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My dog has loose stool after switching food. Should I fast or switch back?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 7 months old | 16 lbs

my dog was on acana duck and pear formula for a long time I recently switched her to acana wild mackerel. When I switched her poops were loose, not soild not watery just loose. This morning she had the urgency to go poop it was loose and a lot of it! I think I need to switch her back to the duck formula, she has a very sensitive stomach and that seems to be the only thing that agrees with her system. Should I fast her for 12 or 24 hours? And do I do a gradual switch or just put her back on duck?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

You likely don't need to fast her but just gradually switch her back to her normal diet over the next 3 to 7 days or so. However if the diarrhea persists or becomes bloody she needs to get checked out by a veterinarian because she could have an infection.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 8th, 2017

    A sudden diet change can cause diarrhea. Also just being in a new environment could cause a little bit of loose stool as well. As long as Russell is eating, drinking and acting normally I would give it a few more days before changing his diet again.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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