What to Feed a Raw‑Fed Dog With Diarrhea: Proven Remedies and Practical Guidance

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After transitioning my Boxer mixes, Missy and Buzz, from kibble to a raw diet, I began to wonder: what should I feed a raw‑fed dog that’s experiencing diarrhea?

Initially, I considered the classic home‑cooked remedy of boiled chicken and rice, supplemented with Purina’s FortiFlora probiotic, a staple prescription from many veterinarians for acute canine diarrhea.

As a dedicated raw feeder, I’m naturally skeptical of boiled chicken and rice, and I’m even less enthusiastic about FortiFlora. I’ve found more effective, natural alternatives.

Quick Recommendation: Instead of FortiFlora, we’ve consistently seen great results with Native Pet Probiotic for Dogs.

However, before my pups even began eating raw, I discovered a superior solution that would later become my go‑to fix for acute diarrhea.

When Buzz developed a severe bout of diarrhea, I tried the standard chicken‑and‑rice combo and FortiFlora—both suggested by our traditional vet—yet neither offered relief. After nearly a week of persistent diarrhea, I searched online for other remedies and stumbled upon a product that dramatically improved Buzz’s condition within just 12 hours.

In this article, I’ll explain what that “magic potion” is, why it’s become my preferred choice for raw‑fed dogs with diarrhea, and highlight additional effective options.

Disclaimer: If your dog is experiencing diarrhea or other health concerns, please consult a veterinarian. This post is for informational purposes only.

What Can Cause Acute Diarrhea in Raw‑Fed Dogs?

Understanding the triggers of sudden diarrhea is essential for any raw‑fed dog owner. Common culprits include:

• Ingesting garbage or scavenging for food, which may expose them to pathogens.
• Eating feces from sick animals such as other dogs, cats, cows, or horses.

Feeding Too Many Secreting Organs at Once

Overloading your dog with organ meats—especially in a single meal—can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to diarrhea. The key is balance: for adult dogs, aim for a 70‑80 % muscle‑to‑bone ratio with the following breakdown:

• 70‑80 % muscle meat (70 % in BARF feeding, 80 % in PMR feeding)
• 10 % secreting organs (5 % liver, 5 % other organs such as kidney or spleen)
• 10 % raw meaty bone
• 10 % plant matter (veggies, fruit, seeds & nuts) – included only in BARF, omitted in PMR

While you can achieve nutritional balance over a 7‑10‑day period, never serve a large meal of organ meats in one sitting. Excessive vitamin and mineral loads—especially from liver—can cause both diarrhea and vitamin A toxicity. Stick to the 70‑80/10/10 ratio for consistent health.

Introducing a New Protein Source Too Quickly

Just as it’s advisable to transition a kibble‑fed dog gradually, raw‑fed dogs also benefit from a slow introduction of new protein sources. Sudden changes can trigger gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Aim for a gradual transition over one week.

Feeding Too Much Gizzards, Heart, and Lung

Although these organs are muscular and non‑secreting, they remain organ meats and can be overly rich if overfed. Limit organ meat to 15‑20 % of the muscle allowance each day.

Feeding Too Much Fat

Fatty cuts—such as poultry skin (especially chicken necks with skin), trim meat, duck, lamb, and pork—are prone to causing diarrhea when fed in excess. Farm‑raised animals tend to have higher fat content than pasture‑raised ones due to grain‑based diets. If you can’t source pasture‑raised meat, supplement with fatty fish like mackerel, sardines, trout, or herring: 1 oz of fish per pound of meat.

Natural Remedies for Raw‑Fed Dogs with Diarrhea

Pumpkin Purée

Our “magic potion” for rapid improvement is plain pumpkin purée. Rich in soluble fiber, it absorbs excess water in the gut, firming stools within days. Two spoonfuls per day can noticeably stabilize diarrhea.

Use 100 % pure canned pumpkin purée—brands such as Libby’s or Native Pet Organic Pumpkin for Dogs—or prepare your own from fresh pumpkins. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that worsen diarrhea.

When available, keep a batch of homemade pumpkin purée frozen for acute cases. For a 10‑lb dog, offer one teaspoon three times daily.

Slippery Elm Bark Powder

Slippery elm bark—native to North America—is highly regarded among PMR feeders for its soothing properties. When processed into a syrup, it coats the stomach lining, reduces inflammation, and helps bind loose stools. It also aids in passing swallowed foreign objects and can be applied topically to hot spots.

To prepare the syrup: combine one spoonful of powdered bark with cold water, bring to a gentle boil while stirring, and allow to thicken. Cool before use. Most holistic veterinarians recommend feeding it either before or after meals to avoid interfering with nutrient absorption.

For a 15‑lb dog, 1 teaspoon twice daily is typical. If your dog is averse to taste, syringe‑feed the syrup for a single dose when needed.

Runs Be Done by Dr. Harvey’s

This multi‑ingredient supplement marries pumpkin with slippery elm, calcium bentonite clay, apple pectin, ginger, plantain, marshmallow root, fennel, banana, and chamomile. Packaged as a powder, it blends seamlessly into raw meals. Dosage instructions vary by brand; a common recommendation is ½ scoop per 10 lb of body weight.

Restorative Fasting

In some cases, a brief 24‑hour fast can reset the digestive tract, mirroring how humans often feel better after a stomach bug. Dogs naturally reduce intake when ill, so if your dog refuses food, avoid forcing it. Always provide fresh water. Fasting is unsuitable for puppies, pregnant or diabetic dogs, and seniors with frail immune systems.

Bottom Line

When faced with diarrhea in a raw‑fed dog, consider the following evidence‑based options:

• Canned or homemade pumpkin purée
• Slippery elm bark powder syrup
• Dr. Harvey’s Runs Be Done supplement
• Short‑term fasting (24 hours)

Most mild cases resolve spontaneously, but seek veterinary care if your dog shows:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Chronic or persistent diarrhea
• Severe diarrhea lasting over 48 hours, especially in puppies or seniors

We hope your pup feels better soon!

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• My Dog Won’t Eat Dog Food But Will Eat Human Food, What Should I Do?

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Barbara Rivers

Barbara is a trilingual, 40‑something dog lover, e‑book author, founder, copywriter, dog‑nutrition blogger, and editor at K9sOverCoffee.