Dehydrated Duck Hearts

[diane silver]

Since Emma has not been so interested in her regular kibble lately (Innova Evo), I've been trying to make her food more interesting. This morning I gave her some kibble mixed with some Evo 99% canned (chicken flavor) and also crumbled a dehydrated duck heart (I know, yuck, but it she tried one at the pet store and loved it) and then about an hour ago, had a very(!) loose stool - not diahhrea exactly, but loose enough that when we got back from the park I had to bathe her because it was all over her ): I was just thinking that maybe it was too rich for her? Any thoughts? Should I be using a digestive enzyme? I've tried giving her canned pumpkin before and she wouldn't touch it . . . .

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Diane, I have noticed that any change in diet seems to cause loose stools for a period of time until the dog adjusts to it. Some have more trouble than others. I know Jackdoodle does better with some rice in the mix, which his kibble contains, and when I give him home-cooked or canned food, I always make sure there is some brown rice involved, too. Some carbohydrate (filler, if you will) does help with firming up the stools. I know the Evo has no grain at all, I'm not sure about the canned, but the combination of a lot of protein plus a higher moisture content (canned food) may be contributing to the loose stools. Higher fat contents also contribute to looser stools, and organ meats usually are higher in fat, although with the heart being dehydrated, I don't know if that affects the fat content.You could try adding a little plain cooked rice until Emma's system gets used to the change. I changed Jack's diet two months ago, and his system is just recently back to 'normal' as far as firm stools are concerned. Some of them are just more sensitive to change, I think.

[Maya and Ksenia]

Hi,

I'm in a similar situation as well. I've just started giving my puppy orijen mixed with Innova canned puppy food (she won't eat the orijen by itself) and she's been having very loose stools so I'm wondering what to do.

[diane silver]

It also occurred to me that you shouldn't mix a "raw" meal with a kibble meal - could the duck heart be considered raw, and maybe that's why she responded this way? I appreciate your suggestions, though, and will definitely add some rice to her food tonight.