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Why is my dog pooping blood after starting a new raw food diet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 11 months and 12 days old | 45 lbs

I asked a question earlier but I realize now that I should be more detailed, my dog started pooping with blood on the outside of his poop just yesterday. We have recently switched his food to a Raw food because he vomits at odd times so I thought it was grain in his food. He has had parvo in the past as well but beat it. He acts totally fine and plays and I read that new raw diets can cause some bleeding but I’m not sure if that was vet approved or if his blood fits the case. Last night v. Today

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2019

I am sorry to hear about Gus! I would recommend having his veterinarian examine him with the blood seen in his stool in these photos. Your vet can also discuss his history of vomiting and possible causes. "Grain free" diets are a fad right now, as are raw diets, but there are not proven health benefits to these diets and there are risks. With raw diets we run the risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria, which can cause bleeding in the GI tract. If he is eating bones (some raw diets include bones) this could also cause injury to the GI tract. We can also have inflammation of the intestinal tract due to food intolerance or parasites cause bleeding, so the safest course of action is to have him examined by the vet and they can discuss the best possible diets for Gus based on his examination and history.

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