Holistic Gut Healing for Dogs: Why It’s Time to Ditch the Pumpkin and Chicken & Rice
Digestive upset — it’s something every dog parent deals with at some point. The typical go-to advice? Pumpkin. Chicken and rice. Maybe even an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal.
But if you're a holistic, evolution-based feeder like me, you know there's a better way. A way that doesn’t just suppress symptoms, but helps heal the root cause of your dog’s digestive imbalance.
Let’s dig into what really causes GI distress in raw-fed dogs — and what you can do to help your pup heal naturally, without the carb-heavy crutches.
🐕 Common Causes of Digestive Upset in Raw-Fed Dogs
Even dogs on a raw, species-appropriate diet can experience GI issues. Some of the most common triggers include:
Sudden changes in diet without a proper transition
Bacterial or parasitic imbalances
Emotional stress (yes, dogs feel it too)
Detox reactions during a dietary upgrade
Gut microbiome disruption or low stomach acid
Instead of masking these symptoms, our goal should be to support and strengthen the entire digestive system.
🌿 A Holistic, Non-Toxic Protocol for Gut Healing
Here’s how I guide my clients through acute digestive upset — gently and naturally.
⏳ 1. Smart Fasting
Giving the digestive tract a break allows your dog’s body to focus on healing.
Adult, healthy dogs can fast for 12–24 hours.
Puppies and seniors should not fast.
Provide fresh filtered water or plain bone broth (no onions or garlic).
💊 2. Homeopathy + Cell Salts
Targeted remedies can help bring balance:
Arsenicum album 200: For food poisoning, diarrhea, or vomiting with restlessness.
Nux vomica 30 or 200: Great for GI upset caused by toxins or overindulgence.
Bioplasma: A blend of 12 cell salts that supports mineral balance and hydration.
Calc phos + Nat phos: These specific cell salts aid digestion and acid-alkaline balance.
🌱 3. Gut-Healing Herbs
Slippery Elm Bark: Coats and soothes the intestinal lining.
Marshmallow Root: Moistens and calms irritated digestive tissues.
Mix a small amount with broth or water to form a gut-protective mucilage.
🌾 4. Organic Psyllium Husk
Adds gentle bulk to stools and helps move toxins out.
Begin with a tiny pinch — too much can cause gas or bloating.
🦠 5. Support the Terrain: Microbiome & Digestion
Rotate probiotics: Use a variety of strains, including soil-based and lactic acid.
Include fermented foods: Think raw goat kefir or small amounts of fermented veggies.
Add digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption.
Support stomach acid: Consider raw apple cider vinegar in water or betaine HCl (with guidance).
❌ Why We Don’t Recommend Pumpkin or Chicken & Rice
While often recommended, these "remedies" don’t support healing — they just quiet the symptoms.
Pumpkin: High in sugar, which feeds harmful bacteria and yeast.
Chicken & white rice: Inflammatory and nutrient-poor. White rice acts like sugar in the body and contributes to chronic inflammation.
These aren’t healing foods. They’re temporary fixes that can prolong or worsen gut imbalances.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Don’t Mute the Message
Diarrhea isn’t the problem — it’s the messenger. It’s how your dog’s body says, “Hey, something’s off!”
Our job as holistic pack parents isn’t to silence that voice — it’s to listen, support, and restore balance. When we do that, we honor the body's innate intelligence and its remarkable ability to heal.
If your dog is dealing with ongoing digestive issues or you’re transitioning to a raw diet and want personalized support, I’m here to help.
Stay wild, stay wise — and feed them like the wolves they are. 🐺💚