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Why does my raw-fed puppy have bloody diarrhea but seems fine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 79 lbs

Started raw food diet one week ago today pup has diarrhea and raspberry blood in stool other than the diarrhea she seems happy and energetic

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 7th, 2017

It is possible it is the raw food diet diet causing Charley's bloody diarrhea. That's because raw meat carries bacteria that can make your dog sick. It could also be due to intestinal parasites, so make sure she is up to date on her deworming treatments. Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours then feed her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in a commercial dry dog food for her. I would recommend feeding the commercial day dog food diet to her because there is no risk of poisoning from bacteria, either to her or you. If Charley isn't fully vaccinated, there is a chance she could have parvovirus, but given that she is happy and energetic, it's more likely related to her diet. If she does become very lethargic or the bland diet doesn't help the diarrhea, I would take her into the vet.

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 15th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Charlie! Blood in the stool indicates inflammation in the colon and we usually like to start dogs on antibiotics when they have blood in the stool. If Charlie is acting normal, not vomiting and is eating I think he can wait for your Vet to open tomorrow. If he is vomiting and not acting normal you should take him in an emergency hospital. The causes for diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, new treat, food or table scraps, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, food allergy or intolerance. Most of the time we do not ever know the underlying cause. If the diarrhea is bad then fast him for 12-24 hours, do not limit water. Then resume feeding as a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 days of normal stools. I hope this helps and I wish Charlie a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From your description and photos, it appears as though charley ate some foreign material which likely led to the vomiting and diarrhea. If charley begins to have episodes of vomiting, diarrhea or inappetance the I would be concerned that whatever she ate is now causing an i intestinal obstruction. Seeing that she is a bigger dog, it is likely that she will pass the remaining material into her feces. If you notice any of the symptoms I mentioned above, I would recommend taking her to the vet and have abdominal x-rays taken to see if there is any evidence of an intestinal obstruction. Otherwise, if she is fine and has her normal enwrgy, I would continue to monitor her. I would start a bland diet of chicken and rice as a bland diet and see if the stool returns to a normal firm consistency. I hooe this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2019

    Hello. An extra cup is not the cause of Charlie's diarrhea. Could he have gotten into something else or eaten something outdoors? Hold him off food for 12 hours & then start him back on a bland diet of 75% white rice ( not Minute Rice ) & 25% cooked chicken. You can also try an antidiarrheal such as Proviable KP ( available at larger pet retailers ). If the diarrhea does not subside in24-36 hrs. or Charlie starts vomiting, act lethargic or refuses all food & water, please have him evaluated by your veterinarian quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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