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Some dogs will go through a detox when switched to a raw food diet and this can be discouraging for pet parents. Learn the symptoms and how long detox lasts.

Pets are potentially exposed to over 85,000 toxins every single day. A discerning raw feeding would like to believe their dogs are exposed to fewer toxins because raw feeding offers a natural detox of the system.

What Does it Mean to Detox Our Dogs?

Buying supplements to detox our dogs wastes money because the immune system does this all on its own. When a dog is exposed to toxins, diarrhea, vomiting, and even inflammation, the body attempts to remove the toxins from the system. This is why I don't immediately try to stop diarrhea and vomiting. I want to give my dog's system a chance to do its job before I step in 48 hours later.

But sometimes, a dog's system is already overwhelmed due to cancer, flea & tick meds, vaccinations, or prescription medication. It's during these times when a dog's system needs more help, and that help comes in the form of a fresh food diet and some supplementation.

Raw Food Detox Symptoms

When I initially transitioned my dogs to a raw food diet, I was warned that my dogs would go through a detox period that could be pretty scary and they didn't want me to freak out and race back to kibble because I thought the new diet was harming my dogs.  Some dogs go through a detox as the body sheds the accumulation of toxins in their system.  A few detox symptoms include the following:

  • An increase in goopy eye boogers and runny eyes
  • Goop coming out of ears
  • Loose stool and diarrhea
  • An increase in shedding
  • The coat may look terrible
  • Increased doggy odor
  • Mucus covered poop

So when I initially transitioned my dogs to raw, I was prepared for the worst.  But nothing happened.  I've transitioned multiple dogs to raw and none experienced a detox as described above.

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Detox?

If a dog goes through a detox period, it can last from a few days to weeks, or months.  If the period lasts more than a month, make an appointment with my veterinarian to confirm that everything is okay.

What About an Ongoing Detox for Dogs?

Some foods have compounds that can help the body detoxify more effectively.. 

Foods for Dogs that Detox the Liver

Foods for Dogs that Detox the Kidneys

  • Water (keep plenty of fresh, clean water on hand)
  • Parsley
  • Alfalfa
  • Cranberries

Foods for Dogs that Detox the Gut

Foods for Dogs that Detox the Skin

  • Blueberries
  • Purple Cabbage
  • Sunflower Seeds

Source:  MindBodyGreen.com

If you are feeding your dog a raw food diet and your dog seems to be going through signs of detox that are concerning, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.  If your veterinarian doesn't support raw feeding and you don't feel that they will help you, please consider a consultation with a holistic veterinarian.

Read More About Raw Feeding

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