Stool and Drool Solutions

 

Dear Ask Darwin’s,

I have a large breed mix that drools and has huge smelly stool. We have tried lots of things and nothing changes. I have been doing lots of research and it looks like feeding Big Boy Barney raw meats will solve both problems.   Is that true? Dennis – San Jose, CA

Dear Dennis,

Yes and no.

I will start with the drool –

By choosing to love large flappy jowl breeds such as a mastiff, a St. Bernard and or a bully mix you have elected to carry around a drool towel.  While I would love to tell you that switching to a raw diet will solve that moist madness; it probably won’t.

As for the stool –

This where a balanced raw diet will come to the rescue. Barring any intestinal problems, (always check with your vet) a raw fresh diet may significantly lesson, not only the volume, but the odor and frequency of Big Boy Barney’s stool.

Not to be indelicate, however you know how unpleasant it can be after we indulge in a 5 stars spicy dinner – Just like us Barney will also benefit from “Healthy in… healthy out.”

Many dogs have trouble digesting the preservatives used in the majority of commercial dog (and cat) canned and dry food.  What doesn’t get absorbed into Barney’s system has to come out.  Unfortunately, that often translates to large smelly stool.  Conversely, almost 100% of a strong, moist, well-balanced raw diet gets absorbed into the system — what comes out is primarily dog waste not food waste.  This in turn results in less gas, better breath, clear eyes, itch-less (is that a word?) ears, rash-free skin and gleaming coats.

It’s important to remember that all meat has pathogens making it unwise to go to your local grocer for your raw proteins. This “conventional” food is produced with the assumption that it will be cooked for human consumption. While dogs have much heartier systems you’ll still want to buy products that are:

• Hormone-free and antibiotic free
• Covered by the AFFACO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards
• Stamped with a manufactured date (expiration dates mean little when referring to raw and fresh)
• Fresh (not grey or crusted with ice crystals)
• Made and sold by a reputable company.

Two great resources: wholedogjournal.com or www.DogFoodAdvisor.com

Hope this has helped – Jeanne