Question for Raw feeders...

[Aspen and Misty]

I gave my dog's raw for the first time yesterday, a Chicken Quarter. They loved it but today poor Nova's tummy is upset (Diarrhea in the house and again outside). I know this is common, so I'm not to concerned (although I feel bad). However, should I feed her today? If I do, should I cut back on her portion and only feed her maybe half of what she got yesterday? I’m just not sure where to go from here. I don’t want to make her tummy even more upset.


Ashley

[.sarah]

Fast her for 24 hours to settle her tummy and then feed her the chicken again, but take the skin off first. If she isn't a gulper, I would reccomend breaking it in half and feeding her only one half of it, but if she is a gulper then she might choke on a small piece, so just do whichever you feel is best for her.

[lv4dogs]

If you can live with the diarrhea I'd do so, it's better for their system to naturally go through the detox period. But if it is that bad (in the house) I'd add just a touch of pure pumpkin (approx a half a spoonful for every 25lbs that the dog weighs), in the can (not pumpkin pie filling), that will help halt the diarrhea.
I would slowly start to add less & less pumpkin & see how she does then.

Edited to add that I agree with Sarah, remove the skin & fat. Fat usually helps cause diarrhea when first transitioning a dog to raw.

[Aspen and Misty]

Thanks guys! I will fast her for 24 hours. She isn't a gulper so I will probably break the chicken in half and take the skin off. I also think I will add some pumpkin and see if that helps her tummy accept the chicken any better.

Lv4dogs - It was my fault she went in the house. She has tendency to whin in the morning before I'm ready to get up. I'm trying to brake her of this habit so I ignore her or use the squirt bottle to calm her. Today she started whinning and wouldn't stop so I just ignored her. She was trying her best to get me to let her out (jumping on the bed, barking etc. etc.) I just wouldn't listen. She finally couldn't hold it any more and had a big accident on the floor, she felt terrible about it. We haven't had any problems since but she has taken sevral potty breaks.

Ashley

[Eastwood Danes]

I do not recommend feeding leg quarters to a dog who is just starting out on raw. Backs are a better choice until their system gets used to digesting bone. The bones in backs are smaller and easier to break down then leg bones. So feed backs less the skin and fat until the dog is doing well and digesting bone normally. Good luck and happy raw feeding!
Kim E
www.eastwooddanes.com

[Aspen and Misty]

Thanks Kim! I acctually was looking at your site today and read that. I will see if I can get my hands on some backs, thanks!

Ashley