Why Your Pet May Be Turning Down Their Raw Meals?
There are several common reasons your pet may lose interest in their raw food—and more often than not, it’s nothing to worry about:
1. They're Simply Not Hungry
The most common reason is overfeeding. If your pet is leaving food behind, try skipping their next meal and slightly reducing their portion going forward. Always feed based on your pet’s weight and activity level. [Refer to our feeding guide for more details.]
2. Natural Fasting
Sometimes dogs self-fast—it’s rare, but it happens. Many raw feeders even choose to fast their pets once a week to allow the digestive system to rest and reset, especially when rotating proteins.
3. Hormonal Changes
Female dogs often lose their appetite during heat. This is normal and temporary—her appetite will return once her cycle ends.
4. They May Be Unwell
Monitor your pet’s water intake, energy levels, and behavior. If you notice unusual symptoms or shifts in mood, contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. Overfeeding During Transition
When switching to a raw diet, it's important to adjust meal sizes based on weight, age, reproductive status, and energy needs. Overfeeding can lead to temporary meal refusal—if this happens, simply skip a meal and resume with smaller portions.
6. Boredom or Picky Eating
Some dogs are naturally picky or may get bored with their meals. Never free-feed. Instead, stick to a regular feeding schedule and remove food after a set time if uneaten. To boost appetite, try adding raw green beef tripe, known to aid digestion and enhance flavor appeal.
STRANGE POOPS?
Understanding Stool Changes on a Raw Diet: What’s Normal & What’s Not
Feeding a raw diet can change your pet’s stool in several ways. While many changes are completely normal during the transition period or as part of the natural digestion of raw foods, some signs should not be ignored. Here’s a guide to help you know what’s expected—and what warrants a vet visit.
⚪ White or Chalky Stools
White or crumbly stools often result from high bone content in the raw diet, especially if your dog is consuming edible bones regularly. While occasional white stools are usually harmless, consistently chalky or hard stools can lead to constipation or impaction. Always supervise bone feeding and consult your vet if you're unsure.
💩 Loose or Runny Stools
During the transition from kibble to raw, your dog’s digestive system may go through a detox or adjustment phase. This can result in soft or loose stools for a few days. However, ongoing diarrhea may indicate an imbalance (too much fat, not enough fiber, or poor ingredient sourcing). If loose stools persist longer than 5–7 days, consult a vet to rule out parasites or other underlying conditions.
💛 Yellow or Light Tan Stools
Yellow stools can occur when a dog has been eating too much chicken or poultry-based protein without rotation. If stools remain yellow despite protein changes, it could signal a liver, pancreas, or gallbladder issue—a reason to contact your vet, especially if paired with lethargy, vomiting, or appetite loss.
⚫ Black or Very Dark Stools
Dark stool may result from a diet high in organ meats (especially liver or spleen) or dark-fleshed fish like salmon. However, black tarry stools (melena) can also be a sign of internal bleeding, especially from the stomach or upper GI tract. If the stool has a sticky, tar-like consistency or an unusual odor, seek veterinary care promptly.
🔴 Bright Red Blood in Stool (Hematochezia)
Fresh red blood usually indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the rectum or colon. This may happen due to straining during bowel movements, minor irritation, or anal gland issues. While a single episode may not be alarming, repeated or heavy bleeding requires veterinary attention.
🩸 Dark Blood in Stool
Dark, digested blood (melena) can signal serious internal bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. This is a medical emergency. Contact your vet immediately if you see this, especially with signs like vomiting, fatigue, or pale gums.
When in Doubt, Check It Out
Stool can tell you a lot about your dog’s health. While raw-fed dogs often have smaller, firmer, and less smelly stools, any ongoing changes in color, consistency, or frequency—especially with other symptoms—should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN WITH ANY CONCERNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.