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I fast my dogs because I don't think it's healthy for their gut to be processing food constantly. I believe that their system needs a break and time to reset, and a regular fast by feeding once a day or not feeding once a week is a great way to strengthen their gut and immune system.
I fast my dogs once or twice weekly, one day is a true fast (no food for 20-24 hours) and the second fast is a milk-fast when I feed them raw goat's milk (with kefir or egg) in the morning and evening (sometimes the evening meal is bone broth). Sometimes, I'll feed them a heavier meal the night before the fast, but not always.
- 5 Benefits of Fasting Raw Fed Dogs
- Adding Milk to My Dogs' Raw Meals
- Which is Best for Dogs – Kefir or Raw Goat’s Milk?
Fasting Day Meals for Raw Fed Dogs
When I started, I would fast the dogs (a milk fast) on the weekend. Although a weekday is easier, if Johan is home for the day, he'll feed the dogs because he's worried that the dogs are starving. Picture me rolling my eyes. Our dogs are not hungry.
TRUE FAST DAYS
On the true fast days, days with no food, the dogs don't get anything. No food, no treats, and the dogs are fine.
I didn't initially do a full fast because I was concerned about hunger pukes.
MORNING MEAL
- 10 oz – raw goat's milk and or kefir (sometimes I mix the two)
- 1 pasture-raised raw egg
- a pinch of chia seeds (great for fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals, and antioxidants)
- a pinch of spirulina/chlorella (supports skin health, cell health, and a source of antioxidants)
EVENING MEAL
- 10 oz – raw goat's milk and or kefir
And that's it. I came up with the amounts independently; this isn't from a book or someone on Facebook. This is just what works for my dogs after some trial and error. And after breakfast (and on true fasting days) the dogs sleep, play, walk, and do everything like a typical day. At first, they used to look at me like, “Is that it?” but now they just go about their day.
During the times of the year when the dogs are more active (playing, walking, etc.) I may add another meal of raw goat's milk (not as much milk as breakfast) or a raw meaty bone midday. Year-round, they get a light dinner of raw goat's milk or bone broth (if I have it).
Sourcing for Raw Goat's Milk
I get my raw goat's milk from a local creamery. I get the kefir from Answers Pet Food (although I plan to start making my own). The eggs come from friends who are raising chickens or a local store that sells eggs from a local farm. The raw meaty bones come from a local raw food co-op, or I give my dogs air-dried chews from Real Dog Box (a subscription service).
Benefits of Raw Goat's Milk and Kefir for Dogs
Raw goat's milk is milk that hasn't been pasteurized; it comes straight from the goat. You may have read that dogs can't have milk because they're lactose intolerant, well, raw goat's milk has less lactose than cow's milk and, because it hasn't been pasteurized, it has all of the healthy bacteria that support gut health.
Raw goat's milk…
- supports gut health
- improves nutrient absorption
- is a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids
- supports immune system health
- reduces allergy symptoms
My favorite thing about raw goat's milk (and kefir) is that if one of my dogs is being picky or is recovering from an illness, they'll enjoy the milk, and I know that the milk is helping them.
What if a Dog is Lactose Intolerant?
Although raw goat's milk is better tolerated by dogs, some dogs don't produce enough of the digestive enzyme to tolerate milk products. If, after feeding raw goat's milk, your dog has loose stool, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, or any other sign of illness, STOP feeding raw goat's milk.
What if a Dog is Prone to Pancreatitis?
If you have a dog prone to pancreatitis, a veterinarian may warn you to avoid feeding raw goat's milk because it's higher in fat. However, some veterinarians say it's okay, and the fat they're most concerned with is cooked fat.
So, while a straight fast may be acceptable, you must do your homework regarding a raw goat's milk fast. There are low-fat and fat-free goat's milk options for pets, but I do not recommend them because they have been processed and don't bring the same benefits to the bowl as raw goat's milk.
Sources for Raw Goat's Milk and Kefir
I purchase my raw goat's milk from a local creamery through a raw food co-op. With the growing awareness of raw feeding, you can find a variety of raw goat's milk at your local independent pet store.
Getting Started on Fasting
You don't have to do what I do; there are many ways to fast your dog. This is just what has been working for my dogs. If you're interested in fasting, do your homework and ask others about their experiences.
Two warnings before you start fasting…
- I do not fast puppies; they are growing rapidly, and I'd be concerned about them not getting enough nutrients. I have mixed-breed dogs and wait until they stop growing (around a year of age) before incorporating a modified fast, at first, into their diet.
- I would not fast a dog that is prone to seizures. Fasting a dog can potentially trigger seizures, especially in dogs with certain health conditions, such as epilepsy or low blood sugar levels. Dogs require a consistent supply of glucose for energy, and prolonged fasting can lead to hypoglycemia, which may trigger seizures.
