Vomiting after starting BARF diet...allergies, feeding too much?? Help!!

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jamalyn

Boxer Pal
My 50lb. boxer, Rosco, has always been very thin. I decided to switch him to a raw diet, hoping he will gain some weight. Since Saturday, I have been feeding 2 lbs. of prepacked, ground chicken necks. It was suggested that I wait until a few weeks to add some variety into his diet, since he's been on kibble for 3 years now. At first, I split it into 2 meals, each 1 lb. each...This worked great, and he loved it! On Tuesday, he vomitted after eating both meals. He then wants to 're-eat' it. I split it into 4 servings, each 1/2 lb. yesterday, and he didn't have any problems. This morning, however, I gave him only 1/2 lb., and he got sick within an hour. Is this an allergy, detox or am I feeding too much? I hate to cut back b/c he seems to love it, and begs for more! He has also had 'accidents' during his sleep since starting this diet. Is this a normal part of detox, as he is adjusting to the extra water in the raw diet? Any help would be appreciated! This is very frustrating b/c I'm so excited about him eatting it well! Thanks!
 

boxer

Boxer Insane
OK - the vomitting after eating is nothing to be concerned about. Because he is trying to re-eat it, you know he isn't actually feeling ill. What the problem is is simply that he isn't chewing his food enough ;) Regurgitation is the canine's natural way of dealing with food bits that are too big to digest. Might seem gross, but it's natural and it's normal. Sooo - what you can do there is either hang onto the other end of his food while he eats, to encourage him to chew a bit better, or else try feeding smaller things like necks or wings (actually better that he learns to chew though ;) it's good for his dental health).

The peeing during sleep is rather more unusual though. Are you sure he isn't suffering from a UTI or any other medical condition?
 

Jan

Reasonable Moderator
Staff member
I believe that the food was ground!

It's possible that the food was too cold. If they throw up and want to eat it again. let her. It's also possible that she ate it too fast.

Don't give up. Your dog will be healthier for eating raw. :)
 

jamalyn

Boxer Pal
Thanks for the advice! When I fed his lunch, I just put small spoonfuls into his bowl to make sure he didn't eat too large of bites....It was also fully thawed to almost room temp. He seems to have kept it down so far! He also goes to the vet on Saturday for his annual shots and general checkup, so I'll be sure to explain the peeing in sleep and ask about a possible UTI. Thanks again!
 

Anna Begins

Completely Boxer Crazy
You can also try feeding bigger pieces so he is forced to rip and tear. Like Chicken quarters, bone in chicken breast or a thigh/ leg combo. Or serve the meat frozen, which will force him to take his time.
 
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