I’ve switched my dog from a raw meat diet to Nutrivet dry food. I thought he’d have diarrhoea for at least a fortnight, but he didn't. I was advised to transition by mixing the meat with a bit of kibble, but his toilet habits went completely haywire and he seemed a bit lethargic, so I stopped. After doing some research, I found out that digestion times are different and you shouldn't actually do a transition when moving from raw to dry food. So now I just give him dry food—roughly 0.4 lbs in the morning and 0.4 lbs in the evening—except he’s not interested at all (he sniffs it, eats a tiny bit, and walks away). I have to leave him alone with it for him to eat; that works, but he takes his time and doesn't eat it straight away. Anyway, that’s not the main issue, as I suppose it’s normal since he’s used to meat and is now switching to something dry. My problem is that my dog’s stool consistency is very good (in my opinion), but the colour is telling me something is wrong, and I don't know what it means. Could you help me? It’s completely black. Oh, and I almost forgot—it smells absolutely foul, you can smell it from a mile off, it’s unbelievable. Thanks in advance!
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Thanks so much, everyone! To answer the question above, I'm switching him to dry food because my husband was giving him a completely unbalanced diet—basically just cooked meat and nothing else. I could really see the effect on my dog; for example, his coat had become quite coarse. Since I haven't got any olive oil, I've mixed it with an egg and he is eating. Honestly though, I think there might be another issue with his appetite because as soon as I put his bowl down, he approaches it so slowly and eats in slow motion. All his movements are sluggish—even when he sticks his tongue out to grab the kibble (because he doesn't even pick them up with his mouth like he did when he was a puppy), it's like he's in slow-mo lol. I get the impression he's only eating because I'm asking him to. Before my husband had the bright idea of giving him nothing but meat, he was such a greedy eater with his grain-based dry food; it actually worried me because he was so tiny (2-3 months old), so I felt I had to make him take a break by taking the bowl away. I just don't understand how there can be such a radical change. I’d have liked to try him with some meat to see if he’s actually hungry and check it’s not anything more serious, but I'm scared it'll just put him off his dry food even more.
Hi,
He's switched from raw to dry food... It might be a minor stomach ulcer with blood in his poo... (it’s the adjustment period). That black colour can also be a sign of digested blood... If it persists, maybe a check-up at the vet?
Switching to dry food is sometimes tough for a dog; after real meat, dry food just doesn't have as much flavour... It's less appetising. If you don't mind me asking, why are you switching back to dry food? Feel free to PM me if you prefer...
A grain-free intolerance would usually show up as foul-smelling wind, reflux... vomiting. In this case, it’s just a change in colour. So it might just stay like that; it’s nothing to worry about as long as there aren’t any other symptoms. Well, that’s just my opinion.
You can get salmon oil at Pets at Home, most big pet shops, or online from Zooplus.
If you use olive oil, stick to cold-pressed as it has more nutrients, but dogs aren't always keen on the taste... There’s also sheep fat, but my top pick is definitely coconut oil. You’re best off going to a health food shop or an organic retailer to find some that’s good quality.
Yeah, I’ve been told that some dogs don’t tolerate grain-free food or that they just need an adjustment period, so I reckon that’s what it is. I’m not too worried because the colour has been exactly the same since his very first meal of Nutrivet dry food, so I don’t think it’s anything serious. I’d still like to know if it’ll settle down once his gut flora has adapted, or if I should switch back to a food with some grain in it. Before the meat, my dog was on a kibble with grains and his poo was a good colour, but this time it’s been very soft, though sometimes it’s okay. I’m going to try adding some oil—at the moment I’ve only got olive oil, or should I go and buy some salmon oil?
Well, my big girl’s poo was that colour when I switched her over to grain-free. It took a bit of an adjustment period and I have to say, it did smell quite a bit! But personally, I wouldn't worry unless you see any blood or if they’re really struggling to go.
To tempt them to eat, a bit of high-quality salmon oil works wonders – it coats the kibble nicely and it’s great for their coat.
Maybe wait for a few more opinions, but if you’re really not settled, definitely have a word with your vet.
