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My dog has diarrhea after switching to a raw diet. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | spayed | 60 lbs

Hello, my 3yo Husky mix, Meeka, has been suffering from diarrhea the last 3 days. She’s been fully transitioned into a raw meat diet for about 1 week, but before finishing her kibble, we went days in a row feeding only raw and she’d be fine. And her stool has changed twice in the last 2 days.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Elizabeth

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2019

Poor Meeka! The diarrhea could be due to many conditions including eating something she shouldn’t have, bacterial over growth, parasites, the raw diet or even organ disease. Since the diarrhea has continued beyond 24 hours, I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. With continued diarrhea, there are often bacterial shifts in the gut that will make matters worse regardless of the initial cause. Make sure to bring in a sample of fresh stool. The doctor will check her for parasites and bacterial over growth. Many times a bland diet can help and then a slow, gradual introduction to the normal food can be done. A bland diet can consist of 25% boiled white meat chicken and 75% boiled white rice. This should all be plain.

Raw diets can contain bacteria that could be responsible for the diarrhea:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/raw-and-homemade-diets-what-you-need-to-know/

Additionally, you need to ensure the diet is balanced and complete or you could run into problems long term. The diet should be AAFCO certified. Make sure to alert the veterinarian about the diet change. Any immunocompromised people in the clinic need to be cautious (just in case).

I hope Meeka starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    I suspect it's the raw diet causing Meeka problems. There is a very high risk of getting E coli and/or salmonella from raw diets, both of which cause diarrhea and is one reason I never recommend them. You need to have her seen by a vet for this.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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