Question about new raw diet
- Thread starter Eckhart
- Start date
- Status
Caney Creek
Boxer Insane
No... I don't think that's normal. At least, my girls didn't have that problem when they started. What are you feeding, and how much? How have the last few meals gone? Has he swallowed any large bone fragments? That would be my first concern....
BetsyB
Boxer Insane
Actually, it's absolutely normal. Feeding a raw diet, which is entirely meat/bone/organ and completely digestible by the dog, produces much less "output". When a dog is kibble-fed, most ingredients in kibble are not digestible, like the grains, fruits/veggies, carbs, so these are completely excreted in the poo. With the introduction of bone, a fabulous stool firmer, it's completely normal for a newly raw fed dog to not poo for a couple of days. You could try feeding a bit less bone if you're concerned.
If there were an intestinal blockage, other symptoms would be in play. The dog would be acting ill, and be in pain. It wouldn't eat or drink, and may run a fever. It would probably also vomit, first foamy clear froth followed by bloody foam and perhaps even brown fluid. If the only "symptom" is no poo for 2 days, I wouldn't be quick to assume the worst
If the no poo thing continues for longer then 4 days or so, it would be worth further investigation.
If there were an intestinal blockage, other symptoms would be in play. The dog would be acting ill, and be in pain. It wouldn't eat or drink, and may run a fever. It would probably also vomit, first foamy clear froth followed by bloody foam and perhaps even brown fluid. If the only "symptom" is no poo for 2 days, I wouldn't be quick to assume the worst
If the no poo thing continues for longer then 4 days or so, it would be worth further investigation.
ehayes21
Boxer Insane
Actually, it's absolutely normal. Feeding a raw diet, which is entirely meat/bone/organ and completely digestible by the dog, produces much less "output". When a dog is kibble-fed, most ingredients in kibble are not digestible, like the grains, fruits/veggies, carbs, so these are completely excreted in the poo. With the introduction of bone, a fabulous stool firmer, it's completely normal for a newly raw fed dog to not poo for a couple of days. You could try feeding a bit less bone if you're concerned.
If there were an intestinal blockage, other symptoms would be in play. The dog would be acting ill, and be in pain. It wouldn't eat or drink, and may run a fever. It would probably also vomit, first foamy clear froth followed by bloody foam and perhaps even brown fluid. If the only "symptom" is no poo for 2 days, I wouldn't be quick to assume the worst
I agree with this.
kathysboxer
Boxer Insane
When Tyson started raw (about a month ago) he didn't poo for about a day to day and a half. Then it was fine. He did have small bone pieces in it, but not really now. He has started to digest bone better. I know the rule of thumb is runny poo, more bone. Hard poo, more meat. I think he may be digesting more healthy stuff on the raw, so there won't be as much poo. I know Tyson only poos about 2-3 times a day, and it's not large amounts.
Cash doing better
Thanks for the advice, he has done a little better. I did find out the dog food he has eaten for the last three years has corn as its main ingredient. Which may be why he stays broke out and itchy. I was wondering would it be better to buy the meat at meat market and have butcher grind it up so as not to worry about bones? We have a friend that is a vet and told us no bones raw or cooked mainly because he has had to open up hundreds of dogs over his 50 year career to remove them.
Thanks for the advice, he has done a little better. I did find out the dog food he has eaten for the last three years has corn as its main ingredient. Which may be why he stays broke out and itchy. I was wondering would it be better to buy the meat at meat market and have butcher grind it up so as not to worry about bones? We have a friend that is a vet and told us no bones raw or cooked mainly because he has had to open up hundreds of dogs over his 50 year career to remove them.
ehayes21
Boxer Insane
I know MANY raw feeders that have been feeding this way for 20+ years that have NEVER had to have any raw bones removed from their dog.
So to answer your question - no, leave them whole. The dog misses out on some good dental cleaning and jaw workouts when the meat and bone is ground.
So to answer your question - no, leave them whole. The dog misses out on some good dental cleaning and jaw workouts when the meat and bone is ground.
kathysboxer
Boxer Insane
I feed Tyson bone and all. But if it is a hard bone, beef or ham, I let him knaw on it a while then take it from him. Never had a problem yet with turkey, chicken, pork, fish. I read on here somewhere that the harder bones can break and chip their teeth. But I know Tyson's teeth are white as white can be and very healthy.
I wonder how many of those bones were cooked. :(
kathysboxer
Boxer Insane
How true Jan. People can be so ignorant. I was at the local pet store (just a small store) and the clerk and I got to talking. I told her I fed raw, which she knew somewhat about, then proceded to ask me what supplements I give him. I said none. She just about fell over. She tried to inform me that he needed supplements for all the grain he was missing. Well, I gave her quite a lecture, thanks to BW, about how a dog isn't able to digest grain, therefore that is just wasted money. By the time I was done, she didn't know what to say. For every excuse she gave, I told her facts. Well thanks BW you are the greatest. And I actually knew what I was talking about for once. 
- Status