Stool when on raw food

[ChristineL]

Hello. I've read in various sources that when dogs are on raw food, their stool should be hard and very little. However, my dog has been on raw for a week now and his stool is still soft, sticky and smelly ...and lots....Is that a EWS? Thanks.

 

[Dr. Sara]

I suspect your dog's intestinal biota is having a little trouble making the transition. I am pasting below a document that I send clients to help them with the transition. Please read it through, and see if there are some things that might help your dog with the transition. Enzymes and pumpkin are the two additions that I believe are likely to be most appropriate.
Sara

Raw Feeding - Getting Started
S. F. Chapman MS, DVM, MRCVS, VetMFHom

I am a strong supporter of feeding a raw diet; my own dogs were weaned to raw, my cat was switched to raw at a year of age, and I encourage clients to consider feeding a raw diet to their animals. Most animals will do very well on a raw diet of meat, bone, organ meat, and vegetables.

However, there are significant important considerations in transitioning to and feeding a raw diet.

1 – Support is crucial. If your vet is not supportive, you need to educate yourself about balancing a raw diet and the possible issues involved in a transition to raw feeding. There are books and support groups; in addition, many raw food manufacturers have extensive information on their websites. The site:
www.carnivora.ca
is particularly good.
An unbiased excellent source for raw feeding information:
DogAware.com: Raw Dog Food Products and Resources
If your vet is not supportive, raw feeding will be blamed for every illness and digestive upset, and you will be pressured to use treatments which actually upset the balance of the digestive system, such as antibiotics and metronidazole. If your dog has a chronic disease, I would not suggest switching to raw without the support of a vet. You need to feel comfortable with what you are doing, and dealing with a chronic disease requires additional considerations.

2 - Sanitation is essential. Raw meat is raw meat, and can be contaminated with bacteria. You must keep it properly refrigerated, and thoroughly wash all surfaces, utensils, and bowls in hot soapy water. If your household includes children, or immunosuppressed people, a raw diet may not be the best choice, if these vulnerable individuals could be exposed to pathogens. Animals eating raw meat diets may shed more pathogens in their stools. In such a case, you can lightly cook a raw diet. However, remember that animals lick their private parts, and eat animal stools, so good hygiene must always be practiced with animals eating any diet.

3 – Diets must be varied. A single protein source is not a good idea, as different meats have different nutrient profiles. The raw diet should contain meat, bone, fat, and muscle meat in the proportions found in a lean animal. This can be a bit hard to determine, as our commercially bred meat animals are much fatter than prey animals would be. There are a few nutritionists that work with raw feeders; if you chose to assemble a raw diet from animal parts, it is ideal to work with a nutritionist to ensure that the diet, over time, will be balanced. This is one of the main criticisms of raw diets by vets; all too often people are feeding one type of meat part as the major (or only) diet component. I feed a complete and balanced ground raw diet, rotating between manufacturers and three different protein sources, some additional fresh vegetables, plus occasional whole animal parts.

4 – Calcium to phosphorus ratio must be maintained in an appropriate range. People can, and do, create serious problems in growing pups by over supplementing or under supplementing calcium in home prepared diets. Adult dogs are less affected by calcium : phosphorus imbalances, but over time adults can develop problems as well, so do pay attention to this aspect of the diet.

5 – Transition should be gradual. It is understandable to want to get your animal switched to the best possible diet as quickly as possible. However, animals that have been eating kibble or canned food have adjusted to digesting those foods. You have to switch slowly, introducing the raw food in small meals separate from the processed diet. You will gradually increase the size of the raw meal while decreasing the size of the other meals, eventually replacing the processed food meals, one at a time, with raw food meals, then eliminating the extra meal.

6 – Some animals need help to digest raw. Processing begins the digestion process, so processed foods require less enzymatic action from the dog for digestion. Of course, processed foods also contain more inflammatory free radicals because of processing, so there is a negative side to their predigested state! Some dogs will digest their food better if digestive enzymes are added to the food, or if the food is lightly cooked.

Of course, whole bones should not be cooked, but foods with very finely ground bones can be safely cooked lightly. Over time, most animals will increase their digestive enzyme production, and be able to digest raw. However, old or convalescent animals sometimes develop an aversion to raw, or lose weight eating raw. In such cases, addition of enzymes, or gentle cooking, will often help sort out the problem.

7 – Supplements may be needed.
Digestive enzymes: As discussed above, digestive enzymes may be helpful in the transition period. Some animals maintain condition and appetite better if they receive digestive enzymes in their food at every meal. I like the product Aunt Jeni’s Enhance Digestive Aid (AJEDA), as it contains not only digestive enzymes, but probiotics and soothing herbs. Many other excellent probiotics have been discussed on this forum.
Probiotics: Probiotics help maintain a normal balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. All animals that receive antimicrobials like antibiotics or metronidazole, should receive probiotics during treatment and for a week after treatment. Please try not to give antimicrobials for digestive upsets. Of course an animal with loose stools has abnormal bacteria – that doesn’t mean that the answer is to kill off all the bacteria, normal and abnormal. That approach increases the growth of resistant organisms, and has high potential for side effects. You want to work with the body to restore health, not use drugs with a list of side effects as long as your arm. The process of diet change can also unbalance the normal intestinal bacteria, so I suggest probiotics and digestive enzymes for all animals transitioning to raw.

Herbs: Soothing herbs, such as slippery elm, marshmallow root and peppermint found in AJEDA, may be helpful during the raw transition as well.

Omega fatty acids: Many diets, raw and processed, are lower than is optimal in omega fatty acids such as are found in salmon oil.

Vitamin and mineral supplements: The nutrient content of food is related to the way it was raised. If you are feeding only organically raised animals and vegetables, raised on soils that are sustainably supplemented with trace minerals, you have no concerns. You also live in a reality that I would like to inhabit. Most animals will benefit from a whole foods supplement formulated to complement raw diets. It is important to avoid synthetic supplements, as they can actually be pro-inflammatory. The whole foods supplements are more expensive, but well worth it. Commercial complete and balanced raw food diets should not need vitamin and mineral supplementation, as it is included in the diet.

8 – Vegetables may be helpful. There is some controversy among the raw feeding community as to whether vegetables are an appropriate part of a raw diet. Some claim that canids in the wild do not eat the stomach contents of their prey, so vegetables are inappropriate. While it is probably true that wolves do not the entire contents of large herbivore stomachs, research has shown that foxes and wolves eat mice and rabbits in their entirety. In addition, these prey animals are much less fatty than the commercially raised meat we provide. Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, allow us to manipulate the fat and protein content of the diet, as well as introducing a good source of natural vitamins and minerals.

9 – Animals with specific health concerns can be fed a raw diet.
Puppies: Puppies can be weaned to a ground raw diet suitable for adult dogs. Puppies can receive a raw diet based on animal parts as well, taking care to ensure that there is variety in the diet, and that the calcium : phosphorus ratio is appropriate. If you have support from an experienced naturally rearing breeder as regards rearing a pup on animal parts, go for it. Otherwise, I would choose one of the balanced ground raw diets discussed as appropriate for puppies (twice as much protein as fat) to ensure an appropriate Ca ratio.

Kidney disease: Most dogs with kidney disease can continue to eat a raw diet. In kidney disease, a moderate decrease in the protein may be helpful; this can be done by introducing shredded or steamed leafy vegetables to the diet.

Pancreatitis: Many dogs with pancreatitis can be successfully switched to raw. Ideally, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the fat level is appropriate for your dog. In most cases, a combination of lean meats and increased leafy vegetables can create an appropriate diet.

10 - As you transition to raw feeding, you will notice changes in your dog.
Drinking: Most dogs drink a lot less; some rarely drink at all. If your dog is elderly, you may want to add extra water to the raw meals to ensure that they take in enough water.

Stools: Usually, if you have transitioned gradually, and supported the dog’s digestive tract with supplemental enzymes, probiotics, and soothing herbs, you will see a much firmer stool. If your diet is very high in bone, the stool may be white or ashy looking, and may be very hard. This probably means that you are feeding a little too much bone. I know this sounds disgusting, but you can learn a lot by prodding apart your dog’s stool, to see if it is too hard. Very hard stools can be uncomfortable to pass. If your dog routinely produces very hard stools, you should increase their fluid intake and evaluate the quantity of bone in their diet. Fiber can be helpful to regulate stool quality; both stools that are too soft and too hard will respond to the addition of fiber in the diet. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber; the dose ranges from ½ teaspoon to ¼ cup per meal depending on the dog’s size.

Energy: Dogs that are eating raw food seem to have better focus as well as more energy.

Skin and Coat: Most skin problems decrease, and coat quality improves. However, raw food is not a cure all! If your dog still has skin and coat problems, you should pursue their cause and treatment.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Fantastic, thanks Dr. Sara!

Christine, does Koby have edible whole bones or bone pieces as part of his diet?

The amount of bone is often directly correlated to stool consistency.

 

[ChristineL]

Fantastic, thanks Dr. Sara!

Christine, does Koby have edible whole bones or bone pieces as part of his diet?

The amount of bone is often directly correlated to stool consistency.

Koby is on Answer's detailed formula so his diet is balanced with bones.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

OK, great!

The other piece of important context is what Koby's bowel history has been like throughout life?

Especially important is whether he has had many (or any) episodes of diarrhea palliated with metronidazole (or another anti-biotic or steroid)?

This is important because it will help us determine whether this is a new symptom or an old symptom which might be expected as part of his healing.

 

[ChristineL]

I suspect your dog's intestinal biota is having a little trouble making the transition. I am pasting below a document that I send clients to help them with the transition. Please read it through, and see if there are some things that might help your dog with the transition. Enzymes and pumpkin are the two additions that I believe are likely to be most appropriate.
Sara

Raw Feeding - Getting Started
S. F. Chapman MS, DVM, MRCVS, VetMFHom

I am a strong supporter of feeding a raw diet; my own dogs were weaned to raw, my cat was switched to raw at a year of age, and I encourage clients to consider feeding a raw diet to their animals. Most animals will do very well on a raw diet of meat, bone, organ meat, and vegetables.

However, there are significant important considerations in transitioning to and feeding a raw diet.

1 – Support is crucial. If your vet is not supportive, you need to educate yourself about balancing a raw diet and the possible issues involved in a transition to raw feeding. There are books and support groups; in addition, many raw food manufacturers have extensive information on their websites. The site:
www.carnivora.ca
is particularly good.
An unbiased excellent source for raw feeding information:
DogAware.com: Raw Dog Food Products and Resources
If your vet is not supportive, raw feeding will be blamed for every illness and digestive upset, and you will be pressured to use treatments which actually upset the balance of the digestive system, such as antibiotics and metronidazole. If your dog has a chronic disease, I would not suggest switching to raw without the support of a vet. You need to feel comfortable with what you are doing, and dealing with a chronic disease requires additional considerations.

2 - Sanitation is essential. Raw meat is raw meat, and can be contaminated with bacteria. You must keep it properly refrigerated, and thoroughly wash all surfaces, utensils, and bowls in hot soapy water. If your household includes children, or immunosuppressed people, a raw diet may not be the best choice, if these vulnerable individuals could be exposed to pathogens. Animals eating raw meat diets may shed more pathogens in their stools. In such a case, you can lightly cook a raw diet. However, remember that animals lick their private parts, and eat animal stools, so good hygiene must always be practiced with animals eating any diet.

3 – Diets must be varied. A single protein source is not a good idea, as different meats have different nutrient profiles. The raw diet should contain meat, bone, fat, and muscle meat in the proportions found in a lean animal. This can be a bit hard to determine, as our commercially bred meat animals are much fatter than prey animals would be. There are a few nutritionists that work with raw feeders; if you chose to assemble a raw diet from animal parts, it is ideal to work with a nutritionist to ensure that the diet, over time, will be balanced. This is one of the main criticisms of raw diets by vets; all too often people are feeding one type of meat part as the major (or only) diet component. I feed a complete and balanced ground raw diet, rotating between manufacturers and three different protein sources, some additional fresh vegetables, plus occasional whole animal parts.

4 – Calcium to phosphorus ratio must be maintained in an appropriate range. People can, and do, create serious problems in growing pups by over supplementing or under supplementing calcium in home prepared diets. Adult dogs are less affected by calcium : phosphorus imbalances, but over time adults can develop problems as well, so do pay attention to this aspect of the diet.

5 – Transition should be gradual. It is understandable to want to get your animal switched to the best possible diet as quickly as possible. However, animals that have been eating kibble or canned food have adjusted to digesting those foods. You have to switch slowly, introducing the raw food in small meals separate from the processed diet. You will gradually increase the size of the raw meal while decreasing the size of the other meals, eventually replacing the processed food meals, one at a time, with raw food meals, then eliminating the extra meal.

6 – Some animals need help to digest raw. Processing begins the digestion process, so processed foods require less enzymatic action from the dog for digestion. Of course, processed foods also contain more inflammatory free radicals because of processing, so there is a negative side to their predigested state! Some dogs will digest their food better if digestive enzymes are added to the food, or if the food is lightly cooked.

Of course, whole bones should not be cooked, but foods with very finely ground bones can be safely cooked lightly. Over time, most animals will increase their digestive enzyme production, and be able to digest raw. However, old or convalescent animals sometimes develop an aversion to raw, or lose weight eating raw. In such cases, addition of enzymes, or gentle cooking, will often help sort out the problem.

7 – Supplements may be needed.
Digestive enzymes: As discussed above, digestive enzymes may be helpful in the transition period. Some animals maintain condition and appetite better if they receive digestive enzymes in their food at every meal. I like the product Aunt Jeni’s Enhance Digestive Aid (AJEDA), as it contains not only digestive enzymes, but probiotics and soothing herbs. Many other excellent probiotics have been discussed on this forum.
Probiotics: Probiotics help maintain a normal balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. All animals that receive antimicrobials like antibiotics or metronidazole, should receive probiotics during treatment and for a week after treatment. Please try not to give antimicrobials for digestive upsets. Of course an animal with loose stools has abnormal bacteria – that doesn’t mean that the answer is to kill off all the bacteria, normal and abnormal. That approach increases the growth of resistant organisms, and has high potential for side effects. You want to work with the body to restore health, not use drugs with a list of side effects as long as your arm. The process of diet change can also unbalance the normal intestinal bacteria, so I suggest probiotics and digestive enzymes for all animals transitioning to raw.

Herbs: Soothing herbs, such as slippery elm, marshmallow root and peppermint found in AJEDA, may be helpful during the raw transition as well.

Omega fatty acids: Many diets, raw and processed, are lower than is optimal in omega fatty acids such as are found in salmon oil.

Vitamin and mineral supplements: The nutrient content of food is related to the way it was raised. If you are feeding only organically raised animals and vegetables, raised on soils that are sustainably supplemented with trace minerals, you have no concerns. You also live in a reality that I would like to inhabit. Most animals will benefit from a whole foods supplement formulated to complement raw diets. It is important to avoid synthetic supplements, as they can actually be pro-inflammatory. The whole foods supplements are more expensive, but well worth it. Commercial complete and balanced raw food diets should not need vitamin and mineral supplementation, as it is included in the diet.

8 – Vegetables may be helpful. There is some controversy among the raw feeding community as to whether vegetables are an appropriate part of a raw diet. Some claim that canids in the wild do not eat the stomach contents of their prey, so vegetables are inappropriate. While it is probably true that wolves do not the entire contents of large herbivore stomachs, research has shown that foxes and wolves eat mice and rabbits in their entirety. In addition, these prey animals are much less fatty than the commercially raised meat we provide. Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, allow us to manipulate the fat and protein content of the diet, as well as introducing a good source of natural vitamins and minerals.

9 – Animals with specific health concerns can be fed a raw diet.
Puppies: Puppies can be weaned to a ground raw diet suitable for adult dogs. Puppies can receive a raw diet based on animal parts as well, taking care to ensure that there is variety in the diet, and that the calcium : phosphorus ratio is appropriate. If you have support from an experienced naturally rearing breeder as regards rearing a pup on animal parts, go for it. Otherwise, I would choose one of the balanced ground raw diets discussed as appropriate for puppies (twice as much protein as fat) to ensure an appropriate Ca ratio.

Kidney disease: Most dogs with kidney disease can continue to eat a raw diet. In kidney disease, a moderate decrease in the protein may be helpful; this can be done by introducing shredded or steamed leafy vegetables to the diet.

Pancreatitis: Many dogs with pancreatitis can be successfully switched to raw. Ideally, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the fat level is appropriate for your dog. In most cases, a combination of lean meats and increased leafy vegetables can create an appropriate diet.

10 - As you transition to raw feeding, you will notice changes in your dog.
Drinking: Most dogs drink a lot less; some rarely drink at all. If your dog is elderly, you may want to add extra water to the raw meals to ensure that they take in enough water.

Stools: Usually, if you have transitioned gradually, and supported the dog’s digestive tract with supplemental enzymes, probiotics, and soothing herbs, you will see a much firmer stool. If your diet is very high in bone, the stool may be white or ashy looking, and may be very hard. This probably means that you are feeding a little too much bone. I know this sounds disgusting, but you can learn a lot by prodding apart your dog’s stool, to see if it is too hard. Very hard stools can be uncomfortable to pass. If your dog routinely produces very hard stools, you should increase their fluid intake and evaluate the quantity of bone in their diet. Fiber can be helpful to regulate stool quality; both stools that are too soft and too hard will respond to the addition of fiber in the diet. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber; the dose ranges from ½ teaspoon to ¼ cup per meal depending on the dog’s size.

Energy: Dogs that are eating raw food seem to have better focus as well as more energy.

Skin and Coat: Most skin problems decrease, and coat quality improves. However, raw food is not a cure all! If your dog still has skin and coat problems, you should pursue their cause and treatment.

Thank you so much, @Dr. Sara ?Thankfully, Koby's vet is supportive of raw diet He's on Answers Detailed formula (he just finished the chicken formula and now on turkey). He also gets Answers goat milk every day and fish stock occasionally (he's not a big fan). I guess what he's lacking in his diet based on your info is enzyme. Can you recommend one by Standard Process?

@Dr. Jeff - I just want to double check with you that it is okay for Koby to be on this diet. He's lost weight since he's on raw and does drink less water.

Thank you all.

 

[ChristineL]

OK, great!

The other piece of important context is what Koby's bowel history has been like throughout life?

Especially important is whether he has had many (or any) episodes of diarrhea palliated with metronidazole (or another anti-biotic or steroid)?

This is important because it will help us determine whether this is a new symptom or an old symptom which might be expected as part of his healing.

Thanks for asking these questions!
Yes, he's had sensitive stomach ever since he was a puppy! Tons of diarrhea and vomiting growing up. He was on kibbles (I didn't know better) for the first 8 years of his life. And yes, he was "treated" (I would now called it "suppressed" !) by metronidazole and Pepto-Bismol several times. He was on home cooked diet (he refused raw) for five years and just a week ago on full raw. Yay!

 

[Dr. Sara]

Thank you so much, @Dr. Sara ?Thankfully, Koby's vet is supportive of raw diet He's on Answers Detailed formula (he just finished the chicken formula and now on turkey). He also gets Answers goat milk every day and fish stock occasionally (he's not a big fan). I guess what he's lacking in his diet based on your info is enzyme. Can you recommend one by Standard Process?

@Dr. Jeff - I just want to double check with you that it is okay for Koby to be on this diet. He's lost weight since he's on raw and does drink less water.

Thank you all.

I'm not too familiar with the Standard Process products, sorry!

 

[ChristineL]

I'm not too familiar with the Standard Process products, sorry!

@Dr. Sara would you suggest feeding him
freeze dried lamb gripes for enzyme ? I read it somewhere it’s a good source for enzyme but I wanted to check with you. Thank you.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine.

It certainly is possible that the Answers is just not right for Koby.

There is no one best diet.

His system may be too delicate at this time for a predominantly raw diet.

However, the Answer's would be great to continue if he can tolerate it.

Since he is losing weight (is he underweight?) you can also try adding well-cooked organic oatmeal, quinoa, or even canned pumpkin to both firm up his stool as well as put some weight on.

In addition, Nutrigest from Rx Vitamins might be awe-some for him.

Nutrigest Powder-132 grams - HomeVet

Nutritional Support for Gastro-Intestinal Mucosa Nutrigest supplies important phytochemicals and essential nutrients, such as high potency probiotic cultures and glutamine that help restore and maintain normal bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal

www.homevet.com

Their Rx Zyme is a great enzyme-specific product.

Rx Zyme- 120 grams - HomeVet

A Versatile, Therapeutic Enzyme Formula This is the most comprehensive and versatile enzyme preparation ever introduced for pets. Rx Zyme features a proprietary, high-potency, digestive enzyme blend combined with selected nutrceuticals and botanica

www.homevet.com

Which probiotic are you using?

Also, here's the Standard Process Vet catalog.

If one of their products looks interesting to you, just let me know and I'll research it further:

https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Literature/Veterinary-Formulas-Product-Catalog

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Ah, I just saw your other reply about his many prior diarrhea episodes.

It's great that his appetite has improved enough so he now eats the raw food!

With his history however, you may want to back down on the raw and transition to it more gradually.

If 10-25% of his diet is made up of raw food for the next few weeks, that would be fine (for now).

And it should also improve his stools.

 

[ChristineL]

Ah, I just saw your other reply about his many prior diarrhea episodes.

It's great that his appetite has improved enough so he now eats the raw food!

With his history however, you may want to back down on the raw and transition to it more gradually.

If 10-25% of his diet is made up of raw food for the next few weeks, that would be fine (for now).

And it should also improve his stools.

Thanks @Dr. Jeff Hmm...Since Koby's on Answers, he hasn't had any bouts of diarrhea. And when he was on just cooked food, he had diarrhea often...with that said, do you still suggest that I go back and give him mostly cooked and partially raw?

He is loving his raw food! To me, it's a miracle. Ever since his first dose of Merc, his food preference has changed dramatically - from running away from raw to eating full raw...and from running away from steamed broccoli to having three pieces tonight...it's a miracle!

I added Psyllium Husk (1/4 tsp) and Runs Be Gone by Dr. Harvey (Runs Be Done for Dogs | Dr. Harvey's) to his dinner tonight and will see how his stool is tomorrow. [Note: I gave him dinner prior to receiving your answers here.]

I've also purchased a bag of SmallBatch and Bones & Co. raw patties for him to try, if it's okay with you!

Thank you in advance for instructions.

 

[ChristineL]

Hi Christine.

It certainly is possible that the Answers is just not right for Koby.

There is no one best diet.

His system may be too delicate at this time for a predominantly raw diet.

However, the Answer's would be great to continue if he can tolerate it.

Since he is losing weight (is he underweight?) you can also try adding well-cooked organic oatmeal, quinoa, or even canned pumpkin to both firm up his stool as well as put some weight on.

In addition, Nutrigest from Rx Vitamins might be awe-some for him.

Nutrigest Powder-132 grams - HomeVet

Nutritional Support for Gastro-Intestinal Mucosa Nutrigest supplies important phytochemicals and essential nutrients, such as high potency probiotic cultures and glutamine that help restore and maintain normal bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal

www.homevet.com

Their Rx Zyme is a great enzyme-specific product.

Rx Zyme- 120 grams - HomeVet

A Versatile, Therapeutic Enzyme Formula This is the most comprehensive and versatile enzyme preparation ever introduced for pets. Rx Zyme features a proprietary, high-potency, digestive enzyme blend combined with selected nutrceuticals and botanica

www.homevet.com

Which probiotic are you using?

Also, here's the Standard Process Vet catalog.

If one of their products looks interesting to you, just let me know and I'll research it further:

https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Literature/Veterinary-Formulas-Product-Catalog

@Dr. Jeff I give Koby Answers goat milk for probiotics. I also have Answers Beef Milk Kefir in the freezer if you think I can try giving him both. As for Enzyme, I prefer give him this support in food form. What do you suggest? I read somewhere (I think it's in Dr. Morgan's book) that green tripe is a good source for digestive enzyme. What do you think?

Thanks for the info on RxVitamins and Standard Process. I will contact you shortly regarding them.

 

[Dr. Sara]

@Dr. Sara would you suggest feeding him
freeze dried lamb gripes for enzyme ? I read it somewhere it’s a good source for enzyme but I wanted to check with you. Thank you.

I use enzyme supplements, as I know what they have in them. Nutrigest as Dr. Jeff suggests below would be good. I have had some patients for whom the Answers was a bit rich, and they had to transition to it more slowly.
Sara

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine-

Ah, I mis-understood Koby's diarrhea situation.

Since he is *not* having diarrhea on Answer's (and he likes it!) certainly continue with that.

The Vitality in raw is the best!

Yes, green tripe is a great source of probiotics and some enzymes.

I agree about food-based nutrients.

Pineapple and papaya are also great enzyme source foods.

Small Batch, and other available (ideally local) raw foods is fine to try.

 

[ChristineL]

Hi Christine.

It certainly is possible that the Answers is just not right for Koby.

There is no one best diet.

His system may be too delicate at this time for a predominantly raw diet.

However, the Answer's would be great to continue if he can tolerate it.

Since he is losing weight (is he underweight?) you can also try adding well-cooked organic oatmeal, quinoa, or even canned pumpkin to both firm up his stool as well as put some weight on.

In addition, Nutrigest from Rx Vitamins might be awe-some for him.

Nutrigest Powder-132 grams - HomeVet

Nutritional Support for Gastro-Intestinal Mucosa Nutrigest supplies important phytochemicals and essential nutrients, such as high potency probiotic cultures and glutamine that help restore and maintain normal bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal

www.homevet.com

Their Rx Zyme is a great enzyme-specific product.

Rx Zyme- 120 grams - HomeVet

A Versatile, Therapeutic Enzyme Formula This is the most comprehensive and versatile enzyme preparation ever introduced for pets. Rx Zyme features a proprietary, high-potency, digestive enzyme blend combined with selected nutrceuticals and botanica

www.homevet.com

Which probiotic are you using?

Also, here's the Standard Process Vet catalog.

If one of their products looks interesting to you, just let me know and I'll research it further:

https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Literature/Veterinary-Formulas-Product-Catalog

@Dr. Jeff Hello, I looked through the Standard Process catalog then realized I have the "canine enteric support" (Standard Process - Canine Enteric Support) - OK to give Koby? If you don't feel this is good enough, I will get Nutrigest per your and Dr. Sara's recommendation. Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Yes, the SP supplement is definitely OK!

 

[ChristineL]

@Dr. Jeff Help! Koby did not have diarrhea while he was on Answers but his stool was soft and lots (as I mentioned in previous posts). I had since then switched him (slowly) to 1/2 Bones & Co. and 1/2 Souly Raw's duck blends (www.soulyraw.com). I started giving him Adored Beast's Healthy Gut two days ago and today added a bit of PhytoSmart....it's 1018pm, he had diarrhea in multiple places...brown watery then liquid. Coughing while and after defecating (I asked about concomitant in another post). What should I do now? I'm puzzled because I transitioned him from Answers to Bones & Co. and Souly Raw slowly and it seems Healthy Gut is not working well. Should I do Nutrigest? I can't find it any where in local stores I think I'm going to switch (slowly) him back to Answers.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine-

Please hold off on any supplements except pure probiotics or Floraphage (a prebiotic) in his food until it’s been well-formed for 36 hours.

Liquid diarrhea means his intestines need a rest and then to start back on a wet, bland diet like mushy (baby rice porridge consistency) organic oatmeal and boiled white meat chicken.

 

[ChristineL]

Hi Christine-

Please hold off on any supplements except pure probiotics or Floraphage (a prebiotic) in his food until it’s been well-formed for 36 hours.

Liquid diarrhea means his intestines need a rest and then to start back on a wet, bland diet like mushy (baby rice porridge consistency) organic oatmeal and boiled white meat chicken.

Thanks, Dr. Jeff.

His stool was firm and solid today ? I added some psyllium husk and flaxseed meal to his dinner last night.

What do you mean by "pure probiotics"? Like Answer's fermented goat milk? When I purchased Adored Beasts' "Healthy Gut", the store owner said when it comes to probiotics, you may give "too much of a good thing" so he suggested that I DON'T give Answers' goat milk when Koby's on "Healthy Gut" to prevent DIARRHEA...what's your take on it?

I will make some chicken congee in slow cooker for him.