always fed a little less than their ideal when first switching.

I wouldn't go all crazy adding in this and that at this point, you don't want to overload her system even more. I took mine off EVERYTHING when I switched them over; no kibble, no dehydrated raw, no treats, nothing.

Slippery Elm is a miracle worker though!

[SaraB]

I would still fast her if you are going back to kibble.

[ihartgonzo]

Gonzo is very sensitive to any switches too. I have to be EXTREMELY careful with him, after his HGE (that he got while eating Orijen).

If you want to try to transition her again, I'd get a good digestive enzyme supplement and feed her that, with some canned pumpkin, yogurt and/or green tripe. I'd start with turkey, or rabbit if you can get it, as it's very lean. I would definitely remove the skin and fat as that definitely contributes to loose stools. Don't add organs or switch anything in her routine for a month or until she's doing very well on it, and then only add in small amounts of anything new. Underfeed rather than overfeeding. When ever I've had Gonzo on kibble for a while and then I switch him back to raw, I start with pre-made raw (Nature's Variety) for several days, then slowly add in raw meaty bones. Pre-made is formulated to prevent loose stool, with extra ground bone. It makes the transition MUCH easier!

[AdrianneIsabel]

I can definitely try the premade for a transition, thats a great idea. Thanks!

[ihartgonzo]

I really like NV because it has Montimous (???) clay, which it's anti diarrheal. Yay for sensitive dogs!

[rubygirl]

If raw doesnt work it doesn't work. I tried it on my dog and it left her with some very negative symptoms. I now do a half and half split.

[naturalfeddogs]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

I have in the past fed a lot of raw. I fed it actually for 6 years straight without any kibble to a lot of dogs from starved to obese and chihuahuas to pit bulls.

Sloan however is struggling. I would like to try raw with her to help lean her out and clean her diet up but it's not worth the bloody runs we're facing today.

I started everyone on Saturday with bone in thighs + sojos. They've been having raw meals/treats on and off their whole lives. No problems with anyone else and none with Sloan until Sunday(not abnormal).

Sunday night I threw in a chicken back to add some bone and instead we were up all night with the runs. This morning I did thigh again and at work she had a handful of Now kibble for treats. Still having liquid poop I tried a teaspoon of bone meal in her water after playing ball and then gave her a marrow bone to chew on.

Now the poop is almost entirely just watery blood with minimal crumbs of solidness. I'm sure it's just irritated bowels but having had my fair share myself I understand how much they suck.

I'm frustrated. What would you do? Fast? Go back to kibble? Remove the fat/skin? Add more bone? Remove the bone? Try another protien?

I was not unhappy with my kibble over all but I do miss the cut muscle tone and small poop from raw. Of course if this is what raw is going to do I suppose it's better to have kibble.

Stay for now, with chicken backs only for a week or so. Skin,fat and any organs removed. Don't add anything else in the meantime as treats or anything. You can add too much and cause digestive upset. The kibble is probably a culprit as wee in itself since raw and kibble don't usually mix.